“Ooh,” she coos. “How romantic.”
I groan into the mug, hating talking to my mother about these things, but she always wants to know everything.
“First, let’s talk about your brother driving all the way out there for you, and then we’re going to get to the good stuff.”
I flatten my boots out on the bottom step and rest my elbows on my knees, bracing myself. “Thumper was Thumper.”
“But he brought you the part?”
“Yeah.”
“I guess he’s not always an asshole.”
I stare at her, waiting for her to come to her senses.
“An asshole wouldn’t have driven hours to bring you a part, baby.”
“Sometimes, and I mean very rarely, he has a moment where he’s normal, before his asshole side comes roaring back.”
“Well, I’m glad he could help.”
“He started talking shit about Tate.”
Her mouth drops open. “Fuck.”
“Yep.”
“Why would he do that?”
“She has a past with the club. It’s too much to explain, but he was rude, and I made sure he knew I wasn’t about to let that slide.”
“Did he apologize?”
I bark out a laugh. “Does he ever?”
My brother is a lot of things, but sorry for anything he’s ever done wrong to me or those around him…never.
“I’ll speak to him.”
“Don’t.” I lean over, stretching my back after such a long ride. “Either he does or he doesn’t, but I want it to be on him and not because his mom made him do it.”
She places her hand on my back, rubbing gently like she used to when I was little. “Okay, baby. I’m sure he’ll come to his senses.”
I peer over at her.
“It could happen.”
“I’m not holding my breath.”
“You really like her, huh?”
“I do, Ma. I’m all twisted up over her, and I don’t know how I feel about that. I swore I’d never?—”
“Don’t let that bitch Katie ruin everything for you. Not all women are careless, heartless jerks like her. I’ve known Tate since she was a little girl. She’s a good one, and her family is the best too. No one better than the Gallos.”
“It’s hard to trust.”
“I’ve never known her to be a liar.”
