Chapter 61

Pixie


I couldn’t stop the questions “ Special how?” “ Merigold’s is special because she drew it herself. She is our club princess and for her pint size she managed to tame two of our wildest guys while raising two boys by herself. I’m sure you have heard the stories about the other ol’e ladies. Speed’s was because I was able to make some scars that had painful memories and turn them into something beautiful. Gretchen is special because not only did she do something no skank has ever done, become an ol’e lady but because of how fiercely she fought for her woman. Ailee, though she is tougher than nails she has a soft side only a few get to see. And she literally came back from the dead. And Lilly it wasn’t just because she is my ol’e lady. She kept getting knocked down, lost most of her vision and still kept getting up. Nothing was going to stop her from making her dreams happen. Even me.” Tank said.

Tank is right. I had heard most of the stories about the ol’e ladies. And the way he talked about tattooing them like they were the ones doing him a favor. He felt privileged to be able to do the work. “ All the designs are great and personalized. Just like yours. But the gauntlet I did for Ailee. That is one I have up on my wall. It turned out so much better than I could have hoped. I don’t use metallic ink often but it made the difference.” Tank said. “ Tank, that's sweet how you care for each of the girls.” I said. “ They are my sisters and wife. Family. It is what we do. You know how Mc’s are. From what Casper has said you have been in one since before you were in kindergarten. We have each other no matter what. And now I get to add you to the family.” he said.

I have to close my eyes so the tears don’t fall. He just said the sweetest thing. I’m used to it from the Devils. But hearing it from my husband’s brother. Another club is super sweet. “ Thanks, Tank.” I whisper. I look over at Viper to see how his tattoo is going. I know he heard me and Tank talking. He is only five feet away. He winks at me. We all talk some more while Tank works. I hear music in the background but don’t pay too much attention until I hear a very familiar voice. I look at Tank and raise my brow. He laughs “ I have the music on a shuffle and never know what is going to play. But yes, there are at least two of their albums in there.” Tank says blushing.

“ What can I say? I like their work.” Tank said. “ I think he has a thing for the girl they call Songbird. Just don’t let Lilly find out. She will have your ass.” Mark said. I look over to see if he is joking. But the guy is dead serious. Does he not know? “ Mark, have you ever seen Songbird in concert?” I asked. “ No, not my type of music. She is pretty good though. Why?” Mark asks. I can feel laughter start bubbling up and I know I won’t be able to stop it. “ Tank, could you stop for a second?” I managed to ask.

He pulls away and I just crack up. “ What’s so funny?” Mark asks and I laugh harder.I am holding my sides and have tears running down my face. Tank turns his head but I see his shoulders shaking. I can stop to answer him. Mark is looking at me like I have lost my mind. Viper puts him out of his misery and confusion. “ Dude, Songbird is Lilly.” Viper laughs. “ For real?” Mark asks, dropping his jaw. I am gasping for air from laughing and almost roll out of the chair if Tank hadn’t caught me.

“ Yes, Mark. My wife Lilly is Songbird. It is her stage name.” Tank said, still holding me in place. “ Wow, just wow. I have been listening to you play her music for years and never knew sweet little Lilly was the same person. No wonder she is laughing so hard.” Mark said, pointing to me laughing himself. That is when I notice everyone in here is laughing. I’m not sure if it is at me or Mark though. I finally calmed down, wiped my eyes and say “ I guess if you had never seen her perform it makes sense.” When I know I am calm and can lay still I look at Tank. “ I’m sorry. I couldn’t hold it in and didn’t want to mess you up. I’m good now if you want to start again.” I told him.

Tank gets back to work walking me through everything.Thirty minutes later he is done and cleaning me up. I can’t fully see it looking down so Tank hands me a mirror. I gasp. “ Tank, it is beautiful. And you made my first tattoo a pleasant experience, thank you.” Tank covers it up with a plastic wrap type bandage. “ Viper, can help you with the care of it. I know he doesn’t mind having his hands on you.” Tank winks. I grab my wallet to pay him but Tank holds up his hand. “ Marking my sister is on me.And any other work gets the family rate.” he says. “ Are you sure? I feel like I should pay you for your time. I took the spot of a customer.” I said.

“ I’m sure. Like I said. I feel honored that my brothers trust me enough to let me mark their ol’e ladies. And that my sister is comfortable enough with me to do it.” Tank said. I hold my arms open “ Can I?” Tank bends down and wraps his beefy arms around me. He is so big I feel like I’m engulfed by a cuddly gorilla. When Tank backs up I see Viper standing next to me. “ Was it as good as you thought?” he asks. I nod my head so fast I know I look like a bobble-head doll. “ Yes. Definitely one of the top five best days.” I said. “ Top five?” Viper asks. I hold up my fingers and count them off. “ My first win. The day I got my truck. The day I started walking again. The day I married you. And now this.” I said. Viper gives me a quick kiss. “ I like that I’m two out of five. I’ll see if I can’t improve on that.” he says as we head out.