Page 12 of Stone
“You know, with us moving to divided tables and having to do three platters of each item, I think we’ll move to a buffet line starting next week. We could use those large pans to keep stuff warm. It would also shorten the time for people to wash the dishes because we’d be using less platters,” Regina mused, wiping her forehead.
“I think that sounds like a fantastic idea. I love the idea of family meals, but with how large the group is, especially adding our eight, it’s a lot,” Naomi said, balancing the three baskets of rolls.
“Let’s get in our seats,” War directed, holding Amelia in his arms.
Remi kissed Amelia on the cheek and went to the far end of the table to sit away from War.
“Remi, I said I was sorry,” War said, settling Amelia in the high chair by his seat.
“Actions speak louder than words,” Remi called.
Naomi made her way to one of the open spaces. Her Franks cousins had made sure there was room for her and her sisters near them.
Dex walked in and paused at the door. Naomi didn’t know much about him other than that he was in charge of the range for the club. She did know he seemed to not enjoy kids because he was very vocal about it.
The only space left was beside her sister Chloe. He sat down, scooting a little closer to Finn on his other side.
“I promise I don’t have any diseases and no kids, so you’re safe beside me, biker boy,” Chloe deadpanned.
“I wasn’t scooting away from you. I thought you were left-handed and didn’t want to take too much room when we ate. I’m right-handed,” Dex defended.
Naomi grinned. Chloe despised it when people couldn’t tell which triplet was which, and to be fair, they all wore their hair differently. Unless they were trying to confuse someone, they never wore their hair like each other.
“Thanks so much. I’m Chloe. My hair is always in braids and reaches my back. Naomi wears her hair down unless she puts it in a ponytail or bun, and Lilah, who is left-handed, has the shortest hair because hers is shoulder length,” Chloe replied, rolling her eyes.
“Okay, so you’re Chloe,” Dex recapitulated, nodding his head.
“Yes,” she emphasized, her eyes wide. “He runs the range, you said?”
Naomi chuckled at Chloe’s tone. Out of the three of them, Chloe acted the prim woman around their dad but was the wildest of the three.
“He does. I want to say I’m thankful for all the people around this table. It was a little bit of a rough start when I took over as President…”
“That’s an understatement,” Bear, the Vice President, interrupted.
“It was the best thing that I ever did, and I’m thrilled we’ve expanded in the last year with new Prospects and new family. Ayear ago, at the D-Day celebration, we almost lost Locks. Today, planning our third annual celebration with even more people makes me happy. Now, let’s raise a glass to the amazing women who are part of the MC, whom we couldn’t survive without,” War toasted.
“Better,” Remi called.
Naomi spent lunch eating and giggling. Each of the Franks sisters had some story to tell. By the time lunch was over, Naomi knew more about the women she was thrilled to have found with her sisters.
Lunch was cleaned up, and easels with canvases were set up on two of the tables. Pencils were beside each place. Naomi grabbed a drink and settled beside where Winnie was sitting.
“Interested in watching?” Naomi asked.
“I’m interested in making sure Phoebe and Blake don’t disrupt the class with too many questions while Stone is teaching. I explained to Phoebe that Stone was donating his time to help her and the others, but she got that look on her face that means she’s going to do what she wants. Since this is the first class, I thought I’d stay just in case I needed to step in and save Stone,” Winnie said.
Naomi grinned and nodded. Phoebe was a force, but she hoped her girls learned that they could speak up without retribution by watching the younger Phoebe stand up for herself.
“Let’s get started. Council is in an hour. We’re going to start with a short lesson,” Stone announced.
“I thought we were painting. Where’s the paint?” Benji demanded.
“I thought we were illustrating too. Stone, did you plan this or are you half-assing it?” Phoebe challenged.
“Phoebe Carter, you apologize right this minute. First, Stone is giving his time and teaching; therefore, you will give him the respect he deserves. Second, how the heck do you think it’s okayto charge everyone a subscription to either cuss with approval or have to pay if they don’t have the subscription and then you cuss? You will sincerely give Stone your apology or you will leave this lesson. Do you understand?” Winnie scolded, shaking her finger toward Phoebe.
“I told you I’d get in trouble for this. You better come through with the fifty bucks, Finn,” Phoebe yelled.
