MC Devil Dogs #4 Which One Should I Love?

Penny's birthday

Brick

     It's Penny's birthday today.  Cherise has managed to throw together a dinner party for it.  Tank and I have acted as if it's just another day with Penny.  She doesn't seem that bothered by it either.  We did tell her that we wanted to get out of the house this afternoon to go grab a bite to eat.  She willingly agreed.  So I am sitting here in my faded blue jeans, black t-shirt and my cut.  Tank walks in wearing his black jeans, black t-shirt and his cut.  We both sit there talking about how we want the next few days to go so Penny can get some rest.  Penny walks in wearing a cute little sundress that shows her little baby bump.  I mean it's really not even a baby bump yet but I like it.  She looks really pretty.  I tell her "Penny doll you look beautiful."  She blushes and smooths out the dress a little more.  Tank walks over and kisses the top of her head.  He says "You really do look pretty Penny."  We all walk to the car to head out.  We arrive at the italian restaurant and the hostess leads us to a private room.  I see Penny look back at both of us with a quizzical look.  Tank and I both grab a each door to open it.  As we open it Penny is shocked when everyone yells happy birthday.  Penny stands there crying.  Cherise comes over and hugs Penny.  We step inside and see Prez, Ruby, Blade, Veronica, Razor, and Cherise.  Cherise has balloons and decorations all throughout the room.  We all enjoy the food and friendly chatter.

     Cherise lights the candles on the cake and we all sing the birthday song.  Cherise then seats Penny down and starts handing her a gift card for a maternity massage and a fuzzy pair of slippers with a matching robe.  She is so happy.  Tank looks at me as he tells them he needs to go to the bathroom.  I know she will like the gift in the trunk of the car.  Few minutes later Tank walks in with her last gift.  Penny looks up at him and she is laughing her head off.  Everyone looks up to see what Tank is carrying.  They all laugh too.  We got her the biggest jar of pickles we could find.  We loaded up all her gifts and headed home.

     Once we got settled in the house Penny gave us each another hug.  She started crying again and I held her a little closer to me.  I asked "Hon what's wrong?"  She sniffles a little then answers me "I haven't celebrated a birthday since before my mom died.  My mom always baked me a cake but she could hardly afford any gifts so today was something else."  I hug her again and tell her how special she is to my crew.  Tank comes over to her and takes her from me to hug her too.  He looks over her head at me so I took it as a sign and went into the kitchen to give them so privacy.  I had poured me some water to take my medicine when Tank walks in.  I turned surprised that he is already done with Penny.  Tank asked me if I could have a seat so we can talk.  I nod my head and take a seat.  I asked him "Where is Penny?"  He says she is taking a shower so she can put on her new PJs and robe.  I tell him "Okay I am all ears then."  Tank begins "Look Brick I think I am falling for Penny but I don't know how you truly feel for her and I don't want any issues with you."  I take in what he says and even though I already told him I would not interfer I do feel disappointed though.  I gather my thoughts then tell him "She is special man and I am happy for you.  I hope it works for you two."  I stand up and go to the living room to find something to watch.  I guess I am losing another brother to a woman.  However, I am happy for him. 

     Penny comes out of the bathroom wearing her new PJs and robe.  She looks so damn cute.  She is smiling a real smile too.  She climbs on the couch and snuggles into my side.  I like the way it feels but I know I can not get use to it because I will never do anything to hurt my relationship with Tank.  Tank comes into the room and when he does I stand up to go to the bathroom.  Tank takes a seat with Penny.  I stand in the doorway and see them snuggle up together.  I am beginning to feel like a third wheel.  I wonder if Prez would let me come back to the clubhouse.  I feel like I can take care of myself and walking up the stairs would be good exercise.  I decided to text Razor and ask him if he would be willing to come pick me up to take me over there tomorrow.  I think it would be best all the way around.  I come out of the bathroom and decide to just go ahead and lay on my bed to watch TV with them.  Penny looks over at me and ask "Brick, why did you leave me?"  What the hell do I say to that?  I just tell her "Sorry hon but I am kind of tired tonight.  I figure if I lay here watching TV then if I fall asleep it will be okay."  She nods her head at me while Tank look at me with a look I really have never seen before.  I don't need this complication with my brother, my best friend well basically my only family left. 

     I wake up the next morning and get ready to go to the clubhouse.  I go into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee while I wait on Razor.  Tank comes in and sees that I am dressed.  He leans on the kitchen counter then asked me "What you doing up and dressed already?"  I finish my coffee just as I hear a knock on the door.  I tell Tank "Razor is picking me up so I can get out the house for a bit.  I will be back later plus this will give you some alone time with Penny without me being here."  I walk out of the kitchen as Tank calls out to me. Shit man I just want to get out of here.  I stop and turn around.  I ask "Yea Tank?"  He goes to say something when Penny walks out of her room wearing her cute little pajamas with her hair a mess rubbing her eyes.  Damn all I want to do is kiss her right now.  Tank finally says "You good?"  I nod then open the door to Razor.  Razor gives them a wave as I walk on out.  I get into the van with him and we head out.  Razor looks over at me and ask "Brick you look bothered man is there anything I can do to help?"  I shake my head no then say "No I just need to get out.  I hate being at that house.  Ready for the club life again."  Razor shakes his head in understanding. 

     We get to the clubhouse and I go inside to look for Prez.  I find him in the kitchen eating some breakfast.  He sees me and ask "Brick what are you doing here so early in the morning?"  I grab me another cup of coffee and ask if I can talk to him in private.  He nods his head then finishes his breakfast.  We are settled in his office now.  I ask "Prez I am ready to come back into the clubhouse.  I know I will be slow but I can take care of myself."  Prez looks a little shocked but he takes a minute before telling me that he feels like I need to give it more time.  I really don't want to come across as a jealous guy.  I really don't know how much longer I can stand being around them two.  I mean I feel like Tank really wants to make a go with Penny and I am in the way.  I look up to Prez and debate about telling him what's going on.  Prez takes a seat right beside me.  Prez says "Brick look I am speaking to you as a friend right now not as your President.  What's going on?  We all can tell something is off with you today?"  I stand up and turn away from him.  I decide I really need to get this off my chest and I know I can trust him not to say anything.  I tell him "Tank thinks he is falling for Penny and I am in the way man."  Prez just looks at me but says nothing.  It's as if he knows I have more to say.  Shit, he is going to think I am some damn sissy ass motherfucker.  I continue "Alright truth is I think I am falling for her too.  I can't do that because I will never let anything come between Tank and me."  Prez stands up then he walks back to his seat and sits down.  Prez states "Brick I have known you for many years.  You are a good man and would never do anything to hurt him.  If you really have feelings for Penny and Tank does too then you all need to have a serious talk."  I realize he is right.  These feelings are not going away if anything they have gotten stronger.  I look to Prez and say "You are right.  I will try and speak to them tonight.  Thanks for listening Prez."