Butch

Butch grabbed the food while she collected Matthew’s belongings. Together they walked out of their home and started toward the main part of town where the picnic was going to be held. He took hold of her hand, and the warmth went through her body. Heat bloomed inside her pu**y, making it hard for her to focus on anything other than Butch.

“I know what you’re thinking about,” he said.

She glanced at him, but his gaze was on her br**sts.

“Mine.” He mouthed the words so only she could see.

Shaking her head, she started to smile. Butch made her feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. The walk was a slow one. After a time she picked Matthew up so he wouldn’t be tired by the time they got to the fair. He didn’t struggle, and once there she went straight for Eva. The other woman looked refreshed and happy, unlike the last time she’d seen her.

“Hey, Cheryl,” Eva said.

The other women in the group greeted her. She took in the tension among all the men. “Be nice,” she whispered to Butch. “Give them time to give you a chance.”

He shook hands with the men even though the tension didn’t leave his body. She rolled her eyes sending her apologies Eva’s way.

“Anyone would think he doesn’t want to be part of the club.”

“He does, but he’s being petty. I think he expected them to jump at the chance to have him back,” Cheryl said. She didn’t doubt them getting him back. The club clearly cared very deeply for Butch, and his reasons for leaving were non-existent.

Pulling out of Butch’s hand, she led Matthew toward the children’s play area. Alex stopped her from going to embrace his son and talk with him. She took the time to talk with Eva.

“This is going to be a safe area for kids, right?” Cheryl asked.

“Yeah. We’ve got guards looking out for the kids. Tiny gets paranoid and won’t allow anyone near here unless he was happy. The club and his kids’ protection take priority.”

“How have you been?” Cheryl asked, folding her arms.

“I’ve been good. We’re all doing well. It’s just this Gonzalez guy. He’s causing a few problems and being a general pain in the ass. I can’t tell you more. You’re not an old lady yet. Sorry.” Eva touched her shoulder.

Together they placed their children in the play area. For several minutes she stood and watched Matthew play, enjoying his newfound freedom.

“I’m going to get back to them,” Eva said.

“Okay.”

Alex stayed by her side, watching Matthew. “I wanted to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to spend time with my son.”

“I’m not a monster, Alex. I hate what you did, but there’s no love lost. I’m asking that you don’t come between me and Butch. I love him.”

He nodded, reaching out to touch her cheek. “I know you do. I’m pleased you found some kind of happiness. The club is being cautious with Butch.”

“I know. Take whatever time you need.”

“You’re not pissed about the shop?” he asked.

She shrugged. “There’s not a lot I can do about it. I just want Butch to be happy. I hope he realizes that he’s happy with the club.”

“You’re a good woman, Cheryl.”

Not saying anything else, she took it as the compliment it was.

Soon Alex left to join the others. She couldn’t let herself get pulled away. Minutes passed with him having fun and her watching like a guard dog.

“Baby, he’s going to be fine,” Butch said. “Tiny’s got men all around the place taking care of everyone.” He wrapped an arm around her waist then kissed her neck. “Come and have some fun. This was about you enjoying as much as Matthew.”

“I’ve not been much fun, have I?”

“I don’t blame you. After what you saw I can’t expect anyone to be feeling okay with that.”

“How have you been? You knew the person, didn’t you?” she asked.

Butch led her away from stalking her son.

“Yeah, I knew her. She was the doctor who helped me when I needed it most. I tried to protect her, but I couldn’t. She’s the one who ended up dead.”

“Honey.” Cheryl wrapped her arms around him.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to cry. Shit like this happens, which was why I didn’t want you part of the club. The risk was too high.”

“Let’s not do this here. The club is part of you.” Cheryl didn’t want this day to be ruined because of Butch’s stubbornness. She respected his decision to leave The Skulls, but she was delighted he wanted to return to the club. Cheryl was determined to get him back to The Skulls. The club was his life. She would support him in the club like the other old ladies did.

He took her back to where the rest of The Skulls were sitting enjoying the sunshine. The children were running around, and Cheryl loved every minute of the time. She kept checking on Matthew, who was having the time of his life. There was no way she’d be able to simply let him play without looking over him. Butch put his issues aside and looked to be having fun. The time passed until she was able to forget the worries that had been plaguing her.

Steven, one of the Skulls, made her laugh with the jokes he told. The entire experience was amazing. She finally felt at home with the crowd.  Glancing toward the play area, she frowned. Standing up, she tried to find her son.

“Where’s Matthew?” Cheryl asked, looking around the large picnic area. She’d taken her eyes off her son for a moment, and she couldn’t see him anywhere. “Matthew.” She shouted his name, starting to panic. No one responded to the name.

“Baby, calm down,” Butch said.

“I can’t find him.”

Without looking back toward him, she took off toward the play area, not bothering to waste time with talking. She saw The Skulls looking from her to Butch. Cheryl didn’t care what they were thinking. The only person she cared about was her son, and she couldn’t find him. Fear clawed at her.

“Cheryl, stop,” Alex said, grabbing her arms. “He’s around here somewhere. Stop panicking.”

“I know my son.” She shoved him away. “He’s not here.”

“We’re all going to start looking. You don’t need to worry,” Eva said.

She wasn’t listening. Her son was out there somewhere. Matthew wouldn’t walk away from the park, not by himself. She looked around the area he’d been playing. Some of the parents were looking at her strangely. She didn’t care what they all thought. The only person she cared about was Matthew. For a few moments she’d been enjoying her time thinking how wonderful it was to have people like The Skulls in her life, and now her son was missing.