Next, Murphy prods me into fixing up one of the empty rooms next to the pool as a gym. After church, he takes me downstairs to show me the room he wants to remodel.

He pats his gut. “I’ve been working too hard to be losing my gains because I’m sittin’ around here all the time.”

“Give me a break, you just want to fit into your wedding tux or whatever Heidi’s making you wear.”

“That too.”

I point to the pool. “Get a company in here to clean that up, fix it, do whatever the fuck they need to do. It’s disgusting.”

“Why are you telling me?”

“Because you’re standing here annoying me about a gym. For the immediate future, fitness for this clubhouse is your responsibility. The pool falls under fitness.”

“Jesus Christ, like I don’t have enough to do.” He puts his hands on his hips and ducks his head. “Fine, you know what? I need a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

“I got a fight out in Johnsonville tomorrow. I could use the extra backup.”

I’m about to strangle his fucking ass. For still taking on underground fights even though everyone upstate has pretty much told him to stop. And also for springing it on me so last minute. “You fuckin’ serious? The president gig isn’t exactly leaving me lots of recreational time, you know. And I’m supposed to leave for California soon.”

Murphy shrugs. “Have some more of the brothers roll with us. It can be a fun bonding activity for the club.”

“Do I look like your summer camp counselor, ya dick? I thought you were done with this shit?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need you there, Z.”

Guilt, a powerful motivator for a brother. “Fucker.”

He gives me a triumphant grin that makes me want to kick his ass. “Fine.” I’m not done making demands, though. “If you promise you’ll get the pool and gym sorted out before I get back from Cali.”

There, that ought to keep his ass out of trouble.

“You got it.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Z

I should’ve known this calm streak couldn’t last.

The dogs are frolicking in the backyard and we’re about to go outside when Lilly’s phone rings.

She picks it up and glances at the screen. “It’s Mara. I should take it.”

“You should invite her to come visit.”

She nods and answers the call.

I pick up Chance. “Want to swim?” Silly question. The answer is always yes.

“What?” Lilly’s shrill tone has Chance and me turning our heads.

I move closer, hoping to overhear some of their conversation.

“Well, good luck to them. I’m at the house—”

“Don’t tell me!” Mara shrieks so loud I can hear her from where I’m standing.