“Why can’t it be?”
“Ella….” He laughs, trailing again because he can’t answer my question.
“I’ve thought this through… it can be.” He just looks at me for a moment. I want to believe that he’s contemplating it, but I know he really isn’t.
“Okay, you remember how to get here?” He asks me as I drive down the freeway making my way through L.A. It's been a few weeks since we had the incredible week when the rest of the club was at bike week and I’m sad it had to go back to normal. I wish he would have taken me up on the offer of running away.
“Yes, plus I have my GPS on.”
“Right,” he laughs.
“Axe, are you nervous?” I ask him as he laughs out.
“What?” I can feel my stomach tightening. Honestly, I hope he is, because I’m fucking terrified.
“Kind of.” He whispers into the phone, causing me to laugh. “Shut it. Look, my mom hasn’t met any girls as my girlfriend.”
“Ever?” I can’t help but ask him.
“Ever…” he laughs. “She’s been cooking all afternoon.”
“Did you warn her?”
“About what?” He asks, and I can’t help but laugh.
“I’m pulling up.” I tell him as I pull into the drive that I remember from the night he saved me from the club. He appears at the front door as I pull up next to his Jeep. He smirks at me and hangs up his phone. Walking over to my car, he opens the door and leans in, kissing me. I move out, and he smirks at me again, lacing his fingers with mine.
I hesitate as we walk closer to the door. “What’s wrong, Babydoll?” He looks down at me, concerned.
“I’m not great with moms.” He smiles at me as he leans into me.
“It’ll be fine.” He kisses me gently before he moves me again inside.
“Ma,” He yells out and my nerves get the best of me. I squeeze and he looks back at me, smiling. He’s excited about this. When her eyes land on me I see her smile slightly falter for a second before it restores and I swear I hear a slight gasp, but Axe is looking back at me still with a wide grin on his face. “Mom, this is Ella. Ella, my mom, Nancy.”
“It’s good to meet you, Ella.” She has a tight face, though. “Dinner is ready.” She smiles as she rubs Axe’s shoulder and I smirk as we walk over to the table.
“It looks good.” I smile at her. Pausing, I look at them. “It was a bit of a drive here. I’m going to use the restroom, real quick.” Axe leans into me and kisses my cheek. Looking up at him with a smirk before I walk towards the bathroom.
Closing the door, I glance into the mirror and sigh, “Get it together, Marcella.” I whisper to myself in the mirror. “She’s just a person.” I shake my head before I wash my hands in the sink and then head back out to the table.
“Mom,” I hear Axe almost whine to her as I’m about to round the corner and I stop.
“Carter, I’m serious.” She pushes out a hushed tone with him. “Is she even done with high school?”
“Mom.” I can see his face in my head.
I sag against the wall for a second before I push forward and round the corner, not letting myself feel down about anything. “I am.” I smirk at Axe as he pushes his food around and then pulls the chair out for me. “I mean, I am 18, but I’m done with high school.” I laugh before I feel Axe’s hand squeeze my knee, looking over to him.
I can hear her sigh, but I don’t really pay much attention to it. Because I’m still looking at Axe.
“I apologize.” She says, causing me to laugh before I look back over.
“I get it.” I shrug, looking back to him. “You’re just concerned about your son.” I can feel him still looking at me as she nods her head.
“Yes.” Taking a bite of food. “So, how did you two meet?” She asks.
“My dad, actually.”
