CJ #3
“She’s a nothing. She was the teacher who made the fucking move. Half of the fucking younger teachers look at me like they are willing to do whatever the fuck I want with the snap of my fucking fingers.”
She stormed to his other side and thumped him again. “You’re just telling me about this?”
“I didn’t want them marched through the school with a fucking scarlet letter burned into their foreheads because you’d react just like the fuck you’re reacting.”
“They are grown women,” she yelled. “I think my reaction is completely in line.”
“Not to me!”
“Does Christopher know?” she demanded.
The gravity of what the fuck he’d done hit him at that question. Mom had just fucking forgiven Dad for hiding shit from him and CJ opened his fucking mouth because he was everything Axel accused him of being.
“I take your silence as a yes.”
CJ couldn’t detect her emotions. He longed for the days when he was still her potato and knew her better than anyone except his father.
“Dad knew about Ember, but he doesn’t know about the other teachers.
I asked him not to tell you what happened at J’s because I didn’t want Ember fired.
I like her a lot. She likes me, too. But I don’t want her.
I want the girl I don’t know if I can ever trust again in my fucking life.
Harley hurt me so fucking bad. She was my best friend.
When I looked at her, I saw everything I’d ever want and need.
Now, she’s in trouble and all I want to do is protect her and avenge her.
I’m so fucking disappointed that I couldn’t even go with Dad.
Uncle Mort and Diesel went into the house and wouldn’t let me go because I’d never done such a thing.
How am I supposed to gain their experience?
How can Diesel go when I’m supposed to be the next Outlaw? ”
She slid into the chair next to CJ. “I wish I could take all your pain away and offer you a magic elixir that would give you whatever your heart desires. Whatever you decide with Harley, I will support you. She was almost back to her old self in LA. Hopefully, she’s learned from her mistakes, son.
We can’t predict what the future holds, so I can’t say if you and her will ever be as close as you once were.
I wanted Christopher and me to get you a bike as your graduation present. You’ll be close to eighteen.”
“That would be such a cool present.”
“You’d have to graduate to get it.”
Unlike with Dad, CJ didn’t see an issue admitting the truth to Mom. “I miss school a lot. Football. But it seems like every fucking time I’m there lately, bullshit kicks off and it’s usually club related. It makes it hard to think I should stay in school.”
“Does your daddy and me owning the school make your life easier or harder?”
CJ shrugged. “At first, there wasn’t a noticeable difference because not many people knew. I still don’t know who’s aware and who isn’t.” He told her about Axel’s behavior in the cafeteria. “The miserable little monster.”
Mom smiled fondly and CJ scowled, not that she saw.
“He leans into who Christopher is,” she said. “And is quite fearless and free with his advice.”
He was so fucking jealous he could barely see straight or think clearly. “Dad didn’t even punish him for his attack. I would still be fucking grounded.”
“You aren’t Axel, CJ.”
“So everyone keeps telling me, including him.” Especially that little motherfucker. “Thanks for the reminder.”
“Parenting is hard, son. I put so much more time and energy into you. As shameful as that is, it is the truth. Some of the lessons I taught you, I wish I could throw away. But you’re smart, fair-minded, and strong. You’re also quite impatient.”
“Axel respects no one and he doesn’t get in trouble.”
“I beg to differ. Axel respects no one who doesn’t deserve it.”
“He’s a fucking kid! I’m almost an adult and have more rules than I know what the fuck to do with.”
“Respect your father,” Mom said.
CJ frowned.
“That’s your rule. Respect Christopher.”
“Not my uncles?”
“Mortician, Val, Knox, and Stretch. As much as I’d like to say kill Johnnie for all I care, I can’t. But he’s a little man who respects no one. Besides, do you really respect him? You’ve gone toe-to-toe with him on several occasions.”
“I have.”
“Did the world collapse? Were you grounded for any amount of time?”
“He’s an officer.”
“He’s an idiot. And you aren’t a club member, CJ.”
“Uncle Mort said I have to listen to him as an officer of the club.”
“You need to trust your instincts. Around the club members, I agree. Disrespect isn’t allowed, but you aren’t going to be around them much anymore. You all are getting back on my schedule.”
“Mom—”
“I’m not listening, son. One, you need a little normalcy.
Two, do you really think your father is going to shut you completely out?
He will miss having you there. You have to give him a chance to accept that you are coming into your own and have to find your own way.
We’re here to guide you. Not block you or step in at every little dust-up.
That is as hard for Christopher to accept as it is for you. ”
“The members don’t really respect me, though.”
“In time. Christopher fast-tracked you to being at his side and ignored protocol, school, rules, and everything. That was bound to go south for everyone involved.” She smiled and placed her hand on his arm. “Just trust me, potato. I will get you where you want to be.”
“You called me potato.”
“You will always be that to me, CJ. I know I can’t say it in front of many people, so I won’t embarrass you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I think I’ll get some food together. Do you want to help—”
“Food sounds wonderful, Aunt Meggie,” Diesel said, walking in from the mudroom.
Mom jumped to her feet and stormed to Diesel, slapping the shit out of him. “I’m not telling you again, idiot,” she snarled. “Leave Rebel alone. You’ve lost your mind. And in front of Jana no less. How about I have your eyeballs carved out so you can’t see Rebel’s?”
“I can explain.”
She kicked him. “If you try, I will stab you.”
“Jana’s at the fucking treehouse. How did you even fucking hear about our visit to Rebel’s room?”
“The back end of the club is vulnerable. Not many people know about it, but if Rack told his stupid son, he might’ve been on the grounds. We were given the all clear, but I didn’t want to leave her vulnerable.”
“Fuck—” Diesel started to turn, but Mom grabbed his wrist. “I have to go, Aunt Meggie,” he said irritably. “You can beat me later.”
“No, you’re staying right here.”
“I won’t be long,” Diesel protested.
“Shut up and explain to me why Jana was high.”