Page 57 of Glacier

“Pretty much,” he agreed.

“And the fucker always manages to talk himself out of trouble when it comes to the law,” Lurch added. “Can’t tell you how many times his silver tongue worked on the sheriff when we were kids. And that fucker hated us. Glacier and I would end up in the cells, and this fucker would walk away scot-free.” He pushed Lawless’s shoulder. “Fuckhead.”

“Jealousy, man.” Lawless shook his head at Lurch. “Not my fault I’m charming.”

Hoots of laughter and general taunting rang out in response. I laughed along, then shivered. I was fucking cold. I needed a coffee.

Standing, I leaned down to kiss Glacier's cheek. “Going to the bathroom and getting some coffee. Have fun with your brothers.”

“Okay, darlin’.” He patted my thigh.

I left the men to it and walked to the clubhouse. I needed to find Rita, anyway.

I found her and Harriet hard at work in the clubhouse kitchen, organising the desserts.

“Hey, Rita. Harriet.”

Walking closer, I smiled at the two women. I didn’t know much about either of them, but what I did know, I liked.

Rita was a gorgeous redhead with alabaster skin, freckles, and green eyes. She was harder than Harriet and didn’t trust easily.

“Everything okay, Juju? Do you need something?” she asked.

I slid onto a stool at the breakfast counter. “A coffee. If you point me in the right direction, I’ll make one. But first, I wanted to thank you.”

Rita’s eyes widened in surprise and shock. “Thank me? For what?”

“For putting all this together.” I waved a hand around the kitchen, then pointed outside. “It was a lot of work on short notice. I’m not sure the men realise that, but I do. I wanted you to know I appreciate it.”

Rita looked stunned.

Harriet gave me a small smile. “I’ll make you a coffee, Ju. I think you’ve rendered Rita speechless.”

“What? Why?” I frowned, looking to Rita, who looked poleaxed.

“Here.” Harriet slid a mug of coffee in front of me along with a bottle of creamer. “I don’t think you realise how differently you treat us compared to how our mothers were treated by the Ol’ Ladies.”

I was confused. As far as I was concerned, as long as they didn’t disrespect the club or make a play for Glacier—or any other taken man—I didn’t care how they lived their lives.

“Sit,” I said to Rita, pointing to the chair opposite me. “I think we need to get a few things straight.”

Harriet gently pushed Rita into the chair and set a cup of coffee in front of her before joining us.

I took a sip of mine and hummed with pleasure. “Thanks, Harriet.”

I looked at Rita, who was staring into her coffee like it might reveal secrets.

“Hey.” I leaned over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. Both women were older than me, but emotionally… they weren’t. And it broke my heart that they’d been judged because of how they lived.

Rita looked at me.

“I need to clear the air. We’re going to be seeing a lot of each other, and I’d like us to get on. I’m not saying we’ll be best friends—although I could always use more girlfriends. I don’t have any except my dad’s lady, Sam, and my sister-in-law, Libby. I already know I like Harriet, and I’m sure I’m going to like you. I don’t care how you live your life. As long as you’re happy, you should live it how you want.”

Rita’s eyes filled with tears, and her lower lip trembled as a sob escaped.

I was horrified. I never meant to make her cry. I glanced at Harriet, who looked just as stunned.

My face must’ve given me away because Rita started laughing and crying at the same time.