CHAPTER THREE - Wish you'd hold that smile

"So, you're really not going to go?"

Ella let out a deep breath and poured her friend some more coffee. They were sitting in the kitchen and for the last hour had been catching up on lost time. Ella had just finished telling her about her acceptance to college and her decision not to go.

"I don't exactly have a choice Gil".

"Elle, they're offering you a full ride to college. That's some amazing shit and you worked your ass off for it!"

"I know. I just… I can't. She took care of my whole life. I can't leave her here with Ray."

"Speaking of the devil. How is the old son of a bitch?"

"Sleeping with a 25 year old."

"No shit!"

"Her name is Darcy."

"Skank" she grunted pointedly.

Ella couldn't help but smile. She had missed having her friend around and she was glad she finally had someone to confide to.

"Seriously Elle. You have to think about this." Gillian urged her friend

"I already have. I owe my mum this. College can wait. Now let's drop it alright? Tell me about Gloria instead."

Gloria was Gillian's mother. She had been a friend of the club like many other business owners in the area. She paid a fee to the club and in exchange they protected the strip club she owned. Not to mention the perks the club enjoyed. A few years back, she had sold the business and moved to California.

"Still living it up in California. Business is sky rocketing."

"Maybe I should become a stripper."

"They call themselves Exotic dancers in Cali and you would definitely have the body for it. Anyway she's vegetarian now."

"You're kidding?

"I swear. She's even dating this yoga instructor who's all about your body being a sanctuary crap. He's kind of douche bag but she says he's very limber."

Ella giggled "Jesus. I guess she hasn't changed that much."

"She sends you her best too. Always thought you were a good influence on me."

"Nell always thought you were a bad influence on me."

"Well that part is true. Which brings me to tonight. " Gillian teased before making a dramatic pause. " You and I are going out to have ourselves some fun. And don't say no, you know I won't stand for it."

Ella looked at her friend pleading eyes. "Actually, a night out is exactly what I need."

After Ray had dismissed the boys, Kozik took the opportunity to head back to town and drop by the agency, Joan was out with a client but true to her word, the paperwork was ready and the whole operation was done in five minutes.

Kozik thanked the cutie at the reception and walked out ready to ride back to the shooting range. But as he crossed the road to, he spotted a familiar face and walking into an off license.

Ella walked into the crowded shop and placed herself in the queue. She had dropped off Gillian at her motel a few minutes before. Despite Ella's insistence for her to stay at the ranch, Gillian had refused. She probably didn't want to take the risk of running into Ray who scared the hell out of her as he did most people. They had agreed to meet up in town later.

"Hi Ella. How are you? Pack of Marlboros?

"I'm good Earl, thanks." she replied as she handed the shop keeper money.

"How is your mum doing?"

"She's a little better thanks."

"I'm glad. Be sure to give Ray my best."

Ella gave him a quick smile and hurried out. She hated people being nice to her because of who her father was. She marched to her car and caught sight of the biker from the other night, the one who had helped her out, sitting on the hood of her car. What was his name again? Kozik?

"Well, well, if it isn't my ex-lover." he said with a devilish grin.

Ella couldn't help but notice him again and interiorly scowled herself for it. But she couldn't deny he certainly had a certain charm emanating from him, something about his playful eyes and mischievous smile that were annoyingly endearing.

"Funny I don't remember that." she retorted, rummaging for her keys.

"That's because you're still playing hard to get."

"Is that what I'm doing?"

"Don't worry love, happens to the best of us."

She suppressed an amused smile she hadn't been able to help and moved to open her car door but was stopped by his hand on the door.

"You know, you never told me your name."

"You never asked."

"I'm asking now."

Ella turned to him and gazed into his eyes for a minute. She leaned in closer and whispered "I'm… not interested."

Without breaking eye contact, she removed his hand from the door and got into the car.

He let out an impressed chuckled and knocked on the window. She thought of ignoring him and leaving but she would probably end up driving over him so instead she rolled down the window.

"Just so you know… I saw that smile."

Kozik took a step back intently eying her as she backed away and drove off.

Pete got off his bike and made his way towards the house. He knocked on the door quietly at first, but after a moment when no one came, he knocked harder.

The door opened and a very pregnant Marie gave him a glowing smile, holding Jenny their two year old daughter.

"Pete, hi! I'm sorry, I didn't hear the door."

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and moved to let him in just in time for Pete to spot Mickey, their energetic six year old son running towards him shrieking "Uncle Pete!"

Pete swept him in his arms. "Hey Mickey. How you been?"

"Are you going to take me on your bike?"

"Mummy might be very pregnant honey, but she could still kick's Uncle's Pete ass." Marie interjected.

Pete laughed and put Mickey down.

"Come on, take your sister to the kitchen, I'll be right there." She ordered as Jenny slid off her side to the floor. "Sorry, things are always a little crazy in here. You're looking for David?"

Pete nodded.

"He's upstairs with Ben, giving him a stern talk to. He got in trouble at school."

"He's a good kid, he'll be alright."

They were interrupted by the sound of a plate breaking on the floor. Marie closed her eyes. "Mickey!"

"It wasn't me!" came the answer

"God. Sorry Pete, I have to go check on them. Make yourself at home."

She hurried back to the kitchen and Pete waited for a moment, before hearing footsteps in the stairs. David spotted him. He let out a sigh and continued down the stairs.

"Let's go outside." He said opening the door.

They stepped onto the porch and David nervously lit a cigarette.

"Everything alright, brother?"

"Kid got suspended for fighting. As if I don't have enough shit to deal with." He took long drag and eyed Pete. "Ray sent you?"

"He just wants to know you're still with us."

"He's questioning my loyalty to this club?" he tossed his cigarette on the floor before continuing "Shit, Pete… I'm doing my best here, you know that. With the kids and the twins coming, I'm pulling double shifts just to make ends meet."

"You know I can help with that."

Tease gave him an offended look "I ain't asking for fucking charity, Pete. I can take care of my family. I just… I need Ray to understand that."

"I know brother. Look, thing is shit is about to hit the fan and the club needs you. Ray just needs to know he can count on you."

Pete watched his friends bury his face in his hands for a long moment. When he looked up, he looked resigned."Alright."

Tease stood up and hugged his mentor.

"You better pick up that cigarette butt unless you want your wife to rip you a new one." Pete whispered to him sending both of them into laughter.

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