What Goes Around (Bulldogs MC #3)

15: Banjo Isn't Flirting

^^ Mel ^^

It turns out that backing away from the club isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Every morning, I have at least two members in my kitchen and breaking the habit of going to Shelby's or the clubhouse after work has been harder than quitting smoking. So today I realised my mistake. I've been trying to completely avoid the club - kind of impossible when you're living with a member - instead of doing what I normally do, just without immersing myself in it like I have in the past. And that's why I'm currently parked outside of Shelby's taking a few deep breaths before I go in.

It takes me five minutes to give myself the kick up the arse I need to get out of the car, but when I open the door to Shelby's and look around, a confused frown settles on my face. Everybody is here because obviously the one day I decide to pop in, it turns into Bulldogs central. But that's not what makes me frown. The guys all sit around two tables, except for Jay, who sits at the counter with his back to them. I roll my eyes and pull up a chair next to Smiler, kissing him briefly as I do. They all look at me, obviously surprised to see me back here, but I ignore them, turning to Smiler.

"Why is he sitting over there on his own?" I thought I'd asked quietly, but Philly answers from across the table.

"Because he knows we're all pissed with him,"

"Um, why?" I ask, still not getting it.

Philly sighs and leans forward, making eye contact with me. "Because you're one of us, and he didn't have your back,"

I groan and tip my head back, blowing out a breath before meeting his eyes again. "I'm not one of you. I'm the outsider; I'm not even from this country. You guys, Mel, Shelby, everyone knew each other before I even left England, let alone met you all. You guys are a family; I'm like the sister in law or something,"

Philly clears his throat and raises his eyebrows at me. "You took on another MC, set fire to their bikes, took a bullet for us and pretty much saved our asses. You saved Mel and Lena that day. You helped Banjo get back on his feet. You're one of us. If you were a guy, you'd be a fully patched member. Old ladies don't do that shit. You're one of us,"

I look around the table at them all, my eyes wide, before standing and pushing my chair back. "What the fuck is going on? Is this some 'body snatchers' thing?" They all look at me like I'm insane. "Okay, Pest is being silent. That never happens. Banjo isn't flirting. Again, that never happens. Ash, Smiler and Jay are like the three bloody musketeers, and now they're divorcing or something. But weirdly, Philly - who never speaks unless it's to make a sexist comment-" I pause and glare at him. "I noticed the ones you slipped in there by the way. Anyway, Philly is being all deep and meaningful and speaking in full sentences. Most importantly, your fucking President is on the outs, sitting over there on his own. Shit, I have no idea what to make of this!" I walk over to Jay and grab his arm, pulling him off the stool and shoving him into the chair I just vacated. I circle my finger, signalling them all. "You lot are the Bulldogs MC. Everything else that happens is separate. Nothing should split this club up unless you decide you don't want to be a club anymore. You're vulnerable like this, and with Banjo and that bloody truck, it's obvious that there is no worse time to be vulnerable. So quit being little bitches, put on your big girl panties, and get back to being the fucking Bulldogs!" I'm breathless from my rant and take a step back. I look back at them to see Smiler and Ash grinning at me strangely. "What?" I ask, exasperated.

"Told you, you're the glue," Ash says with a smirk.

I'm lost and look to Smiler for help. "You said you were done holding us together, but you can't help yourself, babe. It's who you are,"