Page 63 of Stag

“Firstly, brothers, welcome to our new Church. We have a few finishing touches to smooth out, but it’s fucking amazing to be in here at last.” It was, and it felt like the start of something special, because the old place had been a real shitstain and needed to be rebuilt over.

“That was reason one for calling everyone together, and because what I wanted to do was thank each and every one of you for the incredible hard work and long hours you’ve been putting in to help get this place ready. For eighteen guys, I think we’ve absolutely done ourselves proud here.”

“Says the guy who did fuck all,” Rocket muttered, grinning when Micro shot him a glare, but the fucker laughed anyway, because he knew he was right.

“Sure, I was more in a supervisory capacity, but the fact is, we didn’t even need the external crews as much as we’d expected, because you all dug in and gave it your all. I’m so fucking proud of our club. I hope you feel the same way.”

I glanced across the rest of my brothers and did a double take when I realised Henley was in his seat. Where the fuck did he come from? He hadn’t come back to the house since he left, and he was meant to be away for a few more days yet.

He caught my eye and winked, which was creepy as fuck from a brother. Why the hell was he here? Also I needed to tell him to never wink at me again like that.

Harley was speaking, something about pride in the club or some shit, but I was still confused about Henley’s presence. I mean Church was mandatory, after all, but he was away, wasn’t he?

“How the fuck are you here?” I blurted out and everyone fell silent to stare at me.

“Uh, I was nearby. Sorry, Pres.”

Micro snorted, sitting back in his seat. “Why don’t you do your update, Henley, then we can move onto the other news. Since you were such a trooper for coming back from your holiday for this.”

Update? From Henley?

Henley rolled his eyes at him, then pulled some paperwork from his cut and unfolded it.

“Okay, so the beds are being delivered for all rooms in five days, and additional furnishings the day after. I wanted beds in first, so it’s easier to move the smaller items in after. That means painting should probably be done by then, and carpets definitely need to be laid in time.” He tucked the paper back in his pocket and nodded at the Pres.

“Henley has very generously been sharing his contacts with us, and assisting with the arrangements. You’ll still have to supply your personal basics, but each room will be kitted out with a new king size bed, sofa, and chair. Also a dresser for your shit. That’s coming from our budget thanks to our generous benefactors. The rest is on you, but like he said, carpeting and decorating is a must. We have the carpet fitters coming in the day after tomorrow, so the last touches need to be done by then, and all the decorating crap moved out so they can do their thang. After that, we’ll finish any decorating, being damn careful not to spill paint on our brand new fucking carpets. So… Bring your significant others, because we’ll be decorating our asses off over the next five days.”

Nice. Maybe it was a good thing my day job was literally a thing of the past. I’d have the time to help, but would Claudia want to join in?

“Okay, so the other big news is this. We will have a new brother joining us in a few weeks from the OG chapter. He’s looking for a change of scenery, and I know we’ll make him feel welcome.”

“Who?” I asked, almost in tandem with Rocket, because that meant it was someone we knew well.

“Tommy.”

We both grinned wide, and Rocket added a ‘fuck yes!’

“Is he gonna work on site, Pres? Tell me he’s gonna be.”

Micro lifted both thumbs with a big grin. “Damn straight he is. We have our favourite fucking chef coming to stay.” Thank fuck for that. I’d missed Tommy, and his cooking, and I had a feeling Claudia would love it too.

Once time was called, and people started filing out, Micro called out my name.

“Stick around a mo, brother.” Fuck. Still, Harley didn’t stay, just nodded at me on his way out, so that said it probably wasn’t me being in trouble. For once at least.

“Sit your ass back down,” he said when I watched the last fucker escape, and I pondered my options.

“Why?”

“Jesus, just sit down. How’s your old lady settling in?”

I dropped heavily into the seat he’d offered. The one Grease usually sat in at his right hand.

“She’s not… I mean… what’s it to you?”

His brow creased a little and he leaned his elbows on the huge table’s surface.

“No need to be antagonistic, brother. I’m genuinely interested, so I’m checking in.”