I nodded, giving him the all-clear to leave.
I slumped in my chair, suddenly exhausted. My thoughts went to my Angel. Already, the club was treating her like she was my old lady. I had changed after she entered my life. Did shit I had never done in all the years I’d been a member of Knight’s Legion. It made sense my brothers took notice and asked questions.
Now, Aunt Eve knew there was a woman. I needed to figure out what I was going to do about Madeline asap. I couldn’t leave her or myself in limbo. I just didn’t know what the right decision was for any of us.
20
Madeline
From across the dining table, Tara flicked her sable-brown eyes my way. She’d done it dozens of times in the last couple of days. Probably waiting for me to combust from the anger building inside me.
Honestly, she had nothing to worry about. I had prepared to not hear from Storm—sort of. His bossiness and possessiveness had made me think we were starting something. Like we were more than two people fucking each other’s brains out. I should’ve known better.
“Stop it. I’m fine.” I lifted my wine glass, taking a sip.
“You’re not. I’ll kill him.”
I waved her off as my phone rang. I held my breath, hoping Storm was finally calling. It wasn’t. I answered with a small smile. “Hi, Mom…”
“Well, hello. I figured I might as well call, in the off chance you forgot my number.” Mom laughed, but it didn’t stop me from feeling guilty.
“I’m sorry. I’ve just been enjoying my summer break with Tara.”
“Hi, Mrs. H,” Tara stood from her chair, clearing the dinner dishes.
“Tell her I said hi back.”
I turned toward Tara. “Mom says, hi.”
“Tell me all about the fun you’ve been having. It’s almost been a month since school let out. I expected a call or maybe a visit.”
“Mom, I told you when I was there for Easter, I didn’t think I’d be coming out this summer.”
She always did this to me. Pretend like she didn’t hear me or forgot, when I knew neither was true.
“I just miss you. And so does your dad.”
I heard him in the background, mumbling about taking his princess,me, out for a sundae at Trudy’s Ice Cream Parlor.
“I’d love a hot fudge sundae right now,” I told her honestly.
“Oh, dear. That tells me you’re sad.”
I stifled a snort. “Why? It’s ice cream.”
“Oh honey, have you forgotten nobody knows you better than your mom? When you’re sad about something, you always order hot fudge. When you’re excited, it’s strawberry. If you’re angry, you order a banana split, extra cherries.”
Wow. Mom did know me well. I got up from the dining chair and went into the living room. I dropped onto the sofa and put my feet up on the coffee table. Something told me this wasn’t going to be a short call. Good thing I’d had two glasses of wine with dinner, so I was mellow.
“Mom, I was just a kid back then. I’ve since grown up, if you hadn’t noticed.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed, my sweet girl. I’ve noticed. You’re an independent woman who provides for yourself and doesn’t need anyone… even your parents.” If I didn’t know her better, I would think there was a jab in there somewhere. But Mom loved me dearly. She only wanted me to need her more.
“Mom, I do need you.”
She made a shushing sound. “Tell me why you’re sad? Is it about a boy?”
I groaned, rolling my eyes. “No, Mom. It’s not about aboy.” The rumbling of motorcycles drew my attention to the front window. Two bikers rode by.