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“Don’t lecture me and stay out of my personal life.” I crossed my right arm over my forehead, getting frustrated. Why couldn’t I have woken up an hour earlier? I would’ve been gone before Stitch came by to check on me.
“Your personal life? What does that mean? We’re family. Family doesn’t keep secrets. We help each other out when needed.”
Stitch was right. Blood didn’t make us family. It was everything else we shared that made us brothers… family. Danger, heartache, joy. General fuckery my brothers and us got into. And we didn’t hide shit and betray each other.
For years I struggled with what I’d done to Cobra and Karma. Guilt ate at me. Anger flowed through my veins as a result of the offenses against me. I wasn’t sure I could move past what they’d done to me… whatshehad done to me. I had moved to Montana to escape all the lies and deceit.
“Lady M is a phenomenal woman and mother.”
“That’s debatable.”
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I’d like to know too.” Lady M asked from the door.
Son of a bitch.
“I didn’t know you were stopping by.” I shifted on the bed, wincing in pain.
“Your father made me wait until this morning.” She put a couple of bags on a table in the corner.
“You didn’t need to come. I’m fine.” I smelled blueberry muffins and egg bake. I hoped she didn’t hear my stomach growling.
“You gotta eat, don’t you?” She kept her back toward me as she unpacked the bags.
“I can feed myself.”
“Jesus, the pain has turned him into an asshole.” Stitch kissed Lady M’s cheek. “I’m grateful for the food you brought.”
“You’re welcome, baby. I love cooking for my kids.”
Kiss up.
“I need to make a phone call.” Stitch took a muffin and left my room. Some brother, leaving me alone with the wicked queen.
“Despite what you think of me, I love you, Micah. I always have and always will.”
“Don’t start, okay? I’ve just been charred saving your son’s life. I’m in no mood for your nonsense.”
“Nonsense?” She spun around teary-eyed. “Okay. I know I’m a stubborn broad. I fight for my loved ones to the death. I don’t give up on them even when they’re butt-heads.”
“Fuck my life,” I groaned.
“I feel the same way at times, baby.” She came toward me, and I stiffened. “You do what you need to do. If that’s returning to Montana and never coming home, it’s okay. I’ll support you. I’ll keep your dad and brothers off your back.” She kissed my head, making my heart seize.
“I’m sure I’ll come back. I just don’t know when.”
“I know.” She smiled weakly, tears streaking her face. She rarely was vulnerable in front of people. I wasn’t sure what to do. “Take care, son. I love you.”
She left the wrong, taking all the oxygen with her.
Was that it? She wasn’t going to ride my ass for holding a grudge against her? Not plead her case for the hundredth time? Just walk away?
Good. This was what I wanted. I wanted to be free to find my way out from under her apron skirt.
Would I ever return to Minnesota?
Maybe. Probably.
