Significance, Satan's Attitude MC (17 page)

 
E
lena had double and triple-checked everything she could think of before getting in the car with Whiskey. The babies were happy and all of their needs were taken care of. Lacey-Jane had a fit that Dee was going to have Shanna, but there wasn’t too much she could say after Whiskey told her to knock it the fuck off.

Mad Jack, Dee, Thorn, and Tears all stood on the porch watching them leave. Elena had packed some of her clothes she hadn’t worn in a long time. Dee had told her dad to take her to the mall and buy her new clothes. Elena needed spoiling, and he planned to do a lot of it in the future.

The rusty-haired biker named Copper gave Elena the chills and his partner Amen was a bit frightening, but Whiskey assured her they were riding along with them for protection. She wasn’t used to worrying about that stuff, but the Filthy Fiends were still on the loose and she really didn’t want to have to worry about them being ambushed.

The drive was pleasant and they had stopped to get lunch at a nice steak and seafood restaurant. Elena found herself puzzled. She knew for a fact that Violet hadn’t been pregnant, yet they were going to Rebel and Violet’s son’s christening.

“Whiskey, I know Violet didn’t give birth to a child. Did they adopt this little boy?”

“Rebel had an affair and the mother died in a fire while Brandon was at my brother Goose’s house. Violet wanted to raise Shanna, so Rebel figured Brandon would make her happy. Brandon is his son. He and Violet have a strange relationship. Rebel would do almost anything to keep Vi happy. She loves her Rebel and I never get involved in their battles or business.” Whiskey looked seriously at Elena. “Trust me, it’s safer that way.”

Elena hoped the baby would give Violet happiness. She wondered if Dusty and Angie knew, but wisely decided not to ask. “Don’t we need to shop for a baby gift?”

“Nope. We’ll give a card with money so Violet can spend it on things Brandon needs. Best thing you can do is act like he’s Violet’s real son. Rebel will let her adopt him at some point, I guess. Rebel and Violet, they’re not your usual couple.” He stroked his chin in thought. “Listen, they’ve got a past, it’s dirty and it’s hard to understand. No matter what Rebel does, Vi has his back. Violet did things in the past for a reason. I don’t judge her because it saved Rebel’s life more than once. Not everyone sees it that way, though. I know some of ‘em and she may want you to know or she may not. Trust your gut on her. Don’t tell her anything you don’t want Rebel to know. If she thinks Rebel needs to know something, she tells him. Violet can be a very loyal friend, though; you just have to get to know her.”

Elena thought about that and decided she didn’t want to know anything Rebel or Violet did, past or present, if she could help it. She turned to look out the window and listened to the radio.

Whiskey cursed silently; he’d laid too much on Elena too fast. He decided to let Elena know what he and Thorn had talked about.

“So, I asked Thorn if he had any issues with us getting married,” he told her. “He said it was fine, and I told him I’d like you to adopt Shanna and I’d like to adopt Rhiannon. He was good about it as long as Rhiannon knows he is her brother.”

Elena didn’t say anything. She laid her hand on Whiskey’s thigh. “We’d be a real family.” Her eyes were shining with unshed tears. “Thorn is a good man. He’d want Rhiannon to have a daddy. Thank you for asking him, that really means so much to me.”

“We will be a real family. Our kids will just have older siblings, it happens. Family means a lot to both of us, and that farmhouse will be a place that is always home to them. You gotta realize, though, that things aren’t always gonna be easy for our kids. My being in a club will affect how teachers look at them. I don’t hide who I am and I won’t.”

Sighing, she replied, “Yes, I know all about it. I was there for Thorn. Narrow-minded people, I hate them. I know I may lose clients. The people that know me, they’ll stay. They know I care about their children and their horses. As for our children, I can handle the teachers and we’ll teach them all about the assholes of the world.”

“Hunter was established here, I’m not. Things won’t be as they were with him. It’s going to be a lot harder than you think.” Whiskey needed Elena to understand he was not at all like Hunter.

She poked him in the side. “Hey, you know Sea Woods is my town. We’re on the border, but I was always involved with Hunter in keeping it rural and saving it from developers. Kima owns a chunk of it. Thorn does too. You bought that old schoolhouse and the club now owns a lot of that land. The smart thing to do is buy off all the houses as people sell out. A lot of older people live in them; they don’t want the place looking like Ocean View or Beach View. I know those people and they like me. We’ll keep it like Hunter wanted and they’ll like you.”

Whiskey thought about what she said. It made sense, and buying up the houses as people put them up for sale would bring more brothers into the area. The school had closed because there weren’t enough children to use it. He had gotten it dirt cheap because it was rundown. It would make a fine clubhouse.

“If there were more children in Sea Woods, do you think they would put a school up again?”

“I don't know. There would have to be a lot of kids, and the high school was always used jointly. I wonder if a teacher could be hired to teach, but we’d need a school and I doubt it would be cost-effective. It would just bring unwanted attention to Sea Woods.”

Elena couldn’t keep her hands off Whiskey and found herself fiddling with his hair.

“My bro Gringo has his little girls in Catholic school. Maybe that would be a good idea. I can always give the church a chunk of money. Might be worth it as long as our kids get treated fairly.”

Elena’s laughter filled the car. “Look at you thinking so far ahead. Whiskey, we’ve got years before our girls go to school. I see that frown, too. Stop, it will be
years
before we have to think about any of this.”

Whiskey stopped frowning, but looked at her seriously. “Time flies, Elena. It’s not just our girls. I’m bringing my brothers with families up here to live. I take this shit seriously. I’ll be paying taxes and I want the best for the kids.”

“I’d suggest that you get involved in the community then. You’re going to own a business, so there is no reason not to join the Rotary Club and anything else you can be involved in. You know, like the Business Owner’s Association. I belong to some of them. Not all of the groups allow women.”

Whiskey truly looked horrified at the thought. Sitting down with a bunch of guys in suits? That was not him at all. Rebel was going to get a kick out of all of this. He probably already had figured it out, too.
Damn him.
His stomach was churning at the very thought of business lunches and meetings.

“Elena, don’t talk about this while we’re in Maryland. I can see Rebel laughing his ass off at me, and I want to have a good time.” His voice was strained. “Do you really see me getting along with guys in suits?”

“I won’t, but yes, I do see you being able to get along with them. Not all of them wear suits, either. It’s a shore community, so many businesses are only seasonal. Whiskey, you worry too much. You’re buying The Drop Inn and you’re not changing much about it. People like that. You took the school off the taxes in Sea Woods. These towns are used to the bikers. If you keep your club from messing up the town or causing fights, it will be fine.” Elena smiled at him as she heard a horn honking. “Oh, it’s the exit for Mallory. We get off here?”

Whiskey smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yeah. We still have a little ways to go, though. Violet was going to get the basics for the fridge. I’m sure we’re expected for dinner over at Rebel’s, and I hope you like to dance. Violet does. She will want to take you to the clubhouse and the bar.”

Elena was amazed. “We just got here and they have things planned for us to do already?”

“Welcome to my old world, darlin’. Violet has Maude, one of the lifers’ ol’ ladies, helping her just like you have Amy. Actually, Rebel got the idea of getting Vi help from you. He did Maude a favor. She loves kids and she is a good woman. Her kids left as soon as they were able and the club supported Maude. Now she has a purpose and she will take good care of Brandon. Violet adores Maudie, too.”

He waved Copper and Amen to go their own way. He was in his hometown and, therefore, safe. The Filthy Fiends wouldn’t be so stupid to come right into Mallory.

Elena was pleasantly surprised by the town. It was not what she had expected. She had thought Whiskey lived in a city, but this was mixed; there were still farms, although it looked like they were going to soon be a thing of the past.

“Do you want to stop at the club or go right to my house?” Whiskey interrupted her thoughts.

“I’d like to see your house first, and I definitely need the bathroom. Is it much farther?”

“A few miles. My house is probably dusty unless Violet had someone clean it. I built it for Shannon. She wanted a bi-level, never understood why. I think she wanted to fit in like I wasn’t in the club. I never wanted to live on a cul-de-sac. I made myself like it and I bought up the lots next to us, too, so I’m not right next to my neighbors. The park is behind the house. I can’t wait to sell the house. Rebel said I’ll make triple what I paid. Mallory is becoming a commuter town.”

“You never liked living there, but did it for Shannon?” Elena was sort of shocked.

“She never asked for much, and she wanted to have a family and raise them in a nice area. She couldn’t have babies after Deidra, who doesn’t know that either. It was the least I could do for her. I wanted her to be happy, and she was … for a while. She got sick and the house was too much, but she wanted to stay there, so we did. Deidra doesn’t remember a lot of the times her mother was sick. We hid as much of it as we could.”

Whiskey looked older and a bit sad as he related things about Shannon.

“After she died,” he went on, “I should have sold it, but I fucked up. Margo liked the house and I didn’t give a shit about much. I didn’t care about her. I should have paid attention to the way she treated Deidra. I knew about some of it, but I tuned Dee out. I didn’t care about anything except having a son and I didn’t get that either. I love Shanna, but at first I didn’t. I was mad at the world. I was so angry at Shannon, too. When Margo hit the tree and died, to be honest, I didn’t give a fuck. Lacey-Jane was there to manage everything and I let her. It was easier and I never expected to meet you. I had promised Shannon I’d fall in love again. Never expected I’d do it but … I love you, Elena.”

They pulled down a street that looked like the suburbs. Elena saw the big white bi-level house and knew it was Whiskey’s house.

“I love you too, Whiskey, and I wasn’t looking to fall in love either. Some things are just meant to happen, though. Who are all those people at your house?”

There were bikes and cars in front of the house and Whiskey cursed under his breath. “Fuck. Looks like Rebel and Violet are welcoming us home. Sorry about this, darlin’.”

Elena looked at the crowd of bikers and smiled at him. “It’s fine. Looks like you were missed. At least there will be food in the house.” She laughed and Whiskey relaxed a little.

“I’ll try and get them to leave, if you want. I know you must be tired.” He wondered who had thought of this and Zero came to mind. He was betting Zero had called ahead and got this party together.

V
iolet Rose was at the car before Elena could even get out. She was smiling and looked so happy to see her that Elena smiled back. Violet had the car door open and hugged Elena as soon as she got out.

“It’s so good to see you, Elena! I’m so happy you will be here for our son’s christening. I keep telling Rebel that the water will sizzle when it hits his forehead with Reb as his daddy.” She laughed and looked at Elena knowingly. “You must need the bathroom, right?”

“Yes I do, and it’s wonderful to see you too, Violet. What a lovely house.” Violet was tugging Elena through the crowd of people and into the house.

“I hate this house. It was never a lucky house. Rebel wants to buy it, but I’d never live here. I wish you were staying at a hotel or our house. Here’s the bathroom, and I’ll make sure that Whiskey brings your bags in. The other door leads to the master bedroom.” She left Elena and went to find Whiskey.

Elena looked at the bathroom. It was certainly not what she expected. Pink was the color of the tiles and flamingos were etched on the glass shower doors. She couldn’t picture Whiskey in this bathroom. She opened the door to the bedroom and found Violet sitting on the bed.

The master bedroom wasn’t her style, either. Flocked
fleur de lis
wallpaper with a matching bed set and curtains in a light shade of peach greeted her.

“Not my style, either, but Shannon had stacks of designer magazines. Rebel would kill me if I tried to put a flamingo on his shower door. This isn’t Whiskey’s style, either. She was sick and the little she could do, he let her. Margo, of course, thought all this was so fashionable. It is hideous. Right down to the plastic that covers the furniture. You haven’t seen the living room yet. I’d suggest we smoke this joint and I’ll take you on a tour.” Violet lit the joint and inhaled deeply before passing it to Elena, who took it gratefully.

“I like nice things. Don’t get me wrong, but this…” She extended her arm. “It’s God awful! How Whiskey lived in this house, I’ll never know. I like the way your house is furnished; you can see it’s a well-loved home. I know all his excuses and Shannon was my best friend, but she had no sense when it came to decorating.”

“How did Shannon fit in with the club?” Elena was curious because the whole scheme of decorating surely didn’t fit in with being an ol’ lady to a biker.

Violet passed her the joint and a crystal ashtray. “Shannon was poor growing up. She used to say ‘Irish-shanty poor’. I didn’t know her back in those days, I was in New Jersey. She cleaned houses with her mother and that’s how she met Whiskey. She was religious and she had dreams of meeting her prince—which was Whiskey. He married her when she wouldn’t give it up, and they had Deidra a few years later. His family never accepted her and he walked away from them. I don’t think he has spoken to them again. Everyone loved her; you couldn’t help but love her. Heart of gold. She was always the person you could tell your darkest secrets to and know she’d never judge you. She loved him passionately and he loved her.” She took the joint and inhaled. “When she got sick, she knew she was going to die, although the doctors would want her to try another medicine. She did, for him. To be honest, I begged her not to keep trying. I loved my friend, but to see what they were putting her through was heartbreaking … and then she died anyway.”

Tears were flowing down Violet’s face and made the purple hue in her eyes brighter.

Elena didn’t know what to say, then looked around for tissues. She found them in a box that matched the rest of the room. She grabbed a bunch and handed them to Vi.

Wiping her eyes, Violet continued. “I tried to hook Bebe up with Whiskey. I was scared he’d go off the deep end. I wanted to save my friend. Rebel was losing it watching him. I never counted on Margo, though. Can you imagine a stupid slut like Margo getting over on me?”

Elena shook her head no, wondering what else Violet was going to confess. Besides, where the hell was Whiskey?

“Margo got herself knocked up and Whiskey stopped partying enough to marry the bitch. He wanted more children. She was damn awful to Deidra. Even Rebel and I couldn’t stop it. I did my best, but she didn’t stop. Finally, I got Whiskey to agree to send her to New Jersey.” She blew her nose. “I was here and Lacey-Jane went to get diapers. Margo wanted vodka. She was drinking nonstop after not having a son. I refused to go get it, so she did and she crashed, dead on impact. Whiskey had realized what a mistake Margo was, and he cheated on her like she didn’t exist. She wasn’t even allowed to sleep in this room. He did. They didn’t sleep together. Do you understand why I say this is an unlucky house? Shannon got sick after they moved here, Margo died leaving this house, and you’d be wise to tell Whiskey you don’t feel comfortable here.”

Elena didn’t feel comfortable in the house now. She wasn’t sure if it was because of what Violet said, but her instincts were on high alert.

“Violet, do you know anything about this area? Was it a farm before there were houses here?”

“Oh, it was part of a farm, but it was said to be a battlefield and, before that, it was said it was where the Indians buried their dead. I am not really into the history like Rebel is, so
he’d
know. Why don’t we go find Whiskey and Rebel? I bet both are probably looking for us.”

“Good idea,” breathed Elena, relieved.

“Please don’t tell Whiskey any of this,” she said suddenly. “I wanted you to know directly from me about Shannon and Margo, and I’ll be glad to answer any questions you have. Rebel and I both think you and Whiskey are prefect for each other.”

Violet flushed the joint down the toilet and wiped the ashtray out.

Elena impulsively hugged her. “Thank you, Violet. I promise I’ll do my best to make Whiskey happy. I may not be as good a person as Shannon, but I make a good friend too.”

As they continued looking for their men, Elena understood what Violet meant about the house. It was not an appealing place to live, and she didn’t want to spend their time here. Even the bikers seemed to stay outside or in the garage. She didn’t like the white-and-gold-trimmed French provincial furniture, either.

There was no way in hell she could stay in this house. How the hell was she going to tell Whiskey that?

The kitchen was even awful with harvest gold appliances, and it was way too small. Violet looked at Elena and shrugged her shoulders.

The rec room downstairs had deep red carpeting and wood-paneled walls. Only the sliding doors let any light in, which made Elena feel very uncomfortable in there. She walked to the doors and looked outside. There were at least woods back at the end of the yard.

“You’re right, I can’t stay here,” Elena told Violet at her side. “I don’t know how to tell Whiskey though.” Elena wanted to be honest but didn’t want to insult his house.

“I get chills down here. And those diner paintings … I swear Shannon fed every single starving artist. I told her it was all bullshit. Tell him that you don’t feel right staying here. Your ex, Hunter, he never slept in your house, did he? In your bed?”

“No. Whiskey is the only man that has graced that bed. I hope I don’t insult him. Shit, maybe I could say since the house is clean we should leave it that way.” Elena was frowning.

Whiskey spotted her frowning and came over to her.

“Elena, why the frown?” He could see she was trying to find a way to tell him, but the words weren’t coming easy.

“Whiskey, I don’t feel good in this house. Maybe it’s because it was Shannon’s house, but I’d feel more comfortable staying somewhere else. I’m sorry.”

“We can do that. To be honest, I don’t feel good here either. I need the stuff from the garage, but I was hoping to sell it with most of the contents.” He was relieved that was the only cause of her frown.

Violet smiled. “We’ve got plenty of room for you both at our house. I’ll tell Rebel. He told me to make up the room you like just in case.” She went off to find Rebel.

Whiskey put his arms around Elena. “I love your house. This was never what I really wanted. You don’t mind staying at Rebel and Violet’s house?”

“Not at all. To be honest, this place gives me the creeps. I’ll be happy to leave here. Can we go soon?”

“I didn’t get our stuff out of the car yet and everyone is heading to the clubhouse anyway. Let me make sure there’s no stragglers and I’ll lock up.” Elena hurried up the steps and out the front door where she found Violet talking to Rebel. She walked over to join them.

Violet winked. “We’re going to go home. Get Elena changed and we want to go dancing. I know, it can’t be a late night, but we need to get the creepiness of this house out of our skin.”

Dancing sounded great to Elena and she agreed. “I love to dance, and it’s been a long time since I have. I just need a quick shower and change.”

Rebel watched as Whiskey locked up. “May as well get some dinner, too. Violet, I want for us to have an early night. Elena, I’m counting on you to make sure of it.”

Neither Violet nor Elena heard him as they were too busy talking about clothes and what music they liked.