Down & Dirty by Reese Madison

doing?”
    She looked out the window. “Scared.”
    “Of what?”
    “Everything. Before I was afraid of him, now I don’t even know what to be afraid of, I just am.” She admitted.
    “Try to breathe. I won’t let anything happen to you, neither will Salina. Slider will make sure you get what you need to get your life together. Salina and I will be here for you. You’re not alone. Sorry to dump you on a stranger last night.”
    “That’s okay, it took my mind off everything. That woman has a lot of kids.”
    I laughed, “So I saw. Did you get any sleep??”
    She smiled, “No, but I wouldn’t have anyway, so it worked out. I told her I could babysit for cheap since I got nothing else.”
    “That’s a good idea. We’ll figure it all out, don’t be afraid sweetheart, nobody here is going to hurt you.” I tried to assure her.
    She wiped a tear away. “Thanks. If my son is safe that’s all I need.” She looked down at him.
    “What’s his name?”
    “I don’t know, I just call him monkey.”
    “That can be his club name, but he should have a proper name.” I winked at her in the mirror.
    She sat back like she was thinking. “What’s your husband’s name?”
    “Joe.”
    “Too plain. I want him to be different.” She decided.
    “I always thought Shale was a cool name.” I said absently. There’s no way this girl is going to let somebody else name her baby. I wouldn’t. Maybe I’m selfish. It’s probably Joe rubbing off on me.
    “Hmm. I like that. Let me think about it.”
    I parked the fancy Mercedes and helped her out of the back seat. “We’ll start out in the clubhouse. There’s an apartment in the back with a bathroom you can set up camp in for now. I don’t think we’re expecting guests anytime soon.”
    “Thanks. I wonder if I can wait tables here.”
    “Since I own it, we’ll see. You’re a little young, but I think I can figure something out.” I opened the door so she could carry the baby inside.
    “Holy shit.” She said before my eyes could adjust.
    “Oh my God. Wow. These people work fast.” There’s a mountain of baby stuff in the middle of the dance floor. I think they donated everything this kid will need until he’s like five years old. Dang.
    “Is this for me?” She asked sitting in a chair.
    I saw a huge card and held it out for her, “It has your name on it.”
    “You open it.” She showed me shaking hands.
    “Okay. Breathe.” I said opening the card. It was a two foot card welcoming a baby boy into the world. I showed it to her and read what Salina had written along the bottom:
    Michelle and baby,
    Welcome to Exiles. We take care of our own. All of this is yours. Make the most of a fresh start.
    Love, Salina and the club.
    She finally took the card, held it to her heart, and cried.
    When she calmed down enough I pulled her up and hugged her. “I knew they’d help you out, but this even surprises me.” I laughed.
    She laughed at the end of her cry just as Salina and an older lady walked in.
    Salina clapped her hands once and said, “Damn!! Now that’s what I call generosity! I asked for donations, and they always come through, but damn!”
    I hugged Salina, “Thank you, this is awesome.”
    I looked at the other lady, “Hi, I’m Carly.” I held my hand out for her to shake.
    She held her hands up, “Sorry, my arthritis is so bad if I shake your hand I’ll be in pain the rest of the day.”
    “How about a hug then?”
    “Sounds good. I’m Jeannie. Nice to meet you Carly.” We hugged.
    “You too.”
    Salina pulled a couple chairs out and motioned for us to sit, “Here’s the deal. Jeannie’s husband lost a leg to diabetes, and her arthritis is making it too difficult to help him out like she used to. She agreed to let Michelle move in, in exchange for help around the house.”
    Michelle looked at me, “Really?”
    “Don’t look at me.” I nodded to Jeannie.
    Jeannie took Michelle’s hand gently. “I was a college professor until my