Strays

Like A Band-Aid

Chapter Thirteen

Jaycee

After one of the most uncomfortable exams of my life, I left the office with a bottle of prenatal vitamins. Everything is moving so quickly that I can barely keep up with it all. I'm going to be a mother, that's crazy. 

Never have I ever even thought of having children. As far as I know, I don't have a single maternal instinct. At least I'll have Aunt Gemma. Out of everyone, she has that instinct in abundance. Which is why we're on our way to Charming. I have to bite the bullet and tell my family before I start showing. 

Or tell them as much as they need to know at least. If it gets Jax off of my back that's an added bonus. Now if only Tully will call back so I can fill him in on the situation. Donny tried to get a hold of him earlier but he hasn't responded back yet. This is new to me because I've never not been able to get a hold of him. Worry isn't a feeling I enjoy. 

Anything could be happening to him and or Juan in that prison right now and that's a scary thought. I just keep telling myself that they're fine and this is just one of those days that he doesn't have a guard on the payroll. 

" When did you meet, Tully? " I ask Donny after getting sick of the silence and my own thoughts.

He shrugs indifferently. " We did some time together a few years back. He watched my ass in there and I do the same for him out here. " 

" You got any family? " If so, I know his wife is pissed that he isn't home every night. 

Shaking his head I can clearly see regret written on his face. " Nope. None that are alive anyway. " 

" Sounds like such a familiar story. " I say absently. 

It doesn't matter if you're in a street gang or MC. These stories are all one and the same. Greed and corruption always win out. In the end, you lose everything. I've always tried to keep myself grounded so I'd never end up like Clay. 

" We all have one. Besides, not having anyone has its advantages. Look at Tully.  " He says with a shrug. " He has made more money for himself than he'd ever know what to do with. If he had a family he most likely wouldn't have been out running the streets. " 

Part of me wonders if news of a baby will cause him to completely disregard our deal and tell me to fuck off. All while deciding not to retire. Or is he really serious about having an arrangement with Juan and me and the news will ground him? At least enough to keep his word and stay out of the streets once he's home. With Leland being dead there's a fifty/fifty chance of me ending up back in charming with the baby of a dead rat growing inside my womb. 

Once we pull into TM's parking lot, Donny parks the truck and I get out quickly wanting to get this over with. Georgie and Theo get out of their trucks as well and take a look around the parking lot.

" Over here. " I tell them as I open the door to let us in. " Hey Ratty. "

He nods in a typical fashion. " Hey, Jaycee. " He says before heading back into the garage.

" Well if it isn't Miss Teller? " 

I know that southern accent anywhere. " Venus! " I exclaim before running up and hugging the fabulous woman.

" Oh, Lovely, it has been too long. " She says cheerfully as always. " Alexander says you went off with some klansman. Please tell me that's not true. "

Pulling back from the embrace I shake my head. " There's a bit more to it than that, V. Let's get together for coffee sometime in the near future and I'll tell you all about it. "