VICE Crimson Tears MC (STANDALONE)

Chapter 15

I felt much better after a full nights sleep. As soon as the clubhouse had been put to rights we'd all dragged ourselves off to bed.
Now we were putting decorations up for Nova's homecoming. Lori had really gotten into it and was making sure everything was to perfection.
"Seriously Gator. If you don't know what centered means I'll do it myself," she snaps.
"Woman if your weren't breathing down my damn neck I could get it right," he snaps back.
He has a point.
I'm on streamers, so they really don't require an eagle eye. I haven't seen Maverick since he took a phone call earlier. Probably his mom, to give him an update. It's nice that they worked it out over the matter of his dad. It would have been awful if Maverick had allowed his moms good intentions get in the way of their relationship.
Stepping back to admire my work, a heavy arm drapes over my shoulder.
"It looks great babe."
Tilting my head to look up at him, he kisses me.
"Thank you. Everything all good with your mom?"
"Haven't heard from her yet. That was Pres on the phone."
Looking around to see there's no one within in hearing distance, he still lowers his voice with what he says next.
"When he comes back with Nova. He's going to ask her to be his old lady."
I want to squeal in excitement but I opt instead for drumming my fists on his chest, making him laugh.
"You can't say anything to anyone. Got it?"
Mimicking my lips being sealed, Nova is going to be floored when he asks.
"When she becomes an old lady. Who takes position as head club girl?"
"Whoever she decides."
I hope he's not thinking she'll pick me. Since being back we haven't talked about us. We need to.
"Going by the look on your face. We need to talk," he states.
"We haven't had a chance to with cleaning, sleeping and now decorating."
"You're right. We haven't. Let's step out onto the porch."
We're able to make it out the door without Lori's notice. Sitting in the steps. He adjusts so he's facing me.
"Tell me what's working on that mind of yours."
Taking a fortifying breath, I look him in the eyes.
"I know you consider the clubhouse home but I would prefer, now that we're together that we find our own place."
His lips twitch, making my eyes narrow. What am I missing? Is my request so funny?"
"Im not laughing at you babe. It's just...I have a place. I'm letting a buddy of mine rent out one of the spare bedrooms so long as he keeps the place in order."
"How many people know about it?"
"My mom, Pres, Uppercut and now you. I'll ask him to find another place with time to move out of course. I'll give you the tour after and you can decide if you want to move in. If not we'll house hunt to find what you do want. Deal?"
There's no holding back my excitement as I launch myself into his arms.
"How far is your place from your moms?"
"Within walking distance. You'll be able to spend all the time together you need to better know each other."
Which I do. I want to know the woman that raised Maverick into the amazing and protective man he is. Going in for a kiss, we're interrupted by Lori's stomping onto the porch, hands on hips.
"The two of you back inside. Fawn. You best match yourself straight into the kitchen. There's food to be made. Our girl has been eating crappy hospital food. She's going to want the real deal. Now, up. Both of you. Chop chop."
Holding the door for us, we quickly get to our feet, making our way past. Going out separate ways, once in the kitchen everyone has their heads down as they focus on their tasks. Directed to work alongside the other girls. We share a smile at Lori's crazy.
"They're back!" Lori squeals.
Running over to join us, I hand her a flute of champagne. She's deserving of it after having put this all together. My back pressed against Mavericks chest his arm is wrapped around my middle. We all listen in anticipation as the sound of doors shutting are followed by the sound of their footsteps on the steps. The doorknob turns...
"Welcome home Nova!"
Smiling ear to ear, she's holding onto Pres for support. Eyes landing on me, she's wracked by sobs as she starts towards me. Seeing the look on Pres' face, I hurry over so that she doesn't accidentally pop stitches. Grabbing me up in a fierce hug, I can't help my own tears. We eventually pull apart when Nosedive comes in clutch with the tissues. Wiping at our faces, she then grabs him in a hug as well.
"Thank you Nosedive. Are you okay?"
"Yeah boss. I'm all good. Glad to have you back."
"If the rest of you are done hogging her, the rest of us would like to enjoy having her back as well," Lori huffs.
"She's been on a ten since decorations started," I say into Nova's ear.
Chuckling, Pres helps her make the few steps over.
"Don't even think about drinking," Pres growls.
Rolling her eyes, she waves him off.
"You've been overbearing since the moment I opened my eyes. You practically got yourself kicked out of the hospital."
I can believe it by the bunching of his brow.
"I just want to take care of you," he grumbles.
His raw honesty has me looking at Nova with wide eyes. She's too busy melting against him to notice. Maverick clearing his throat draws our attention.
"Pres. Pretty sure you had something for Nova."
This has Nova looking at him in bewilderment.
"You really didn't have to get me anything," she tells him.
"Fawn. Hang onto our girl. Maverick and I will be right back."
Watching them leave I'm lost as to why Maverick needs to go as well.
"It's so good to be out of the hospital. I was going stir crazy with the nurses and their constant questions and Pres and his hovering. It's so good to be back."
"It's good to have you back. I was so scared. There was so much blood..."
"Don't. Don't do this to yourself Fawn. I'm going to be alright. I just have to take it easy for a while. What happened after I was shot?"
"Maverick and the FBI showed up. I had to fake compliance with Wesley in order to get him to free me. As we were heading towards the exit, I head butted him in the face causing him to let go. Maverick then took the opportunity to shoot him. Wesley and Reaper were arrested after that."
"He really fell for that. Moron. I hope prison treats him just the way he deserves."
Before I can agree, Pres and Maverick make their return. All eyes are on them.
"Nova. In these past few days, I've come realize how much you've come to mean to me. I would be honored if you would be my old lady," Pres says.
Taking his arms from behind his back, he presents a leather cut fit for her. Nova and I gasp in unison. Nova from actual shock, me from the tenderness in which he asked her.
"Yes. I'll be your old lady."
Turning around he slips the cut over her shoulders. Cheers go up and I have to say, she looks sexy in it.
Holding her gently, he leans down to kiss her making the cheers louder.
Maverick let's out a piercing whistle to calm the room.
"Nova's not the only one getting a surprise today."
Meeting my confused expression, he smiles.
"Fawn. Our relationship has been a whirlwind since you stepped through the gate. I saw a brave, determined woman. I see the same woman now. I want to ask that same woman if she'll be my old lady."
Gasps instead of cheers has Maverick looking at the others as he hold out the cut.
"Why is that the reaction I get?" he asks disgruntled.
Pres has to cover a hand over his mouth to hide his amusement.
"Brother. It's been so long since you've been with anyone or even shown interest, we all worried you'd turned into a monk. Our reactions are justified."
Still glaring at Pres, I slip myself into the cut. Nova claps before hugging me.
"We look great."
We do.
"You didn't even say yes," Maverick points out.
"I'm wearing it. Aren't I? Shouldn't that be answer enough?"
Pres claps him on the shoulder.
"Just be happy she's officially your old lady man."
"Can we eat now? The hospital food was awful," Nova says.
Mavericks grumbling is ignored as Pres moves into Nova's side.
"Let's get you some good food."
I don't move to follow. Staying back with Maverick.
"It's going to be hard to take him seriously knowing he's so loved up now," he says.
"That's not true and we both know it. Thank you. For making me your old lady."
Cupping my face in his hands, he strokes his thumbs over my cheeks.
"I'd ask you a million times over. I love you Fawn."
"I love you. Let's join the others before -."
A knocking at the door gets our attention.
"Did someone else get invited?" I ask.
"Not that I know of."
Dropping a kiss to my forehead, he goes to answer.
It's Lori. Smiling at Maverick, she's clearly nervous by the wringing of her hands.
"Mom? Why didn't you call like I told you to? How did you get here?"
"I called my neighbor. I didn't want to be a burden. It's fine honey. I actually stopped by because I wanted a word with Pres. Is he available?"
"Uh...yeah. Come in. Wait with Fawn while I go get him."
Stepping back to let her past, she lights up when she sees me.
"You look well rested," she says, coming to stand next to me.
"So do you."
"Wait. Are you...Mavericks old lady now?"
"Yes! Nova's an old lady now too."
Eyes widening, her smile is huge.
"That's fantastic. I'm so happy for you both."
"Lori," Pres says.
Turning our attention, he nods at her in greeting.
"Maverick said you wanted to speak with me."
"Yes. I wanted to thank you. For looking out for me. In truth I'd expected you to turn me away. Being banned from the clubhouse because of Reaper and all. Why did you say yes?"
"I said yes because I'm not my dad. He was harsh with his rules. Never thought it was right you got banned for your husbands actions. I'm going to look out for the family of this club. That said. You're welcome to the clubhouse anytime Lori. I'm sorry for what you've been through."
Her eyes tear up as Maverick looks at Pres like he's grown a second head.
"Thank you. So much. This means so much to me. It'll be nice to be acquainted with everyone. Umm. Would it be alright if I hugged you?"
Smiling, he holds out his arms to her. Stepping into them, she keeps it brief. It's still awkward even with his permission.
"I need to get going soon but Maverick, if I could have a word with you in private?"
"Sure mom. Pres make sure Fawn eats for me. Yeah?"
"Will do brother."
Leaving with Pres to the dining table, I sit on the other side of Nova. She's practically shoveling the food in.
"The food was that bad huh?"
"Girl. You have no idea. Absolutely foul. What did Lori stop by for?"
"She wanted to thank Pres for looking out for her. He lifted her ban from the clubhouse. It was a very sweet moment."
Looking at Pres she strokes his cheek.
"Yeah. He can be a real softy at times."
"For you. Always," he says.