Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56606 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56606 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
“Dillon here needs some help today,” my dad explains as the man lifts the car seat up and onto the chair in front of my mother’s desk. He hasn’t been around when I have been much, I didn’t realize he had a baby.
My mother nods with the same smile that has always brightened every day for me. “Of course, what can we do for you, Dillon?”
“It’s my son, ma’am. I’m sorry to ask this. I need this job. His mother, she’s not feeling well and dropped him off with me here. I wasn’t expecting this. Again, I’m sorry. I don’t have other arrangements made.”
About that time Danza strolls in breaking the lock I have on the man. “Hanging out in the office doesn’t fix my car, Prospect,” he states firmly. I find myself standing up straight while moving closer to the stranger and his baby. My instincts want me to tell Danza to calm down, but I’ve lived this club life and no better than to insert myself into any brother’s business.
Danza is always a wild card. Even at his age, he doesn’t slow down. He has always been intimidating, especially as an original. It’s also because he’s hard to read. Sometimes, he jokes with sarcasm, and I can’t tell he’s being silly. How he can always keep a firm face is a true gift.
“I’m sorry, Danza. I will get right back to it. I have to get things squared away for my son. I need this job. Anna, she isn’t well today.” He is sort of rambling while explaining. His unease makes me uncomfortable as I want to comfort him. “She showed up while Ruby and I were working on your ride. She dropped Hollis,” he gestures to the car seat, “off and left. I don’t have childcare arranged. I’m sorry.”
My dad, Ruby is his road name from the club, reaches out and gives Dillon’s shoulder a squeeze. “Calm down, Vida will watch him. No need for the boy to be in daycare when his momma is just having a day where she needs some rest. My girls have him. Nothing for you to worry about or apologize for.”
Danza looks to my mother, “Vida, you good with that?”
She smiles proudly, “of course, I miss those days with little ones.” Now I’m the one beaming with pride. My mom is the best mom, there isn’t a moment of my life or my siblings’ lives that she hasn’t been our rock.
“Prospect, drop the boy, and let’s get to work,” Danza orders and the man’s face softened.
“I can keep my job?” He asks not hiding his surprise.
Why is he worried about his job? I’m curious as to who this man is and what he has going on.
Danza’s eyes widen, “Dillon, I told you, things change for you now. The moment your ass rearended my hot rod we are tied together. When I heard that woman screaming through the car at you, I told you I have your back. You aren’t doing this shit alone anymore. Vida is a mother of three, Maritza here is one of her children. She didn’t drop one of them babies on their heads ever.” We all stare at him, and I know my mouth drops open with his statement. “Hollis will be fine.”
Danza shrugs, “what? You get dropped on your head Maritza? Ruby, you didn’t tell me Vida was a baby dropper. Sheesh, ya think you know someone.”
I shake my head as I laugh, only Danza to which he grins a shit-eating smirk.
He continues not missing a beat, “Dillon, your son will be fine here. You can work fixing my car and whatever else comes in, make a paycheck, and then come get your son and go home when the day is done.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Dillon replies in shock.
“How about, here is the diaper bag? Then you add is usual schedule for eating and naps,” my dad encourages, “unless his momma breastfeeds him, there ain’t anything he needs that my Vida and hija won’t be able to do.”
Danza laughs, “yeah, we don’t have anyone lactating around here to help feed him. Sometimes the prospects bitch and whine more than a woman so they should have periods and produce milk, but they don’t.” He furrows his brows getting a serious look, “unless you’re gonna be one of them prospects that whines and nags, then I’ll see about buying you a breast pump to induce lactation.”
“Danza,” I gasp, “you’re embarrassing him,” I explain watching Dillon’s face blush. I extend my hand to him. “And while lactation induction can be possible for some persons born female, I don’t know that Dillon here has the necessary equipment.” I step to the prospect, “I’m Maritza Castillo, Ruby and Vida’s oldest daughter. I grew up in the club and your son will be fine here with us.”