Southern steel- Mack

7. Eden

The next day I get up. I put on a pair of distressed jeans and reach into the bottom of my drawer and take off the t-shirt Prez put on me all those years ago. I never gave it back and sometimes when I was scared or having a bad night I'd wear it. It always gave me a sense of safety and peace. It represents more than just a shirt. That shirt surrounding me was also like Prez saying I got you. You're safe now. Almost as if the club was claiming me. No one except Titan had ever claimed me or took care of me until we came to the club. I tie the shirt up and slip on my leather jacket.

I braid my long hair into a long loose French braid and head to the kitchen. Pops and Cora are there. "Titan and I need to speak to you in the office before we leave." Pops says and walks out.

I grab a protein bar and a bottle of juice and head to the office. Inside I find Titan, Pops, Rubble, and Mack.
"Prez had a few things he wanted to happen today." Pops starts. "First he wanted me to give you all the paperwork and stuff for the cabin and all his assets, Mack. You get his shares in club business, the garage, and any properties he had. However he set up a trust for Eden and those assets will be overseen by me." What?! Prez left me a trust? "The trust has $500,000 for you to go to the school of your choosing. He said he knew you'd make the right choice even though you told him you were on the fence."

Prez and Cora were the only people who knew I hadn't just applied to the University of Tennessee. Everyone assumed I'd stay local. I was on the fence though and had graduated top of my class and got accepted to Northwestern. It was a dream school, but I don't know if I am strong enough to be so far away from home for the next 6 years. I also didn't know how I would afford it, but that's not an issue now apparently.

"Eden you also get his majority shares in the bar, strip club, and tattoo shop. Those were the businesses you always helped at." I'm sure my mouth is gaping at this point. "Last but not least he wanted you both to know how much he loved you. Mack he was so proud of you son. Eden you became like a daughter to him in the last few years. You checked in on him, cooked and cleaned for him, spent time with him, and made sure he was taken care of. You didn't know he was as sick as he was so it meant more than you even knew at the time. Mack he wants you to ride his bike today. It belongs to you. He doesn't want her just sitting around not being ridden. Ride her as often or little as you'd like. Today though he wants you to ride it, and Eden to ride with you." Jesus Prez, really?!

He knew I had a crush on Mack. He also knew we weren't friends any longer. I have a feeling Prez knew everything about everyone. His eyes just held knowledge. He looked at you like he was getting answers straight from your soul.

"He said that he and Eden had rode that bike many times and he wanted her to enjoy riding her through the mountains one last time. Any issues?" We both shook our heads. What do you say? I'm not going to argue a man's dying wishes after he passes away.

"Great! Let's get them show on the road." Pops walked out of the office and we all followed.

As we get to the parking lot I see Prez's bike. I grab my helmet off Titan's and walk up to it.

"You ready?" Mack asks me, and I nod.

"I didn't know you and dad were so close. I'm glad he had you."

"Well we both needed someone to be there for us the last few years. He was like a father to me."

"It means a lot to me to know he had you to watch over him. Thank you!" He says so sincerely.

"No need to thank me, that's what family does, and he was part of my chosen family." I put the helmet on and get on the bike. Mack climbs on in front of me.

It feels so familiar yet so different as I wrap my arms around him, the bike takes off. I've ridden behind him on a bike so many times in my life. This use to be such a regular occurrence. My emotions start to get the best of me. I think it's just a combination of the loss of a father figure, the memories of a friendship, the fact that my heart is overwhelmed by the kindness that Prez opened doors and opportunities to me with that trust fund. The entire last few days have been overwhelming.