Chapter 11 #2
“Well, Gran had a lot to do with that. I didn’t know the first thing about baling hay or cleaning out stalls until she and Pops taught me, but even then, I found a way to screw things up. Gran got a real kick out telling the guys what a fuck I was at the farm, and one thing led to another.”
“I doubt you were a fuck up, Grayson.”
“Nah, I made more than my fair share of mistakes. Even let the hay get wet and almost burned down the fucking barn.”
“Oh, well, maybe you were a little bit of a fuck up, but at least you got a cool road name out of it.”
“Yeah, there’s always that.” We’d spent the better part of our time together talking about me, so I decided to turn the tables on her and asked, “So, what was it like growing up with a man like Billy?”
“A man like Billy?” She cocked her eyebrow. “You mean the kind of man who makes dead bodies disappear?”
“When you put it like that, it makes me wish I hadn’t asked.”
“It’s fine. I’m kind of glad you asked.” She looked out at the water as she continued, “I can only imagine what you must think of him, but he’s a good man.
I know that might be hard to believe, especially considering what he does for your club, but he is.
He’s always loved me and tried his best to take care of me, even more so after Mom died. ”
“Sounds like he’s really tried to be there for you.”
“He has. More than you know.” Her eyes skirted over to me as she explained, “I guess you could say he’s like you and the other Sinners... he’s a good man who just happens to do something bad in order to provide for his family.”
Tears started to fill her eyes, and I was completely thrown. I had no idea what had upset her, so I asked, “Hey, you okay?”
“I’ve been mad at him for all these years for hiding that part of his life from me, but I haven’t judged you or your club like I have him.”
“Yeah, but we’ve never pretended to be something we weren’t.”
“No, but I have. I’m no better than he is. In fact, I’m just like him.”
“No, not even close.” I slipped my arm around her waist, and being careful to avoid the steering wheel, I pulled her into my lap. “You’re an amazing woman, and you’re doing amazing things here. Things you should be proud of. Not sure Billy could ever say the same.”
“I just wish I understood. He could’ve done anything. Why did he decide to do something insane.”
“I can’t answer that one, babe. Only Billy can do that. Maybe it’s time you talked to him about...”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m just not ready.”
“Okay, well, when you are, you just have to be honest with him and demand that he does the same with you.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“He’s your dad. He would want you to talk to him, even if he isn’t happy about what you have to say.”
“You’re right. I’ll talk to him. I just need some time to work up the courage.”
“Take all the time you need.” I kissed her on the forehead, then said, “We better get back before Braylon sends out a search party.”
“You’re probably right.” She eased out of my lap and over to the passenger seat. I was just about to crank the engine, when Kiersten reached over and placed her hand on my arm. “Thank you, Grayson. It means a lot that I can talk to you like this.”
“Means a lot to me, too.”
I gave her a wink, then drove us back to the Manor.
We both finished our work for the day, then met up at her place where we spent the entire night tangled in each other’s arms—the perfect way to end a long day.
The follwing few days went by faster than I’d hoped.
It seemed like we’d only just gotten there, and it was time to head back.
Since it was our last night, Lynch and I had gathered some wood and made a fire.
Kiersten brought us over some drinks, and we sat there under the stars talking about this and that.
Lynch had been pretty quiet, so I asked, “So, how’s it going with Mia? ”
“It’s not.” Lynch tossed another log into the fire. “Don’t get me wrong. The chick is smoking, but I’m pretty sure she’s into someone else.”
“What?” Kiersten seemed baffled as she asked, “Who?”
“Braylon.” Lynch sat down next to me with a huff. “She’s constantly talking about the guy and watches him like a hawk, so either she wants to fuck him or there’s something else going on. Either way, I’m out on that shit.”
“I had no idea she liked him.” Kiersten’s eyes danced with mischief as she said, “I wonder if he knows.”
“Oh, he knows,” I assured her. “It’s his job to know, but the question is whether or not he’s into her and if he is, will he do anything about it.”
“Mia is so sweet and thoughtful. Pretty, too.” Kiersten was practically beaming as she continued, “I’d love to see Braylon with someone like her. He’s such a good guy and deserves someone who’ll be good to him.”
“Gee, thanks, Kiersten.”
“Oh, come on, Lynch. You can have any girl you want.”
“Yeah, any girl but Mia, right?” Lynch scoffed. “Maybe I’ll give that Reagan chick a go.”
“Well, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Oh? And why’s that?”
“She’s not really into guys.”
“What?” Lynch leaned his head back and groaned. “Damn, I need to get laid. I’m ready to get back to the clubhouse.”
Unlike Lynch, I wasn’t crazy about leaving.
I liked being there at the Manor with Kiersten and the others, but we’d already stayed an extra week.
I would’ve volunteered to stay for a third, but we had the run to North Carolina coming up and Viper wanted us both to be there.
I looked over to Lynch as I said, “You’ll be back tomorrow, but doubt you’ll have any better luck there than you do here. ”
“We’ll see about that shit. Give me an hour. That’s all I’ll need.” Lynch boasted.
“Um-hmm. Whatever you say, brother.”
While Lynch and I were goofing around, Kiersten found nothing humorous about our conversation, and her smile had completely faded as she asked, “So, do you know who will be taking over your shift?”