Chapter Five

Apart from this morning before I went to sleep, I hadn't seen Ron all day and apart from earlier, I hadn't seen any of the other guys either. I knew they were all inside the clubhouse, but I'm guessing they were dealing with something that was more ‘’Scorpion’’ business than ‘Turner Auto’ business. I got the feeling there were a lot of secrets being kept around here, but, hey, I'm not one to judge on secret-keeping.

I pushed the dark thoughts away and logged off my computer. I felt like I wasted the whole day, but, I was only here to spend time with Ron and he had been busy, So, I guess, if I hadn't been sleeping, I would have just had to keep myself entertained another way. I still had a little while before I should get my stuff sorted for this dinner, and since all the guys were still here, I'm guessing there was no rush.

I looked over at the office and saw Jemma through the open door. I smiled to myself and got up. Maybe I could have a little chat with her? That might be nice.

Leaving my laptop where it was, sensing it would be safe, I walked across the car park and knocked on the door, She looked up and smiled at me.

''Hey, can I come in?'' I asked, not wanting to intrude if she was busy. She nodded and I went and sat down on the small couch.

''You ok sweetheart?''

''Yeah, I'm ok. I just have no idea what to do. Everyone seems so busy''. She smiled again.

''Well, The guys are really busy at the minute''. I remember she said something about a security problem, which was given as an explanation of how the guys had acted towards me when I first showed up.

''With that security problem?'' She looked at me, seemingly surprised I had remembered.

''Yeah, something like that''.

''Anything I can help with?'' She took off her glasses and put them down on top of the stack of files and papers that clearly needed some attention.

''Between us?'' I nodded, ''It would be safer for you if no one in Pleasant-Tree-Ville knew you were Ron's daughter. Keep a low profile while you're here, ok?''

''S-sure... why?''

''It's club business. If Ron wants you to know, he will tell you''. She gave me a look which told me the conversation on this 'issue' was over, but surely if this was something that could and would put me in danger, I had a right to know... nevertheless, I dropped the subject... for now.

''Can I ask you something?''

''Sure''.

''What's the deal with that creepy guy... Alexander?'' She chuckled to herself and leaned back in her chair, folding her arms.

''Why? Does he freak you out a little?'' I shrugged. ''Don't worry about him''.

''Why? Is he harmless?'' I joked.

''No'’ She said matter of factly, ‘'Alexander is probably one of the most psychotic people you'll meet around here, but, if you’re family, you're safe... and you're family. If he's said or done anything, he's just winding you up, don't worry about him.''.

''Ok''. I felt slightly better.

''But if he or the guys say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell me or Ron, ok?''

''Yeah, Ok''.

We started up a conversation about random things, nothing specific, but it was nice. Not only was Jemma the only woman I knew well enough to talk to around here, but... She was clearly a mother figure for these guys and it was nice having a mother figure around again... it had been months since I felt that comfort.

The thought of my own dead mother made my heart sink and I couldn't hide the pain on my face.

''Hey, are you ok?'' I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.

''Yeah, I'm ok''. She just looked at me and I knew she didn't believe me. I plastered a fake smile on and changed the subject again. ''So, do I need to bring anything to this big family dinner tonight?''.

''Who told you?'' She seemed genuinely annoyed. ''That was meant to be a nice surprise for you''.

''Oh, I'm sorry. Alex mentioned it before''. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

''Men, can't keep any secrets''. We shared a laugh. Jemma told me I didn't need to bring anything but she needed to get home and start cooking dinner before she started packing up her things and we walked out of the office together.

She headed off to her car and I went back towards the club. I grabbed my laptop and went inside.

The guys had spread around. Some were at the bar and some were playing pool. They all looked up when I walked in and Ron came over to me and gave me an awkward one-armed hug and a forehead kiss.

''How are you doing today, kid?'' I shrugged.

''I'm good, not much to do really''. He smiled.

''Yeah... I know. Probably not much fun hanging around here, huh?''.

''No, No, I don't mind it, honestly. I wasn't expecting you to just put your life on hold for me to come and visit''.

''Yeah, well, that's not the point''. He hooked his arm over my shoulder and we walked together to the bar. ''Want a drink?'' I shook my head.

''I'm guessing you don't have Coca Cola?'' He chuckled.

''Afraid not''.

''Ah, it's ok. I'm not much of a drinker. I'll go make a coffee''. I walked over to the kitchen and I heard Ron follow me.

''How about we go out tomorrow. Just me and you. There isn't much to do in Pleasant-Tree-Ville but-''

''No, that sounds great to me!''. I cut him off excitedly. It really did. It didn't matter what we did, but we would be doing it together and that was the important thing, being able to spend time, alone, with my... my dad. I couldn't stop smiling, and neither could he.

''Have you seen Jemma?'' He asked, changing the subject, clearly not wanting to get emotional in front of the guys. Ah, that’s where I get it from.

''Yeah, she just left. She said she had to go home and start cooking dinner for everyone''.

''I bet she wasn't happy someone let that secret out the bag?''

''Blame your friendly neighbourhood psycho, over there''. I nodded towards where Alex was sitting at the bar, talking to one of the other guys and smiling. Ron looked over and shook his head.

''Typical''. We shared another laugh and he went back to the guys and I finished making my drink.

I stood in the doorway of the kitchen, freshly made, hot cup of coffee in hand and looked around the room. They all seemed so happy.

''Hey, wanna play?'' It was one of the young lads who asked. I couldn't remember his name, but I always liked a good game of pool, so I took him up on the offer. I placed my drink down and walked over to him. He passed me a stick and began setting up the balls.

''Hey, remind me what your name is?'' He grinned.

''It's Pulp''.

''What, like Orange, Apple, Mango?''

''Something like that''. I just shook my head in amusement and took my first shot, breaking the balls and sending two flying into the pockets right off the bat.

''Wow, you know how to play?'' He seemed impressed.

''Something like that''. I heard some of the other guys chuckled, but I ignored it and we started our game.