Saving Dallas Forever (Saving Dallas 3)

“What?” She snapped in exasperation.

“Is it just sex, or is there more?” I watched as she struggled to answer my question. She jumped down from the sink and started fidgeting with her make-up and hair, giving me the answer I needed before she even spoke.

“I don’t know. Maybe more. It’s just started. When I got back from Texas, he was here. I needed somebody.” She turned to me, and I watched as her eyes turned dreamy when she started to explain, “I was messed up, ya know? I had so much shit going on in my head, and he just came up to me one day with a plate of green apples and peanut butter. It’s my favorite, and when I asked how he knew, he just said ‘I pay attention.’ When Luke left, I found myself in the clubhouse drowning in liquor. He carried me inside after I passed out and I begged him to stay. And he did. The next day we spent all day together. He told me about his ex-girlfriend, and I told him about Logan’s dad, and we just hit it off. We haven’t even had sex.” I raised my eyebrows at her in disbelief.

“Really?” I asked, incredulously. This was so evident in my tone of voice that Maddie actually frowned. Great, Dallas. Make her feel like a slut, why don’t you?

“I thought it would be easier for you to believe that it was just sex, but it’s so much more. We understand each other. This is my life. This club means everything to me, and he gets that. Imagine being me and trying to bring in someone from outside the club.” I stared at a very confused and heartbroken Maddie, as I tried to find the right words to comfort her. Did I understand? Could I be her and choose to love someone outside the club? Luke had taken that chance on me. He had brought me in not knowing how I would react, and it had worked in his favor. Would Maddie have the same luck?

“How do you explain to a man that being around a bunch of guys the majority of your time is normal? How do I keep him from getting jealous, or prevent the accusations that are sure to come? What man would not get pissed at one time or another and throw the words, ‘I know you are fucking one of them’ at me. Not to mention the turmoil he would have to go through each time I bring him around. It’s not possible, Dallas.” She was right. The only reason I was able to handle it was because I was here all the time, and had gotten used to the women being around. For a man, it would be different, unless he saw a patch in his future.

“Well, if you feel that strongly about it and think this thing with Marty may go somewhere, then you need to tell Luke,” I said, using my best motherly tone.

“And what happens if Luke says no? Then what?” It was apparent that Maddie had zero faith in Luke. She had already convinced herself of the outcome, but I had yet to hear her say she was willing to give Marty up. I tried a different tactic, hoping to persuade her that maybe Marty wasn’t the one for her.

“Who knows, this may not even work out. I mean, you barely know him.” I shot her a reassuring smile that was wiped from my face immediately, as if she had slapped it from me.

“What the fuck, Dallas? I told you I liked him. It doesn’t matter if it works out or not. This is the part where you are supposed to tell me it will work out, whether it eventually does or not. You are a shit advice-giver. And I do know Marty. He has been hanging around the club for years. He has prospected longer than you have been around. I have seen him almost every day of my life since he has been here. You know what, forget I ever said anything.” I watched in shock as Maddie stomped out of the bathroom, leaving me staring at myself in the mirror. This sister shit was harder than I thought. I rubbed my hands over my hair, pulling at the ends of it in a frustrated gesture, and let out a long breath. I needed a drink.

The party was still in full swing when I walked back to the bar and took a seat next to a very drunk, very loud, Brooklyn. I greedily accepted another drink from the girl behind the bar and offered her a small smile of thanks.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Brooklyn barked, nearly causing me to jump out of my seat.

“Nothing, I’m just a little tired. What did I miss?” I asked, forcing on a fake smile that didn’t go unnoticed by the crowd of women that were gathered around.