“What are you talking about, baby?”
“I’m talking about all of you men going to get food and not noticing anything around you. How about I had to get out of my chair by myself, and the only reason I could was it was a dining chair. But, if it wasn’t bad enough that y’all walked past me, you walked pastyoursister, who any idiot would see can’t get out of that chair. Instead of helping her up, you all just worried about your own fucking stomachs and got your plates and started eating.” While she’s ranting at Juan and the others, Shane comes from down the hallway and walks up to me. Kneeling in front of me, he quietly asks, “What’s goin’ on, gorgeous? Wanna get up and go to the table? I’ll get you a plate of food.” I nod and he helps me up out of the chair.
“She’s all worked up ’cause no one came over to ask if I needed help up. I would have said something if I did. I was just waiting for you.” He looks at me like he doesn’t believe I’d ask for help. I would… okay… maybe I would. We walk over to the table where Jane’s still losing it, though now all three of my brothers are standing there, looking like deer in the headlights. I sit down in an empty chair across from Mads who looks like she’s about to burst out laughing. Shane kisses my head and tells me he’s going to get me a plate of food. I can hear Ror trying to calm Jane down. Out of the three of them, he’s the most likely to succeed.
“My love, you know if we went over there and assumed she couldn’t get up, she’d get all pissed off at us. We’re more than willing to help at any time, but we’re walking a tightrope between knowing when to ask and not assuming shit. I was planning to ask her if she wanted help after I set my plate down. I also know that Shane was still in church and she might’ve been waiting for him.” I can tell that last bit causes Jane to pause and bite her lip.
“Well, I just… I mean, it seemed like you all were just focused on yourselves and when I see that, I start to worry about you ignoring your sons and niece when they get here. I can’t handle thinking that might happen.” I see Jon grab Jane in a hug and roll his eyes at her change in emotion. She’s got all the feelings right now. Luckily, I haven’t been that bad. Shut up, I might be bad, but not quite on her level. I’m not. Might be ’cause she’s got two in there and I just have my little girl. I can hear Jon soothing Jane about her fears and emotions. Juan comes back with a plate for her, and Ror pulls the chair out for her. I’m so glad they found her. She really does keep their asses in line.
Shane comes back with two plates. He’s got both loaded with baked ziti, salad, and bread. He’s also got some pasta with meatballs on his. He remembered that me and ground meat are not friends right now. I normally like it fine, but right now that’s a big fat fuck no. It’s just a congealed mound of nope. He gives me a bottle of water to have with dinner. Taking the seat next to me, he sits down, and leans over to me, kissing me on the cheek.
“You need anything, gorgeous?” Smiling at him, I shake my head as we dig into dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening with the family.
CHAPTER 12
Shane
All week I’ve been anxiously waiting to hear from Ben. I’ve tried not to focus on it too much, but I’m not sure how successful I’ve been. Ben ended up not being able to get down to visit Tripp when he thought he would. First, Tripp was out of town and then Ben had some club business to deal with. I’m trying to concentrate on this alternator I’m working on, but I’ve repeated the same step three times. Fuck it, I’ll take a break and try this shit again. As I’m wiping my hands, I hear my phone go off with a text.
Ben: I just had a long talk with Tripp. He thinks he might be your dad, too. He’s taking some time to absorb this news and is gonna reach out to you when he’s ready. He’s gonna plan a trip up that way in a couple of weeks. He wants to meet you in person and talk to your uncle and Jonah about some things from the past.
Me: Thank you for havin’ that conversation. I’ll wait for his call. Let me know when you know he’s gonna come up here.
Ben: Will do, brother. Just a heads-up, he’s got a lot of anger brewing right now toward your mom, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Me: I don’t blame him and wouldn’t.
It sounds like I’ll get to know him a little. Even if we aren’t ever close, I would just like to know who he is. Feeling a little more settled about things, I get back to work so I can finish this and start the weekend.
Kierstie
It’s been almost a month since Brandy and Shandy came to live here. Brandy’s definitely Millie’s shadow and learning everything she can over at the diner. Shandy’s been doing great over at the shop with me. She’s got everything more organized than I thought it could ever be. She’s got things so handled that I’ve cut back to three days a week the last couple of weeks and plan to stop working completely after next week. Our little girl will be here before we know it.
It’s almost quitting time and I’m getting the last of the orders in for the parts place to deliver on Monday. Shandy’s working on an art piece at the table next to me. The door chime announces someone coming into the front of the shop. I look up to greet the customer who comes in when I’m rendered speechless as to who just walked in. I haven’t seen him since I was eleven I think, and that time did not go well. I shoot off an emergency text to the family chat. He either hasn’t seen me or doesn’t recognize me yet. He’s looking at the pictures of the custom jobs they’ve done. The shop phone rings and I answer it as calmly as I can.
“Weston and Sons Repair and Restoration, how can I help you?”
Pa’s voice comes over, with a calm that I know is hiding his anger. “Has he recognized you or Shandy, my girl?”
I respond in a way so as to try and not make Abel realize I know who he is.
“No, we don’t keep that part on hand. We can probably get it by next week for you.” Pa is a smart man and knows what I’m trying to say.
“I’m on my way, my girl. Ry is driving like a bat out of hell and he’s calling Jon to put him and the guys in the shop on alert. I don’t know what his angle is, so I don’t want Shane bursting in like I know he’s going to want to. Just try and act like he’s a normal customer and be careful.”
I answer him with a customer service voice, “Well, call us back if you want us to get the part in for you.” I put the phone down and I look over at Shandy. She’s seen some pictures of Abel from decades ago since being here, and I can see the moment it clicks for her that she understands who’s in the room with us. Neither of us saying anything is starting to border on suspicious.Put your big girl pants on Kierstie for fuck’s sake.
“Can I help you with something, sir?”
He turns to look at me. He’s about three inches shorter than Pa and much thinner, probably from years of drug use in between prison sentences. He’s got an unkempt, graying beard and his hair looks like it’s a few weeks overdue for a haircut. He gives me a smile that sends chills down my back.
“Why, yes. I’m here to take what’s rightfully mine. I’m gonna get what I deserve. One way or another, I’m gonna get paid.” He holds up a gun toward me, then he moves it toward Shandy.
“Go stand next to your sister.” I can see the surprised expression on her face, and it probably mirrors mine. He follows her steps with the gun till she’s standing next to me.
“Just ’cause I didn’t want none of ya, doesn’t mean I don’t fucking know about all three of you. Why do you think the other one is currently tied up in my van outside for insurance?” Shandy takes a breath.
“That’s right. I know my brother is probably on his way over here with the rest of his fucking club, all those fucking do-gooders. I had to have that insurance to make sure I get out of here alive. The one in the van does that just in case you two don’t.” He’s insane, completely off his rocker.
