“All right, it’s time to wash-up,” Mama Beth instructed.
“Yes, ma’am,” Willow replied. She once again grabbed Annabel’s hand. “I’ll show you where the bathroom is, Belle.
“Thank you. I would appreciate that,” Annabel replied.
“And I’ll show you my old room. I get a whole new room at my mommy and daddy’s house.”
After Annabel and Willow disappeared down the hall, I walked over to the sink. As I lathered the soap up to my elbows, I could feel Mama Beth’s eyes boring into my back.
“What is it, Mama?” I questioned without turning around.
“Bishop told me not to be too surprised when you showed up with a girl.”
“Did he?” I held my tongue about saying any more.
“Yes, he did. I’m surprised you didn’t tell me as much when I spoke to you the other day.”
“I figured it could wait. Besides, she was with me when I was talking to you.”
“Is Annabel in some sort of trouble?” she asked. When I threw a glance at her over my shoulder, she cocked her brows at me. “Is that why you brought her here?”
“Yes, she was in trouble.”
“Is she the reason you left?”
“No. She isn’t.” I turned off the water and grabbed a hand towel. I realized then no one had told her about Breakneck and Sarah. Since I didn’t know how long Willow would keep Annabel occupied, I gave Mama Beth a condensed version of the story.
When I finished speaking, her kind eyes were filled with tears. “I had no idea.”
“It hasn’t been made well known because it’s his story to tell. I’m sure Breakneck will be letting the rest of his brothers know soon.”
Mama Beth chewed her bottom lip like she wanted to say more—it was a trait Bishop had inherited. I’m sure I was exasperating her with my short responses.
Finally, she couldn’t keep it in any longer. “She isn’t like us.”
“Excuse me?”
“What I mean is, unlike Sarah, Annabel isn’t from an MC family, is she?”
“No, I guess you could say she’s about as far away from us as humanly possible.”
“Is that why you’re keeping her at arm’s length?”
Tossing the towel back on the counter, I replied, “What is it with all the questions?”
“I watched you two out there. The way you look at her, the way she looks at you. You care about her very deeply. ”
“Yes, I do care about her, but it’s not what you think.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I’ve known her less than a week, Mama. And there’s been nothing intimate between us. Not after what she’s been through,” I countered.
Her blue eyes flashed defiantly at me. “And I knew I wanted to marry your father after three days when we hadn’t even kissed. What’s your point?”
I closed my eyes and tried to control my temper. I’d never imagined my mother would think Annabel and I had feelings for each other that ran any deeper than friendship. “Would you listen to yourself? I just walked through the door, and you’re giving me the fifth degree about a girl I barely know and one you’ve just met. A girl who has been through hell and back.”
“You left in the middle of your brother’s wedding reception and told no one where you were going or why. Then when you do show back up, it’s with a strange girl! A beautiful one, I might add, but one who looks two steps above even Alexandra. Considering all that, I think I deserve to give you a little grief.”
