“Do you know your grandfather took Christopher and your uncle to Europe every year, for five or six years? He went to cultivate contacts and help get chapters up and running over there. But that isn’t all he did, he also exposed them to the other side of life.”
Rebel had heard something to that effect. Several times as a matter of fact, but it went right over her head.
“They understood there was a big, wide world out there, outside of the club.”
“I would’ve been pissed if I were you. He could’ve taken you.”
“There are reasons he didn’t. I still experienced it. Just not with him.”
“With Daddy,” Rebel said.
“Yes.”
Unable to stop herself, Rebel glanced all around again. “I can get used to this.”
Momma laughed. “I’m sure you can, and it’s yours if you want it. You don’t have to tie yourself to the club. You can go to college. Experience that side of life. I did not fight so hard on your behalf for you to throw away all your opportunities.” She reached her hand across the table.
Reluctantly, Rebel placed her hand in her mother’s.
“The world is yours for the taking. Do so.”
Charles returned to the table, carrying a plate. A woman walked beside him also carrying a plate. They set them in front of Momma and Rebel at the same time, their movements synchronized.
“Breton langoustine with Kristal caviar and spring herb gelée. The sweetness of the shellfish is balanced by the salinity of the caviar and a touch of Amalfi lemon.”
Fuck,caviar? She hated those little balls of salt.
Although Momma picked up her fork, Rebel absolutely wouldn’t unless she could scrape the caviar away.
“How is the temperature for you?” Charles asked.
Momma waited until she finished chewing. “Perfect.”
And they were gone again.
“You aren’t eating?”
“I hate those fish balls.”
“Fish eggs.”
“They could be fish eyes,” Rebel hissed. “I don’t like them.”
“Look, sweetheart.”
Dropping her gaze to the movement of Momma’s small fork, Rebel saw her scrape a layer away stealthily. “Always adapt. Figure out your surroundings and make them fit so you’ll be relatively comfortable. It doesn’t always work. Scrape the caviar away and try the langostinos.”
Those were good. She’d had them at J’s before. When Rebel scraped away that top crap and stuck a piece in her mouth, she discovered they were delicious. She’d almost missed out on this because the chef took it upon himself to add fish eggs to the meal.
“How are you, sweetheart?” Momma sipped her champagne. “I can advise you for the rest of the evening and beyond. But this isn’t about me. Tell me what’s onyourmind?”
A lot, mostly jumbled in her head. “Should I forgive him?”
Momma didn’t pretend ignorance. “Should you? Does Diesel deserve forgiveness?”
“I don’t know. He hurt me so bad, but I do miss being able to talk to him.”
“No one’s stopping you.”
