Murphy

“It’s these phones. Everyone’s got an issue, and I’m bored.” She picked up the phone, holding her finger and asking Kelsey to wait. After booking an appointment for a missing filling, Tate looked back at Kelsey. “The club’s on lockdown,” she said.

“Lockdown? Oh you mean The Skulls?”

“Yeah, the club. The club my dad runs. You know, the one that keeps this town running smoothly,” Tate said. The beginning of a headache began.

“Killer told me a little about it last night,” Kelsey said.

“What’s going on with you and the newest member of the club?” Tate sat back, looking at her friend. Kelsey’s cheeks were a bright red, and she was stuttering as she talked.

“He’s, erm, just really nice. I mean, his name is a little terrifying, but everything else about him is kind of awesome. I mean, don’t you think?” Kelsey asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve not met Killer. He must be a new guy.” Tate stared until Kelsey jumped up out of her seat.

“I need to help with suction.”

“I’m sure you do,” Tate said, teasing.

“You’re not helping me at all.”

Tate laughed as Kelsey walked off to go and deal with the suction. She really liked her friend and was pleased she relaxed enough to enjoy her. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was a little after ten.

Several of the women muttered as they walked past. She’d grown used to it and ignored them. Ignoring people was a lot easier and quieter way for her to get through her day. Half an hour later a woman sat in front of her desk, folded her arms and cleared her throat. Looking up, Tate saw Rose, Hardy’s wife, the sexy redhead who drove most of the men crazy, all of the men apart from Murphy.

She remembered Murphy didn’t attend any of the parties once he’d gotten to know her. He’d stayed with her and Eva at the house. Why was she suddenly remembering all these sweet facts about him?

Focus on the pain. The pain and the hurt and the fact he f**ked other women.

“Are you going to ignore me as well?” Rose asked.

“I’m not ignoring you.”

“No? Well, you’re ignoring Angel, and she’s a sweet girl. She doesn’t deserve to be ignored by anyone, which just pisses me off.” Rose was a hard nut, and the woman knew it.

Closing her eyes, Tate groaned. “I’m working, Rose. Don’t you have things to deal with, like Hardy?”

“Oi, bitch, she free to take a break, or do I have to sit here getting my clothes off for her to get out of here?” Rose asked, directing the question at the guy behind her. Tate turned to see one of her bosses.

Dropping her head in her hands, Tate waited to see what he’d say.

“Yes, she can go.”

“And she still has a job afterwards?” Rose asked.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Good. Get your coat and meet me out front. Don’t keep me waiting.” Rose stood and walked away. Tate watched the older woman leave. Rose was in her early thirties but had a figure of a woman ten years younger. She liked Rose a lot.

Getting up from her seat, she grabbed her purse and jacket then left. She found Rose leaning up against the building, waiting.

“I thought I was going to have to call Hardy, so I can get all naked. Those uptight ass**les looked like they could use a show.”

Laughing, Tate looked down at the ground. “I’m pleased you didn’t.”

“Now that’s a shame. The Tate I remember was up for a lot of shit that got interesting.” Rose grabbed her arm, and they headed out toward one of the restaurants Fort Wills had. It was a little Italian place that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The maître d’ escorted them to their chair. She saw how the man panted after Rose. It must be all that red hair Rose had. A lot of men panted after the other woman.

Taking a seat, Tate looked over the menu, wondering why Rose was coming after her.

“So, let’s cut the crap and all the introductions. I’ve known you a long time. I’ve known you since you were little. I was with the club since I was eighteen. Hardy was always my guy. He was only my guy at the club. Tell me what shit is happening.” Rose opened the menu, but her gaze was focused on Tate.

Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Tate glanced down in front of her.

“Look, you can lie and dodge all you want. I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t think you want me to.” Rose folded her arms.

“You’re six years older than me,” Tate said.

“Actually I’m eight years older than you. I’m thirty-two. You’ve got something going on with Murphy?” Rose asked.

“What? How did you know that?”

“I’m a woman, honey. I’m a woman, and I see the way he looks at you. We all knew you had a thing for him way back then. I don’t imagine something like that goes away,” Rose said.

They were silent for several moments. Tate took the time to look through the menu. She couldn’t find anything she wanted to eat.

“Just get the pancakes or the muffins.”

“It’s an Italian place. It’s a little rude to only order that,” Tate said.

“So, order a coffee then.”

Laughing, Tate waited for Rose to signal the waiter. They each ordered a coffee and muffin. No one questioned them, but that probably had something to do with the fact Rose had removed her jacket. Hardy’s name and The Skulls were inked on Rose’s arm, and also she was wearing one of Hardy’s jackets.

“Anyone else they’d have complained,” Tate said.

“It’s one of the perks to being an old lady for a Skull. No one back chats. The club helps everyone in town, even these places.”

“I guess.”

Rose stared at her for long moments. The older woman’s blue eyes made her nervous.

“Why are you staring at me?”

“I’m trying to see what the problem is.”

“What do you mean?” Tate asked, confused.

“I need to know what the club did to you for you to turn your back on it.” Rose sat back, looking at her.

“The club didn’t do anything.”

“Really? Look at it from my perspective. You left your father’s house, that’s fine. You’re working in a dental practice, Tate. My God, how boring could you f**king get? Then let’s talk about your trip to Vegas and not inviting Angel. Bitch move if ever I heard one. Then the fact you’re refusing to have anything to do with the club, your family.”