Page 32 of Devil’s Torture

It’s as much grace as I can offer. And it’s true.

I was following orders.

But I could have pushed back, or I could have said I wasn’t sticking to the ten years forced on me.

“Still,” he lets the word hang there.

I know exactly what he means.

“Yeah,” I grunt. “I feel a certain way about the club. I’m trying not to resent it. But it’s hard not to when time has changed this place so much and it’s glaringly obvious.”

“We fucked up when it comes to Bexley and Dawn,” his voice is grave. “They fell through the cracks,” he eyes me for a moment before adding, “you did too.”

“I’m trying to get over it. I think it’ll just take some time.”

“And for us to show up for you and prove to you that we’re still your family.”

I don’t say anything because I don’t need to. He’s not wrong. Again, it’s just a matter of time. It will tell the story.

Either these people show up for me now that I’m home, or they don’t. Then, at least, I’ll know.

Prodigal’s voice is tentative, something I’m not used to hearing from my VP, “I was talking to Wrenley, and she suggested having a family day to welcome you, Bexley, and Dawn to the club. Officially and again.”

I consider his words and turn them over in my mind. I can almost picture Bexley back in this room, smiling, laughing, and connecting with the people who once felt like protection. Dawn would probably feel like a queen amongst kids considering I’ve seen some smaller kids around, but none her age. At least, not so far.

Dawn would probably love being around smaller kids. It makes me think about how she helped the toddler at the park and I can’t help but smile.

The thought that Bex will never agree to come floats through my mind. I have my doubts that she will.

“I don’t know if she’ll agree to come,” I admit.

Prodigal chuckles under his breath. “Yeah, I figured as much. Still, we’d like the chance to put something together. If she doesn’t want to come to the clubhouse, we can figure something out and have it somewhere else. The club owes her an apology, and everyone wants to meet your daughter.”

“She’d be the queen of the club kids,” I don’t even try to keep the amusement out of my voice.

“That I’d like to see.”

“Yeah,” I murmur more to myself than to him. “I have no idea if she’ll agree, but I’ll ask her about it.”

“Good,” he says it like it’s already decided and a welcome party is happening. I don’t feel half as confident as he sounds about her saying yes to the whole thing. “We don’t need a lot of time to get everything together. The Old Ladies have things down and know what to delegate and what to take care of themselves. It doesn’t need to be too over the top, we don’t want to overwhelm them.”

“Don’t go making check lists just yet,” I warn him. “I’ll talk to her about it, but I make no guarantees.”

“Let me know.” He pauses for a moment and then reminds me, “There’s the Halloween party as well, but it’s more of an adult party.”

“Any excuse for slutty costumes, huh?”

Prodigal barks out a laugh and nods.

“Dawn invited me to go to her class party and to go trick-or-treating,” I tell him softly, as if speaking too loudly would make the offer disappear.

Something like relief flickers across my VP’s face. “Good. It might not feel like it, but that’s progress, brother.” He stands up and gives my shoulder a brief squeeze. “We’ve got your back. Just let us know how to help.”

I give him a nod and think about what I’ll need to do to convince Bexley to try again with the club. Hopefully, if I keep showing up, if I get a real chance with my girls again, maybe the club can too.

CHAPTER 9

BEXLEY