Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,21

everyone with answers is dead. I don’t need the reasons to live my life my way. They never played a part in my decisions while I was making them, so they have no part in my future. For you, the Director has kept you away from him. He may have reasons he hasn’t shared. I don’t know. Since you worked in the same building with him, I think it’s fucked up. You make decisions that will keep you living happy. He’s never played a part in the decisions you’ve made so far. You can talk to him or not. It’s your choice. You may have reasons I don’t know either. It’s not about me or the Clubs, Alpha-Bits, your work or friends, this is about what you want. Live your happy with me being happy for the choices you make. I love you no matter what you decide.”

I cry with my brain racing again. He loves me no matter what. My own father didn’t. Every holiday, I was alone. Everything I did, I was alone. My first time going out of the Quantico training center, I did that alone. Providence, the new apartment. All that happened alone. No one held my hand, no one was there until Garren, Kyra and Télia. Kyra said we’re all part of the human family and help each other. My real father mustn’t think much of me if he couldn’t be part of that family. He never once said happy birthday, Merry Christmas, how are you? My Providence family taught me so much. I still went to my empty house and lived alone every night. I want a real family. I want people like the Indians have.

~*~*~

Web

I have no idea what to do. She isn’t answering and hasn’t stopped crying. If it weren’t for the tears falling and her breath hitching, I wouldn’t know she was crying. It makes me feel like this is a deep hurt. I can’t imagine what living with her dad close, never acknowledging her, feels like. That’s fucked up.

The door swings open fast. Stella, Hannah, Debra, AJ, Télia, Seren, Lorelei, Solei, Leya and Faith are here. Stella looks pissed. I don’t say a word seeing Garren come in behind them.

“We’ll get her sorted,” Hannah says taking Alexia’s hand from my arm.

I’m relieved but not. “Alexia, can the women help you here? I have no fucking clue what to do or what you need. I guess they do.”

She nods and sits up. Leya hands her a box of tissues. Hannah moves her to the chair on the side of me. Télia bends in front of her. Stella pulls the collar of my shirt so I move with it right out the door. Shit, women are scary. Alexia shouldn’t be worried about the Brothers.

I go to my office and pull the feed for Alexia’s up. They’re sitting around the table talking. I relax and pull up Phoenix Ops. Cort is still in. I text him the women have Alexia. He texts for me to work the back. We have Clubs to replace and he’ll need info. I get to work with Alexia’s office still showing on my board.

When I look up, Alexia’s office is empty. I track her to the hallway. I’m up and out, getting laughs from the women.

Alexia’s eyes are red but she’s smiling. “I was coming to tell you Cort gave me the day off. I’m going to Bravo with the ol’ ladies.”

I nod and look at Seren. “Freedom and a team are with us. Falcon has Solei and AJ covered, Hannah has a Team. Stella has a Team. Don’t add to what’s already on us. We’ll be in Honor or Respect. Garren is going back to Alder’s.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I bend and kiss Alexia’s lips. “Have fun. Call if you need me.”

She smiles and it’s real. “I will.”

I watch them leave. Télia has Alexia’s hand. I’m glad she’s here and showing Alexia she isn’t alone anymore.

When the As came to my house in California, I couldn’t let them go. It took no time for them to be my family and I wasn’t willing to let them go without a fight. I’m so glad I stood up to fight for them. The bikers scared the fuck out of me, but my new family needed someone to teach them about life outside the computer. They needed to be safe too. I was terrified handing so much money to bikers for safe passage. They were honest and gave me that and so