Make You Believe (Bulldogs MC #1)

8: I Was Right

I had been driving for eight hours by the time I got home. I had left the morning after my phone call with Jay, before the sun had even risen, and it was lunchtime by the time I got back to my apartment. I had dropped my bags off and had a quick shower, before heading straight to the café.

Shelby ran to greet me and threw her arms around my neck before the door had even closed behind me. "I missed you so much!" She exclaimed.

I laughed and squeezed her back. "I've only been gone for a few days!"

"I know, but it felt like forever!" She pulled back and looked at me, tilting her head. "You're glowing! How did it go?"

"It was good. Dad and I talked a lot and he gave me some surfing lessons. It was nice, just what I needed," I smiled. "He owns a surf shop on the beach with a guy called Dane. I spent most of the time with Dad or with Ali, Dane's girlfriend. I promised I'd take you next time I go. I think you'd really get on with her,"

"So there will be a next time?" She asked with a smile.

I nodded. "Yeah. I mean, it was really awkward at first and we've got a long way to go, but there was definite progress,"

"That's amazing. I'm so happy for you!" She squeezed me again.

I jumped when the door opened behind me, almost knocking me forward.

"Shit. Sorry, Mel! I didn't know you were back," Jay said, greeting me with a kiss on my cheek.

"Hey. I got back about an hour ago. How are you?" I asked.

He smiled. "I'm good. Just getting everything prepared for tonight," I didn't need to ask to know that he was talking about Ash's homecoming. "He'll be in the clubhouse this evening, just so you know," He said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes as I pulled Shelby to our usual booth in the corner and Jay moved to speak to Robbie at the counter.

"So how are you really?" She asked me.

I nodded again. "I'm really good. It helped me a lot. With the whole Dad situation, as well as Ash,"

"Do you know what you're going to do?" She asked.

"I'm going to go and get my man," I grinned. "If he still wants me, that is,"

"Oh don't be stupid. He will always want you! This is amazing Mel, I'm so happy!" She squealed.

Jay approached us, holding a large bag in his hand. "So should I tell him you're coming?"

"No!" I blurted out, regretting it when Jay's face fell. "I mean, I want to surprise him. Please don't say anything to him!"

Jay laughed and kissed the top of my head. "I won't. I'm really happy you came around, Mel. You won't regret it,"

"I've heard that before," I put my hand up as he began to speak. "I'm joking, Jay. I'll see you tonight,"

He grinned again and said his goodbyes before leaving. I turned to face Shelby, taking a deep breath to try and steady my nerves. "Oh god. I'm really doing this!"

She nodded with a wide grin. "You really are!"

***

I didn't make it to the clubhouse until almost ten p.m. that evening. I had taken another shower at home and then changed my outfit several times, before settling on a loose tank top and skinny jeans. I had changed my hairstyle almost as many times and had eventually decided to just leave it hanging down my back in gentle waves. I was more nervous than I had been on our first date.