"And you think you can be that person?"
"I'm going to try.Every day.For as long as they'll let me."
She watches me, looking for lies, for weakness, for reasons to throw me out.
Finally, she says, "If you hurt her or that boy, I'll make you regret it.I don't care how big you are or what patch you wear.I'll make you regret it."
"Understood."
"Good."She turns back to the groceries and starts unpacking."You can stay for breakfast.Might as well see if you're useful in the kitchen."
I almost smile."Yes, ma'am."
"Mary."
"Yes, Mary."
Breakfast is interesting.
Mary cooks.I help where she tells me to.Warren sits at the table chattering about dinosaurs.Enya watches all of us with something like wonder on her face.
It's domestic.Normal.Everything I never thought I'd have.
And it's fucking terrifying how much I want it.
Mary asks me questions throughout.Where I'm from.How long I've been with the club.What I do for a living.Basic things but weighted with meaning.
I answer honestly.I don't try to make myself sound better than I am.Just tell the truth.
By the time breakfast is done, Mary seems...not quite warm, but less hostile.
As she's leaving, she says to Enya, "He's a good one.Bit rough around the edges, but good."
Enya hugs her."Thanks, Mam."
“Now that you’re good, Erin needs me.She’s been asking for months for me to stay with her.I have taken her up on the offer.”
I watch as Enya’s face falls.“Mam, you don’t need to leave?—”
“My sweet girl, I know I don’t, but as I said, Erin needs me.She’s working full time and needs help with the kids.You’ve got Devin now, and I know he’ll take good care of you and Warren.”
I swallow hard, knowing that having Mary say that took a lot and it means fucking everything.It means that they trust me to take care of Warren.That they accept me, knowing what I’ve done.
“Mam…”
Mary shakes her head.“I’m not leaving you, sweet girl, I promise.I’m just giving you space to finally grow, and in doing so, I get to help your sister now.I am so proud of you and how strong you are.”
Enya’s quiet as she hugs her mam once again.
“So I expect you to come for Sunday dinner.Your sister is excited that this will mean she gets to see more of you, and I agree.It’ll be nice to finally have some family time.”
Enya swallows as she wipes away her tears.”We will be there, and you’re right, it’ll be nice to be together again.”
Mary looks at me."You're invited too.If you want."
"I'd like that.Thank you."
She nods.“I’m going to pack a bag.I need some more things at Erin’s.”
