Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“This is true.” She gives me a sheepish grin.
“That being said, you had three of us to love. Rylee was your baby. We were raised with the same values and morals, but she strayed. You and Dad placated that behavior. She lived with no consequences until recently. None of that changes the fact that you love your children.”
“From the bottom of my soul, I am sorry for the way I behaved this last year. You were always on my mind, but at some point, I reconciled that you were better off without me.”
“Stacy, this may take time. But one common denominator I take blame for is people always wanting to protect me. You hiding Rylee’s betrayal, Chase and Bex hiding their relationship, Talon trying to put me behind a fortress. I’m stronger than people give me credit for.”
“You always have been.” The sincerity in her compliment sends a wave of warmth through me.
“Thanks.”
“One more thing. Are you sure you’re okay with Sterling and me moving forward with bailing Rylee and Joseph out?”
I try to cover my laugh, which turns it into a muted squeak. “We already went through this. It means nothing to me. I have Talon because of their mess.”
Her smile is genuine and laced with a little mischief. “Yes, Talon. Quite a man you landed.”
There’s a light rumble from behind.
Oh my God, these bruisers are listening. I do a quick glimpse around the table for anything out of place and notice a small silver device next to my water. No wonder the waitress is spooked. These men are insane.
“Man, neanderthal, brute, boor… you name it. He and his friends are developing a side gig as caveman trainers.”
One of them, possibly Ace, snickers. I chuck the device over my shoulder without looking to let them know I’m on to them.
Mom’s gaze lights with amusement. “I hope to get to know him and his friends one day soon.”
“Stacy, I’m living the best life possible. There is no room for toxicity or distrust. If you want to be a part of this life I’m building, I’m willing to give it a try. Small steps.”
The amusement fades out and tears well. “I’ll do anything in my power to win your trust again. Small steps are fine.”
“Well, then we’ve come to our place.”
“What exactly is our place?”
“The place of opportunity.”
“Does this opportunity allow for you to call me Mom again?”
“Small steps.”
She nods, gathering her napkin from her lap and slapping it on the table. “We better take advantage of this fabulous salad bar before you have to return to work.”
“You know about the salad bar?”
“Of course! I love this place.”
“You do? It doesn’t seem like your kind of establishment.” I take in the clientele dressed more like me in scrubs.
“Your dad had an office close to here many years ago. We met up often.”
“Why’d you stop?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “You always wanted to go to upscale restaurants when you met me for lunch.”
“Because somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I thought taking you to fancy restaurants was part of my job. Show you the finer things.”
“I didn’t need that.”
“I know, Willow. You have always been down to earth. Even your little Lulu addiction.”
A tinge of pain hits, thinking about the clothing now in the trash. “Well, that hasn’t changed. And I have a newfound love for designer shoes.”
She quirks an eyebrow. “Really?”
I stand with her and lead the way to the salad bar, catching Ace and Ford’s approval as we pass. Evidently, they didn’t need the device to hear because of Ford’s ability to read lips. I don’t care. They may be overprotective, but they do it out of love. Talon couldn’t be here, so he sent his brothers to watch my back.
Yeah, I am definitely living my best life. We get in line and I begin the story of the fabulous evening I met my boyfriend’s parents.
“Friday night, Talon gave me the most effervescent pair of….”
“Make it stop,” I howl, gasping for breath. “He’s killing me.”
“On no, he’s demonstrating on her hip.” Bex snatches her phone from the middle of the table. “Video proof.”
“More like blackmail,” Abe grumbles.
Tears slide down my cheeks watching Lucas working his charm on the woman across the room. “It’s all your fault. You gave him that award.”
He holds up his palms in defense. “Not my idea. The front office came up with these awards.”
I review the plaque on the table and shake my head. Bex and I left ours in the car, but Lucas paraded in here, displaying his proudly. “Who specifically decided to credit him with ‘Most Likely to specialize in the stripper population’?”
“Not sure, but they created a monster.”
The three of us continue to watch Lucas until the woman scribbles something on her napkin and hands it to him. He saunters back to the table with an arrogant grin.