call with him muttering something else about not reaching my mom. He is going full circle today it seems. This is the part I hate. The experts tell me to remind him of her passing. That it’s not good for me to lie and say she’s out buying groceries. Maybe that’s true, maybe it’s exactly what he needs in the moment. I’m not big on lies, so I’ve never told him mom was out doing something, but the thought crosses my mind every single time he’s wound up like this.
The whole thing kills me more and more inside. I can’t stand to think of him mourning his wife over and over again. That can’t be healthy no matter what the doctors say. Rather than lie to my old man, I either end the conversation like now, or I change the subject.
Climbing off my bike, I approach the young woman. She’s tiny, but then again, most people are small compared to my massive build. Her face is free of makeup and she has no knockout features. As I get closer, her eyes widen before she swallows back the fear and stands straight up to face me.
She’s got spirit. I like it.
“You got a name?” I ask and she nods.
I’m good at not having conversations. In fact, I’m pretty sure if one of my brothers had to describe me, it would be as the one who is seen and not heard. This woman, well, she’s mastered my own technique very well.
“You wanna tell me what it is?”
“Depends on why you’re asking,” she looks to my cut, “Jinx.”
Oh smartass sass she is full of fire. Another positive in her favor. Even better with the way her sweatshirt is swallowing her entire body I am not even remotely turned on. Having a new woman enter the clubhouse is a challenge since we don’t need another piece of ass to pass around, we need someone who will work.
“Got a job you might be good at.”
“Is that so?” She looks down for a minute before lifting her head high once more. “If you’re gonna proposition me for sex, the answer is no. Let’s not waste my time or yours.”
“Nope, no sex necessary. In fact, I would even be willing to pay you more the longer you don’t have sex with one of the brothers.”
Her eyebrow raises in question. Only my phone begins to ring again. Lifting it from my holster, I see it’s Pops. I don’t have time to keep at this.
“Look, I got somewhere to be and you got a sign that says you’re willing to work. I need your name and seein’ as you got mine, I think it’s only fair.”
She laughs, “yes, because every mother names her son Jinx.”
I can’t stop the smirk from forming on my lips from her smartass mouth.
“You want a job, I need your name.”
“Apple,” she replies without a single hesitation and I full out laugh.
“You’re givin’ me shit for the name Jinx and your own momma named you Apple.”
She nods and keeps her eyes straight at my sunglasses. “Yes, I guess I am and that’s my name so is that a problem?”
“Nope, no problem at all. In fact, I dare to say you might be perfect.”
She studies me curiously as if it’s all too good to be true or that I’m somehow going to change the nature of our deal. “What’s the job? Because I’m like the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. One bite and it’s your demise so sex is off the table for your own well-being.”
Yes, this woman is going to be perfect.
My phone rings again and I don’t have time to question her more.
“You got a set of wheels?”
She shakes her head.
“Alright, I gotta take care of something. If you want the job, it’s cleaning an old fire station.”
“That’s it? Clean an old building? What’s the catch?”
She’s smart. I like it. “Well, Apple, if you think you’re up for the challenge to clean up after a bunch of bikers, then we got a clubhouse that could use some attention from someone who will stay sober enough to scrub the toilets rather than just upchuck in them.”
“And I get paid in cash?”
“Yes, if you want the job, I’ll be back in an hour to pick you up.”
She shakes her head. “You can call me a ride share so I know it’s safe.” Yes, this woman is street smart which will be good around the Kings.
“I’m on a bike, darlin’. Hard to kidnap a woman