Page 30 of Raw Honey
Chapter 12
I wake feeling refreshed and I realize that this is the first time since all this happened that I have actually slept. I never thought about it much until recently, but Ice isn't just the club's president; he also serves another purpose. He grounds everyone. Knowing that he is at the helm making sure everyone is safe is comforting. When we thought he was gone, I think we were all just going through the motions.
Speaking of motions, I make my way to the bathroom. Even though I feel rested, I look awful. I pick up a brush and brush my hair and then I just stare at myself in the mirror.Oh, fuck it. I need coffee.I give up and make my way downstairs. I don't even bother changing, I am sure my t-shirt and leggings are appropriate attire in mixed company. And if not, then screw them. I'm comfortable.
I walk into the kitchen and find Rebel and Emma sitting at the table. Rebel looks at his watch, points at it and says to Emma, "See? Like clockwork." They laugh.
Why do I feel that I have been the butt of a bad joke?"You two are chipper this morning," I say, irritated. I'm not a morning person and I hate being laughed at, especially before I've had my coffee.
"Yes, we are. You might want to get yourself some coffee and maybe you could join us," Rebel says sarcastically.
"Fuck you, Rebel!"Oh, this is gonna be a fun morning.
We spend the remainder of the day just hanging around the house. We're not allowed to leave, but the guys come and go. Rebel is with us all day and when his cell rings, he steps outside.What the hell? We're part of this now, can't they see that?A few minutes later he comes back in and says, "Hey, girls. I just got off the phone with Hawk. Ice's memorial will be held next Friday."
"Rebel, that's over a week away. Why are we waiting so long?" I say.
"We got a lot of members coming from all over; they need travel time. Hawk decided to give them that time, and since he's the new prez in the eyes of the outside world, we do what he tells us to do."
I smirk and roll my eyes. He continues, "So, as I was saying, the memorial will be held next Friday. We are securing a location at Kandi's to accommodate the members from out of town that will be coming in, as well as using it for a clubhouse until the new one is fitted to meet our needs." He looks over at me and says, "Honey, you will be in charge of coordinating logistics for our guests. Emma, you and Ari can help with that. Honey has a lot of experience handling this, you both can learn a lot from her." The girls nod and look at Rebel, waiting for him to say more. "What?" he asks.
"Well, what do we do between now and next Friday?" Emma asks.
For a minute, he looks at them as if he is talking to three airheads. Then he says, "As I said, you and Ari will be helping Honey with logistics."
I totally get why Emma asked that question. She has no idea what is involved in getting ready for something like this. She can't even begin to fathom the number of clubs that will show up for Ice.I step in and try to explain. "Emma, dear, what Rebel is saying is that there is going to be a lot of out-of-towners coming in over the next few days. We will work together to ensure that everyone has a place to sleep, that they are fed, and that everyone is comfortable."
"Oh," Emma says as if she understands.
Rebel shakes his head in disbelief. He just doesn't get it. "Is everyone staying here?" Emma asks.
"No, they will be staying at Kandi's. Which means that we will need to gather up blankets and pillows and get some food. It's gonna be a week, and we better get started," I reply.
"Isn't Kandi's that strip club?" Emma asks.
Ok, now she is getting on my nerves. How many times do we have to explain this to her?"It is, but there are rooms in the back that we can use. I'm surprised Hawk didn't think of it before, it's perfect as an interim clubhouse," I reply curtly.
"Ok, just let me know what you need me to do," Emma says.
Finally."Well, first, why don't you and I sit down and figure out food? Then we can send Ari with Rebel to do some grocery shopping and get it all delivered to Kandi's. Then, you and I can get on the phone with the other old ladies to secure the other items we need. Sound good?"
"Sounds good," Emma replies.
"Yep, sounds good to me," Ari chimes in.
We sit down at the bar and work on planning food and all the other things that we need to get together, making lists and taking notes. This takes up most of the day. While we were taking care of logistics, Tiny brought the pick-up so Rebel can take Ari grocery shopping. After they leave, I notice Emma fading. It seems as if she is off in another world or something.
I stare at her curiously when she looks up at me and says, "Honey, what else do you need me to do?"
"You're back with us," I say and smile.
"What do you mean? I've been sitting here the entire time," she says as she yawns.
"Sweetheart, your body may have been here, but your head was a million miles away."
"Oh, that. I just have a lot on my mind. Things that I need to deal with."
I really do feel bad for her. She's been through a lot. I get up from the chair and give her a hug. "If you need to talk, I'm here, sweetie. You've been through a lot the last couple of weeks. Nobody can blame you if you are still dealing with the ramifications of all that."
