Kim covered her eyes and shook her head. “A little warning next time, please?”
Lynn scoffed, entirely unbothered. “What? I waited till Bryce wasn’t around.”
“Thanks for that, and Mom, at least the windows are tinted so no one can see in,” Beth said.
When Lynn finally straightened—fully dressed—everyone stared.
Gone was the leather biker babe. In her place stood a bohemian goddess, effortlessly stunning in a soft olive green dress that fell off one shoulder. The fabric floated around her, cinched at the waist with a brown leather belt that ended in a loop and long fringe. The asymmetrical neckline was tied in delicate knots at the shoulder, and the ruffled hem fell just above her leather boots.
Her wild red spirals tumbled freely down her back, and against the earthy tone of the dress, her green eyes looked even brighter.
Lynn’s ability to wear any style and still look completely at ease, always sure of herself—never failed to amaze Beth. Almost as much as it amazed her that Lynn didn’t seem to recognize the breathtaking beauty everyone else saw.
“Whoa,” Kim said, nodding in approval. “That’s a whole vibe.”
“I know, right? Just wait—I’ve got a hat too.” Lynn grabbed a felt fedora and mashed it over her curls. “Now let’s eat before I get hangry.” She laughed and was the first to head out of the room.
They filled their plates and gathered around the table, laughter rising around an Irish breakfast feast, fresh pastries, and steaming mugs of coffee. The conversation flowed easily—until the edge of hunger faded and Bryce, in his usual laid-back tone,asked, “So, Lynn… how long have you had the motorcycle?”
Beth froze mid-sip.
Sue’s fork paused halfway to her mouth.
Kim glanced around them and barely held back a wince.
Lynn, already halfway through a cinnamon roll, wasn’t fazed by the question. “Bought it this week.”
Beth raised an eyebrow. “That explains the Pink Lady getup.”
“I was going for Greased Lightnin’ realness,” Lynn said with a smirk, licking icing off her thumb. The silence that followed was sharp. Thick.
“What year is it?” Bryce asked, still oblivious to the weight slowly settling over the table.
Sue looked up, her voice cool and clipped. “Your—what?”
It was a tone Bryce had never heard from his mother-in-law before. It made him lean back in his chair and raise his hands slightly, retreating into silence.
Lynn clapped her hands with a grin, trying to break the tension. “I bought a motorcycle,” she repeated breezily.
“YOU DID WHAT?” the room exploded in unison, finally snapping out of the stunned pause.
“I b-o-u-g-h-t a m-o-t-o-r-c-y-c-l-e,” Lynn said slowly, enunciating every letter like she was talking to kindergartners. “I’ll show you when we leave. She’s a beauty. I named her Gemini—Gem for short.”
Another silence. This one tighter.
“You bought a donor-mobile?” Beth asked, still stunned.
“Oh, come on, Beth—nobody calls them that,” Lynn snapped, irritation creeping into her voice as her heart rate began to accelerate.
“Yes, they do!” Beth and Kim said in tandem.
Lynn rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You can call it what you want. I call it fun to ride.”
Her eyes lit up again as she leaned back, clearly picturing herself on the bike.
“Do you even know how to drive it?” Sue asked, her voice quiet but filled with something that silenced the table.
“Yes, Mother, I can ride it.” Lynn’s voice sharpened, defensive. “Took a two-day course before I bought it. Got a big break on insurance, too.”
