Page 140 of The First Cut

“How can we be sure Driller's really gone? I won’t?—”

“He’s gone.” Hannibal says it with such finality that there's no missing his point. Silence blankets the room, making me shift uncomfortably.

“I’ll bring cake,” Ed calls from behind the counter. We turn to look at him, surprised. He’s always been vocal about his growing uneasiness surrounding the club.

“Wait, you sell cake?”

“No, I sell ice cream.”

“So where are you gonna get a cake from?”

“I’m gonna fucking bake it of course. Can’t show up to a biker shindig without cake.”

“You don’t have to bring cake,” Hannibal says but I elbow him.

“Actually, cake sounds good.”

Al sighs. “I’ll help with the cake.”

“Good. Everyone, I’m closing early to bake. What time do you need us there?”

“It starts at two, but come whenever you’re ready. I’ll let the prospect know to look out for you all.”

“Ooh, I’m excited. But what do I wear to a biker party?” Marjorie claps.

“A burka. I don’t want anyone getting any funny ideas. I’m too old to fight for your honor. I’ll just shoot them if they get too handy,” David warns.

“No guns, David!” I order. There's a good chance someone will hit on Marjorie, regardless of her age. She’s a stunning woman, and MC men have fewer hang-ups than most.

He sighs. “Fine. What about you, Jordan? you coming?”

“I want to look those motherfuckers that treated Lola like shit in the eye and let them know she’s not alone. We don’t gotta hide that shit anymore. They want to play at being family? Well, we were family first, so I’ll be watching.” Some others murmur their agreement.

“I just really like cake,” Sarah shouts out, making me smile.

All this time I thought I was alone. Turns out, I wasn’t looking hard enough.

I’ll admit, I worried a little about the reception the club would give them. But if anything, the guys seemed genuinely happy and—dare I say—relieved that they came. I guess it’s harder for a club to coexist within a small town if the town hates your guts. Maybe this is all there will ever be between them, but it’s enough. You don’t need a bridge between opposing sides. Sometimes a stepping stone is all it takes.

I finish stroking Bandit and stand up as he runs over to Smokey who is eying the food like a hawk.

“Have you seen Ed’s cake?” Marjorie hustles up to me, with David on her tail, eating a hotdog.

“No, he said it was a surprise.”

“Oh, it will be a surprise alright.”

“Should I be concerned?”

“I think if anyone appreciates it, it will be this lot.”

I blow out a relieved breath. “Okay, good.”

“Mother chapter is here!” someone calls out.

I don’t react. The thought of seeing Havoc and Nevaeh again doesn’t faze me at all. It might have taken me a while, but I think I realize now that while Jonas and Lola had an epic love story, Havoc was Nevaeh’s destiny, not mine. My place is beside the handsome psycho heading in my direction, even though he should be heading off to greet the guests.

“You ready?”