“He’s a middle child who despises conflict, and he knew this would flip your lid.He cares so much about everyone, that he’d rather you be mad at him than me.”
She was right about that.
“It was your idea then.Why?And why rope Chad into this?You had to know he’d call me.”
Mom unlocked and opened the door to her car.“It was more of a spur of the moment impulse than an idea.I didn’t think it through, and Chad didn’t try to talk me out of it.I should have let it go.You were so shaken by the pictures of Jeff around the house, that I wanted to be sure this man, Lark, wasn’t going to leave you troubled in a different way.”
I shrugged.“Ryan became really protective after I first talked to Lark, like he didn’t care that he was disrespecting him or about to cause a fight, when he thought Lark had hurt me.Considering that, I don’t think Ryan will let that happen.”
“That’s good to know.I recognize you’re going to be around Lark one way or the other if you two work out.”
There wasn’t an ‘if’ about that in my mind.I kept quiet.
Mom continued.“We’re close and I’ll have to learn to accept both of these men in your life.”
I gave her a hug.“That’s sweet of you, Mom.I’m not sure Lark will be around much.It’s hard to say right now because of the outstanding issues.”
Mom’s sharp laugh ripped through the air.“That’s one way to put it, my girl.”She stared past me at the restaurant.“I like that he dropped everything and brought you here against their wishes.It’s what Jeff would have done too.”
There it was.
Certain things Ryan did reminded me of Jeff, but I hadn’t seen it until Mom pointed it out.
Mom yawned.“I’m headed home.You tell Ryan to be careful taking you to his place.”
“I will, Mom.”
I watched her drive away, then hurried back inside.
Chad slid off his barstool when I approached him and Ryan.“I’m gonna head out.”
Ryan seemed very tense from the way he held his body and his silent demeanor.I gave Chad a remorseful smile.“I’m sorry.Mom told me it was all her idea.You know you don’t have to cover for her.”
Chad returned my smile, but his was sheepish.“Can’t help it, sweets.My mom and I used to be close like that, but after I came out—”
I put a hand on his forearm.“I know, honey.Don’t go there right now.I’m just saying, I don’t blame you, and hopefully Ryan doesn’t either.”
I looked at Ryan expectantly.
He shook his head.“I don’t blame him.It’s all good, and it’ll be even better if he gets going because we’re being watched.”
Chad and I both stared at Ryan in disbelief.
He shook his head.“Don’t make a scene.Rusty’s here, and there’s no reason to toss him out.Once Chad splits, you and I are heading out.”
Chad looked around the bar.
“I’m not pointing him out to you,” Ryan said in an exasperated tone.
Chad dug his keys out of his pocket.“Maybe Ivy should go home with me.What’s going to stop him from following you two?”
Ryan’s eyes took on a calculating gleam.“There’s six other brothers here, not wearing their cuts.He makes a move right after us, they’re going to slow him down.”
Chad sighed.“I really hope this gets handled soon.”
“From your lips to God’s ears,” I muttered.
Chad gave me a quick hug, cheek kiss, and wandered out of the bar.
