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“Member by blood is a special kind,” Trigger grunted, and when he thought no one was looking, he swung his glance at Brick, who shared the same expression. If you watched closely enough, the guys shared a lot through looks.
“Thanks, guys. This is so thoughtful, and…” I pushed off Grim’s lap as I saw a giant giraffe head floating through a sea of partiers on the deck.
Suddenly, Rail appeared, holding the rest of the seven-foot-high stuffed animal. “His name is Melman!” he shouted over the music. “Ain’t he cute?” He stroked its neck. Then he fumbled awkwardly down a couple of stairs with it. He smoked several people in the head and back as he plowed through them without a care in the world. He proudly set it next to me. It was massive. “You should have heard the comments I got as I dragged him through the house. And you all thought I was the sick, twisted one?” He cocked his thumb toward the house. “Let’s just say this poor guy saw a lot more than he needed to.” He looked at Tess. “Who knew people were intostuffedanimals too,” he huffed with a cough. “Anyway,” he grinned at us, “Melman.” He pointed at it.
“Well, ah, thanks.” I eyed the gigantic stuffed animal and wondered what it had seen in the last five minutes…and what it might have been exposed to even before that. I hugged Rail andgave the giraffe a pat on the chest as it stood with splayed legs listing slightly to the left.
“My turn.” Morgan handed me a box, and I pulled the top off to discover an old pair of brass knuckles with a year written on the side. “My dad gave them to me when I was born, and I’m not reproducing anytime soon, so it should go to the first in the family.”
Grim reached for them. “Damn straight, brother.”
I realized how special his gesture was and kissed Morgan on the cheek. “That’s pretty special.”
“This baby is the newest generation of what’s to come for the club. That’s what’s special.”
Trigger lifted his beer. “Agreed. To fresh blood.”
They all raised their drinks, as a flood of love warmed my heart. I had lost a lot over the past months, but I knew I had gained so much more.
“Kenna?” I turned to find Zara. She looked unsure of her welcome. “Can we speak?”
“Of course.” I looked at Grim, and he gave me ano ideaglance. I stepped away, as I could see she was moments away from breaking down.
“Sorry. I heard you were all up here. I’ve wanted,” she closed her eyes, “to clear the air about my mother. Honestly, Kenna, I had no idea there was anything between my mom and Cameron. Truth.” She bit her lip. “The very idea has me spiraling. No offense.”
“None taken. I get it,” I assured her. “But, Zara, I don’t blame you for anything. We’re friends, and I am so glad you were there when you were because I don’t think I could have done what I did if it wasn’t for your help.”
“Yes, but?—”
“No buts, Zara. Dad was never easy. You of all people know that. You were invaluable to me when I needed the inside scoopon possible clients. I won a lot of them because of you. Your ability to research at the speed you do is amazing. I hope you get to use it in your new job.”
“I will.” Her eyes softened, and I could tell she was relieved I wasn’t upset.
Her fingers entwined in front of her stomach. “How’s your mom?”
I sighed, conflicted on the topic. “Holding up.”
“Good. How are you dealing with it all?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “One day at a time. I have a lot to unpack,” I pointed to my head, “but I have a lot of support, so I’m lucky.”
“You are.” She looked at everyone chatting and laughing around us as they gave Rail shit about something. The guy was such an easy target, but I knew he loved every minute of it. “Treasure that, okay?”
“I will.” I leaned in for a hug. “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
I waved goodbye and made my way back to my family.
“Everything okay?” Minnie wrapped an arm around my neck.
“Yes.” I hugged my friend. “Today’s been a good day. I really needed this.”
“Good, because I have one last idea I think is a little wild, but…”
Grim
Never did I think I’d be in one, but there I was. I glanced at Morgan a few times. I wondered if he believed this would ever happen. Then there were Elio and Trigger sitting side-by-side with a beer in their hands. Rail was winding up a fucking disposable camera like it was the damn nineties. I chuckled, and Kenna glanced up at me with hungry eyes. I grabbed her ass and pulled her closer to me.
