Page 225 of Rebellious

“I’m talking to you for Axel’s party. Starting tonight at 12:01AM that changes, so quit while you’re ahead.” She turned and stomped away.

Diesel drained his glass as Axel stood because Kaia had finished drawing skull tattoos on his face and arms.

“Come here, Ax,” Rebel said, from where she stood near the DJ’s table. “Just follow my lead, okay, little brother?”

“Okay, Reb.”

When Good Time by Alan Jackson came on, Rebel grabbed Axel’s hand and danced with him, twirling, switching hands and places. As soon as Axel caught on, CJ got Harley and Ryan brought Mattie onto the dance floor. It wasn’t ideal, but the bikers livened up a little, spurred on by her. Somehow, she managed to get the party going by sheer determination. They danced to several songs, which helped to pass the time. As did her insistence that Axel and Diesel test the racing simulators before convincing Easton, Seven, Kaia, Kayce, Grant, and Bishop to do the same.

An hour into the party, Rebel took the mic from the DJ. “I want to thank you all for coming to Sweet Pea’s VIP Lounge in his garage.”

“I’m hungry, Reb. Where’s the food?” Axel finally asked.

“You’ll see,” she said cryptically. “Come and thank your guests.”

“Do I gotta? I want to eat and open my presents.”

Rebel glanced at the clock again then sighed. “Just a quick word. Please?”

“The things a man gotta do for a beautiful girl,” Axel said, eliciting laughter. He walked to Rebel and took the mic from her.

“You don’t know the half of it, Ax,” Grant told him.

Axel looked at Harley and Mattie then tipped his head back to see Rebel. “What do you want me to say, Reb?”

“Whatever’s on your mind,” she said.

“Food. You got ear boogers?”

“You’re disgusting,” Rebel complained. She pointed to the mic. “Talk.”

Straightening, Axel shook his head. “Ask me nicer.”

Rebel thought for a moment. “I’ll take your cut off. You’re supposed to be nice to me as your property.”

“You got me there,” Axel grumbled. “Keep the cut on. I’ll talk.” He looked at the audience. “Thank all you motherfuckers for coming. I shouldn’t have invited you cuz you’re all boring. I better have good presents, and I’m hungry, so feed me, Reb.”

The door opened and Aunt Meggie walked in, wearing an outfit almost identical to Rebel’s with the same ‘Property of Sweet Pea’ cut.

“You made it, Momma,” Rebel said in relief.

“MOM!” Axel screamed, almost knocking her off her feet and hugging her.

“Happy birthday, Sweet Pea,” Aunt Meggie said, kissing Axel’s cheek.

“Where’s Dad, Mom?” CJ asked.

“Outside with the food truck.”

“You brought a real food truck?” Axel said, his eyes rounding.

“I did.” She grabbed Rebel’s hand. “You did good, love.”

“How’s Daddy?” Rebel asked.

“Disappointed, but we’ve already booked the cabin for next year for the weekend of the 26th, since Axel’s birthday and Easter fall on the same day.”

Axel grabbed Aunt Meggie’s hand. “Let’s eat, Mom,” he said, dragging her toward the door.