“Yeah, she will be at least.” Ashlynn doesn’t elaborate and I don’t ask for more. Right now there’s too much on my plate to add anything else, no matter how much I like Vee.
I make my way around the desk and sit, resting my arms on top of it. Ashlynn's eyes dart around the room, looking anywhere but at me as she worries her bottom lip.
“Out with it. I know why you’re here. I’ve heard the gist of it.”
“I figured Dad wouldn’t waste any time speaking with you. He wasn’t happy about Jax showing up at my house, and honestly, I wasn’t either.” She lets out a sigh, but I know she’s not done speaking, so I bite my tongue, allowing her time to finish. Even though it’s hard as hell to do. I’m used to speaking my mind first. “Not that I don’t like Jax or put off by him stopping by; it's the way he did it. Jax came to my home looking for a fight.”
“I’m not happy about that, either. It wasn’t his place to run and spread my business. Especially to your father.”
I’m praying she doesn’t push any further with this. I’d hate for the issues between Jax and Earl to affect us. Or for it to keep me from seeing my godson, Jacey. Petty conflicts like this can cause rifts in family and friendship that can’t be repaired no matter how hard you try.
“I agree. Men can be stupid. I just want you to know that there’s nothing more I would want than to have you as my stepmother. I think my mom would have liked it too.” My heart melts at her words and it’s taking everything in me to not get up and run around the desk. “I never told you, but there were a few times that she talked about a friend from her past and how muchshe liked her. All she ever told me is that my father had eyes for her first and as much as she regretted coming between them, if she hadn’t, she’d never have me. So, I fully believe she’s giving her blessing from heaven for you and Dad to work through this and finally be together.”
The tears stream down my face. I lean forward, grasping her hands in mine, not even caring that I probably look like a racoon right now.
“No matter what happens with you and Dad, and Jax, it won’t affect our relationship. It's why I came today. I wanted you to know that.”
“Thank you.” It’s what I needed to hear. Losing her would kill me. It’d be like losing my son all over again. Not being able to talk about him with anyone has tormented me for the last twenty-six years. As much as I want to answer that call from him, whether he’s my son or not, I can’t. It would be too dangerous for both of us, but more so for him.
“Well, I need to go. Apparently, I’m being whisked away this weekend to make more grandbabies.” She stands from the chair, shaking her head.
“Already? Jacey’s still so new.”
“Yep. It’s my dad and Sam’s idea. It seems there are too many grandfathers and not enough grandchildren. Dad’s even babysitting for us to do it. So, please, can you check up on him?”
As much as I don’t want to see Earl right now in any capacity, I also don’t want to deny Ashlynn her request. “If he needs me, I’m here. Just tell him to call.” I bite my bottom lip. There was a time, when all I wanted was for Earl to call me and want to see me, to have me come over and make me his. Hell if I’m honest, I still feel that way.
Ashlynn makes her way over to the door, stopping for a moment to glance over her shoulder. “I love you, Melissa.” She shuts the door behind her, leaving me alone.
What the hell am I going to do? Two men! I did not see that coming and don't even get me started on my son calling.
Chapter eleven
Jax
Today was a bust!
Every time I tried to speak with Mels, she practically ran in the other direction. I’m trying to give her space to process whatever the fuck is going on, but every time she brushes me off, it’s like a knife to my heart. Her normal warm, vibrant, and confident self has been replaced with a meek, scared, fragile persona.
She left over an hour ago and I’m worried as fuck about her. I want to head straight to her house, but I won’t. It wouldn’t do anything to help my cause in trying to get closer to her. The kiss we shared replays in my mind over and over like a broken record. I don't want that to be the one and only.
I finish loading up the dishwasher and take off my apron just as Jim comes through the door.
“Hey Jax, busy today?” he asks as he hangs up his jacket on the hook.
“Nah, just the normal. See you tomorrow, man.” I toss my apron into the dirty hamper and head out the door.
All I want is to get in my truck and head straight over to Melissa’s, but I don’t. It doesn’t stop me from driving by though, and parking a few houses down, just far enough she can’t see me.
She doesn’t come out, but I know she’s there. Her car is in the driveway. Unless Mels left walking or with someone, she’s inside, safely tucked away while whatever is bothering her festers. What’s worse is I think that biker dick knows something.
I pick my phone up from the console, checking it for the millionth time today. Arthur should’ve called already with the information and yet nothing. My anger builds as I drop it, then grip the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turn white. A whirlwind of thoughts swarm through my mind, pushing me closer to my breaking point. I need to know what the fuck is going on so I can step in and fix it. End Mels suffering so she feels safe again.
When the turmoil bubbling inside of me reaches its boiling point, I slam my hands down on the steering wheel, wishing it was the fucker’s face who has Mels tied up in knots. I shift the gear into drive and pull off, not wanting any nosey Nancy calling the cops on me or for one of Earl’s flunkies to drive by.
I’ve barely turned the corner when the faint echo of the phone ringing comes through the bluetooth speaker as Arthur’s number flashes on the dashboard.
“It’s about time. What do you have for me?” I bark as I answer the call.
