Page 52 of Chill

“Well, be good. Don’t upset Gravey, he struggles,” I said.

“Yup, discovered that. Have fun, Mom, you ain’t got that ball and chain hanging around your neck.”

“Don’t I know it!” I stated happily and headed downstairs.

Chill was waiting for me, tight jeans, a black woollen sweater, and a leather coat with his patches on. He wore his usual beanie, but his beard had been trimmed.

“Where are we going?” I asked, ignoring the prying eyes of Nanci and Amy.

“I thought we’d do Wall Drug; have you ever been?”

“No. I always wanted to go but asshole thought it was beneath us. I’d planned to take the kids one day,” I replied.

“We’ll do that Saturday. Today it’s just me and you. We’re taking an SUV, as the roads are too dangerous for you,” Chill said.

He placed a hand on my waist as we left the clubhouse, and I was surprised to see visitors around.

“I didn’t realise we still had visitors.”

“Yeah. We’re working on a winter programme to bring more in. The club’s building something long-term here.”

Chill helped me into the passenger seat, and as he climbed in, I wriggled a little. “I don’t know if I’m more excited about the legendary five-cent coffee, the donuts, the buffalo burgers, or the roast beef sandwiches,” I said.

“Have you ever had buffalo?”

“No.”

“You’ll like it.”

“I couldn’t eat both. It’s so hard to choose,” I complained as we drove out.

“We’ll get one of each and share,” Chill promised. He reached over and squeezed my leg, leaving his hand there. I didn’t move away, and a smile crossed Chill’s lips.

“Huh, I’m suddenly lost for words,” I said and began laughing.

“Snap.” Chill laughed too. “Let’s start simple. What music do you like?”

“Oh, I love country. Not the old stuff, but the last twenty years or so.”

“Yeah, it changed a lot. Have to admit, I enjoy it too. MCs are supposed to be rockers, but that boom-boom gives me a headache,” Chill admitted.

“No! Say it ain’t so!” I gasped theatrically, placing a hand to my chest.

Chill winked, and we both laughed.

“Sorry, I’m getting old, babe.”

“You’re not alone. I’ve wrinkles.”

“Nah, nothing a good plastic surgeon couldn’t fix.”

I gaped at Chill, who momentarily looked worried before I began laughing hard. “Oh God, that was awful!” I cackled.

“Couldn’t help it. I’ve been around Nanci, Daisy-Duke, and Carole too long.”

“They’re original old ladies, right? Daisy-Duke and Carole?”

“Yup, the only ones left. Carole’s man was Buck, and they’re Vortex’s parents. They had another son, a lot older, but he died, and then there’s two younger boys. Isabelle is Grinder’s daughter, Carole’s dead boy,” Chill explained.