He leaned down and inquired, “Meant to ask…did you sign up for online classes?”
I shook my head. “No, I need my credit card to seal the deal and it hasn’t arrived yet.”
Colt paused. “I’ve got a credit card.”
“You’re not suggesting what I think you’re suggesting.”
“Use my credit card,” he stated.
“You trust me not to do an online shopping spree?”
“Yeah, I trust you.”
My insides felt like mush. “I’ll pay you back.”
“Fine,” he answered brusquely.
I smiled even though he couldn’t see me. I would never be someone who would take handouts and give nothing in return. I wasn’t wired that way. I liked to contribute on my own and bring something real to the table. Colt seemed inclined to want to take care of me. He was president of the Blue Angels and an older brother. It was in his DNA to be in control and to protect. I could appreciate that about him, but I had no trouble pushing back and letting him know I could take care of myself. I was glad he’d take my money when the time came.
The atmosphere of the party changed with the departure of children and the arrival of young women in tight clothing. I watched as some of the married men groped and made out with the women who had come to the club gathering. Darcy and the other Old Ladies hadn’t talked about this part of club life. It was one thing to sleep around when you were single, but these were married men and it felt like a different deal all together.
Zip got off the log next to Joni, took his beer bottle and went to a skimpy-clad woman with fake breasts. She screeched in excitement and then jumped into his arms. He caught her and then they started making out.
“Ew,” I muttered and then discreetly glanced at Joni. Her gaze had dropped to her lap, and I knew she was battling her hurt.
With a squeeze to Colt’s leg, I stood up from the ground, my tailbone numb. “Bathroom,” I said to Colt. He nodded. I walked over to Joni and without a word, grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the party and the man she couldn’t have.
“I think I’ll ask Cheese for a ride,” Joni said when we were far enough away from the bonfire not to be overheard. Defeat weighed heavily in her voice. “He’s sober and I’ve got to get out of here.”
We entered the hallway of the clubhouse, passing more women on their way out to the bonfire. They looked ready to party, some of them already swaying on their high heels.
“Don’t go,” I pled. “Hang out with me.”
Darcy had left. Rachel had disappeared with Reap into his clubhouse room, and Allison was too quiet and I felt like when we spoke, I was speakingather.
“I can’t do this,” Joni said. “I’ve watched him do this for years, and I’m done. I need to be done.”
“Stay and fight for him.”
“He doesn’t even see me—and if he wants to play around, then fine, but I won’t wait for him anymore.”
“I’ll walk with you to find Cheese.”
“Most of them are like that,” Joni said. “Fuck anything that walks—a lot of the married guys are the same way.”
“Gray plays around on Darcy? I find that hard to believe.”
“I said ‘most’. Gray’s a solid, faithful guy.”
“I guess not all men are cheaters.”
We exited the clubhouse and stood on the porch. I looked around for Cheese and found him standing guard with a prospect named Acid.
“Colt’s not like that,” Joni said.
“He’s not?”
She shook her head. “Dad never played around on Mom and Colt is cut from the same cloth as our father.”