“What’s going on?” Teri asked.
Drake sighed, resting his hands on his hips. “We’re going to stick to being friends.”
“What? Why?”
“The guy she was with was a serious asshole, and has scared her.”
“So? You’re a Dirty Fucker. Some guy treating her like shit shouldn’t bother you.”
“It doesn’t.”
“You’re just going to give up?”
Drake glared at her. “No, but I’m not about to start bombarding her with shit she’s not ready to deal with. I can handle friends.”
Teri laughed. “You? You can handle being friends?”
“I can handle a lot. For instance, friends go shopping, friends have dinner, friends go to the movies, and friends hang out.”
“That’s a pretty big list.”
“Yep, it’s a pretty big list, and I intend to become Grace’s new BFF.”
“What’s going on, guys?” Grace asked.
“Nothing. Watch my muscles at work, women.” He removed his jacket, draping it over Grace’s shoulder. Giving both women a view of his flexing muscles, he winked, and started to carry the pots.
James and Cora were standing with Sharon and Thomas in the main hall. There was a large table set up with food.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” Sharon said.
“No problem. The men don’t mind,” James said.
“It’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one carrying all this fine food.” Drake walked over to them. “What did you to?” He looked at Thomas.
“I fixed all the tables and set up the decorations.”
Sharon reached out, holding Thomas’s hands. “He’s done wonders, don’t you think? He also built the stage outside for the graduation ceremony.”
“You should have been there,” Thomas said.
Drake scrunched his nose up. “Nah, kids don’t do it for me. Besides, it would have looked a little strange if a man who didn’t have a kid suddenly turned up watching them graduate. Thinking about it freaks me the fuck out.”
James laughed. “Ryan graduates next year.”
“Then I will be here to see the kid, not before.”
He nodded to the women, and went back to the car to help unload the food. Once that was done, he parked the car, and lost Grace in the throng of people. Tourists and locals had all come out for the good weather, and his plan to spend the time with Grace was screwed. He saw Lucy had arrived with her oldest son, Ryan, and the two youngest. Their father, Dane, was part of the Dirty Fuckers MC until he just left without a reason. Until he came back, the brothers had taken it turns to help the woman out. He gave Lucy a wave, and Ryan headed toward him.
“Hey, Drake,” Ryan said.
“How’s your mom?”
“She’s fine. She’s been a lot happier since you guys have been coming around. I even see her smile now.” Ryan held onto the loops of his jeans.
“We’re all one big happy family, and when Dane gets back, I’m going to kick his ass.”
Ryan’s smile dropped. “I hope he doesn’t come back.”