“He and Rory let you face the consequences alone. They are little boys with little dick energy.”
“Mentality,” Ryan corrected, grinning.
Harley laughed. “Right. Grant scored with that one.”
“Grant’s a bad motherfucker. You ever saw his fucking wrestling matches? Dude was fucking brutal. One punch would’ve knocked Devon into Rory and broke both those fuckheads.”
“You’re funny,” Harley said, giggling again.
“Seriously. Watch them one day. They are on YouTube.”
“Wrestling is too violent.”
“You’re such a fucking girl.”
Ryan came toward her. Subconsciously, Harley was still afraid of him, so she backed up, then laughed nervously at his wince. He reachedfor her hand.
“I’m not going to do anything but hold your hand. Okay?”
“O-okay.” Her fingers trembled as she held her hand up.
Taking it in his bigger one, Ryan squeezed gently. “Thank you, Harley. Thank you for sharing that beautiful voice with us at the play. Thank you for your grace in giving me the time of day and hearing me out. It means so much to me. One day, I hope you can truly forgive me and not look at me with fear and suspicion.”
“Thank you,” Harley whispered, her tears starting again, still wanting her mother but knowing being around her wouldn’t be good for Mommie’s stability.
Harley’s presence would be a liability.
Ryan kissed her cheek. “I’ll get your things and bring them up here,” he told her.
“Thank you,” she responded, walked into the room, and closed the door. Welcoming the privacy, she allowed her misery to flow freely and pour out of her.
Later that afternoon, Meggie walked into the dining room, greeted her sons, brushed her lips over her husband’s and took her seat to his right. She’d texted everyone and told them, they’d have an early dinner. She hadn’t seen Christopher since this morning when he’d left for the club, so she hadn’t had a chance to tell him about her changed plans. Another reason for the early meal. She’d make her announcement to all the boys at once.
“MOM!”
Startled by Axel’s yell, Meggie leaned forward to see him. He sat in the very last chair. Since Jana, Bishop, and Kaia’s additions to the household, the seating arrangements had changed. In the scheme ofthings, the new lineup was inconsequential, but it also symbolized all the many changes over the last year.
Axel unceremoniously shaken.
“What’s the matter, Mom?” Even before she turned to him and saw the look on his face, she heard the suspicion in his tone. “Why are you so dispracted?”
“Distracted,” Meggie corrected, her offhanded response not helping. She turned to him, pretending Rebel and Rule’s empty seats didn’t upset her. “I’m fine. I-I just lost something.”
It wasn’t a lie. She’d been so proud of herself, keeping track of not only the pills but her dedication to taking them.
“What’d you lose?” Axel asked, sliding into Rebel’s empty seat. “Maybe my men and me can help you look.”
“Here, baby.” Christopher held out the platter of bacon and sausages. Breakfast for dinner was easy and always a winner. “Fix your plate, then tell Axel.”
Grabbing the platter, Meggie handed it to Axel. “I’m not hungry.” She reminded herself her problems could wait. Her carelessness wasn’t her daughter’s fault, and Rebel needed her. “I’ll eat at the airport.”
Silence followed, the type brought on by shock and disbelief before reality sank in, and everyone spoke at once.
“You promised you wouldn’t leave, Mom,” Axel cried.
“Where are you going?” CJ asked. “Can I come?”
“Airport?” Christopher echoed. “What the fuck you mean?Airport?”
