Apparently Scott talked to him last week and said he was into me. Bro code and all that. But you’re right, Roni, Quincy would be hurt if you lied to him. Honesty is important to him.”
“Following the girl code isn’t lying,” Dixie said sharply. “Quincy knows that.”
“She’s right,” Finlay chimed in. “The same way our guys can’t talk to us about what happens in that clubhouse out back. It’s the same thing, only we’re in control.”
As they talked about what constituted lying, Tracey said, “I’m really happy for you and Quincy, and Penny, I’m happy for you and Scott, too. But I swear I must have a black cloud over my head. Not that I want a man in my life, but I escaped an abusive jerk, finally found my footing, and while you guys are falling into happily ever afters, I can’t even get tips because Diesel scares them all away.”
“The only reason Diesel scares them off is because he wants to eat you alive,” Izzy said.
Tracey shook her head and looked across the room at Diesel, standing by the bar talking with Quincy and a few other guys. He was staring at Tracey, stoic faced, like a rottweiler, with cold, dark eyes.
Roni got the chills. “Quincy introduced him to me as if he was one of his friends who are like family, like you guys. He seemed nice enough, although he didn’t say much. Is he dangerous?”
“Only to Tracey’s panties,” Izzy said with a smirk.
“Would you stop?” Tracey snapped.
“I’m making a mental note to seat you next to him at Thanksgiving,” Dixie teased.
“Don’t you dare!” Tracey warned.
“You guys are having Thanksgiving together?” Roni asked. She wasn’t looking forward to the holidays without her grandmother.
“Of course.” Dixie set her green eyes on Tracey and said, “And now that Diesel’s back in town, he’ll be there, too, sitting right next to his dessert.”
“Ohmygod! Stop!” Tracey snapped. “The guy has a revolving bedroom door. I’ve seen him leave work with a different woman every week. He’s like a mama bear over me. It’s so annoying.”
“There is nothing mama about that man,” Josie said. “He’s a mammoth of muscle and grunts. He never says more than two words.”
“He doesn’t have to. His eyes say it all.” Tracey lowered her voice and said, “Go near Tracey and I’ll rip your arms off.” She sat back and sighed. “When he took off for those two weeks last month, I made more money than I ever have in tips. It was awesome. Now I’m back to serving mostly women again. If he doesn’t let up, I’m going to have to look for another job.”
“Oh no, you’re not. You’re family. I’ll talk to Diesel, and I’ll increase your salary to make up for the lack of tips in case it takes him a while to learn to back off,” Dixie said.
“You can’t do that, Dix, and for Pete’s sake, don’t talk to him about me,” Tracey said.
“She can do it, and she should. Dixie’s the boss,” Finlay reminded her. “You’re not quitting, Tracey. We need you here. If you don’t want Dixie talking to him, I’ll have Bullet set him straight.”
Roni loved the way the girls jumped in to take care of Tracey. She hadn’t realized how much she was missing out on. She longed for friends like these.
“No,” Tracey said. “If anyone is going to talk to him, it’ll be me.”
“But I can’t let you work where you’re not comfortable,” Dixie said. “That’s not right.”
“I’m not uncomfortable anymore. I’m just mad about my tips. I’ll talk to him. Not now, but one day when I find some courage lying around.” Tracey’s gaze moved around the table, and a small smile appeared as she said, “Like maybe next year. I’d better get back to work.”
“Me too,” Izzy said. “Oh, Dix. I can’t make it to Thanksgiving. Jared’s giving me a ride to New York to see my family.”
“Oh yeah? Going to see dick and the boys?” Dixie smirked.
“Only if he’s lucky,” Izzy said.
“Are those your brothers?” Roni asked.
Dixie and Izzy cracked up.
“It’s code for sex. It took me a while to catch on to their lingo, too. Jared is Jace’s younger brother, and word around the bar is that Izzy and Jared have been hooking up,” Finlay said as Izzy walked away. “I’d better go check the buffet.” She pushed to her feet and pointed to Penny. “I’ll call you later.”
“Okeydokey, sis,” Penny said.
Roni leaned forward and said, “I really am sorry for outing you, Penny.”
“It’s