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“War, welcome back. I wondered when you’d come in.” Shaking War’s hand, he turned to Remington. “I knew I’d see you. You only miss my meatloaf when you’re out of town.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She smiled. He had the best food, and the diner was a happy place.
“Remington said I can’t miss the meatloaf, so you know I’ve got to try it.”
“Good. We’ll get that right out. Besides seeing you, War, I wanted to update you both. My niece’s husband left her, and she’s got those three little ones. Her parents are a waste of space so I’m going to go live with her and take care of her little ones. I’ve always wanted grandkids so I’m claiming them. I promised Regina and Baron I’d give you guys first chance to buy the diner. You bring it to the table and let me know if you want to pursue it.”
“Sure. I will. Thanks for letting us know.”
War’s voice was confident, but she’d seen the flash in his eyes. He’d been gone a long time and had no idea about the relationship between the MC and the diner. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to be accommodating to this War who held the door open for her and had treated her as an equal or if she’d let him find out on his own. He had stated he hoped she’d teach him, so she really didn’t have a choice.
As the owner walked away, War turned to her.
“Mom and Dad want the diner?”
The dismay in his voice had her taking pity on him.
“Regina loves to cook and most of his staff have been trained by her. He doesn’t have the patience. She didn’t want to compete with him, but she’s dreamed of opening a place using the ingredients from the orchard and farm. I know she was a part owner before Ariel was born and he bought her share out. I believe there was some agreement that requires him to offer it to her first. I don’t think she actively wants to be here every day but it’s uncanny how she finds the right person for the job and in doing so, changes their lives.”
Their food being dropped off put an end to their discussion as they both dug into the meatloaf. It was exactly how she loved it. A little crispy on the top crust with a moist, flavorful center. Once in a great while she’d put in an order and pick up a whole loaf to slice and have on sandwiches. There were a limited number for take-out, and she didn’t want to do it too often. Everyone deserved to have this deliciousness.
“Forgive me if I moan but these mashed potatoes are almost as good as Mom’s.”
She tried not to giggle as he shoveled another huge spoonful in. He’d been away a long time. She couldn’t imagine not having all her favorite things for that long plus, she’d never survive for long without her sisters.
“They’re your mom’s recipe. She improved on his because he came to Sunday lunch and basically promised her the world if she’d share how she made them.”
He nodded but she didn’t think he understood everything Regina had built. He’d left when he was eighteen and hadn’t come back for any length of time. If she had to guess, he still viewed his mom as a homemaker, not realizing all Regina had done and built over the years. The orchard and vegetable gardens had continued to grow. If he didn’t know about that, she wondered if she and Regina’s secret project had come up. Not that it was secret from everyone. Her dad and sisters were in on it along with select ones in the MC. War and the guys would eventually know about it, but the project was only discussed in a secure location and only once a quarter. Their next get together was after she and Bear returned from their security detail.
“So, tell me, how is it being back?”
“Strange but good if that makes sense. The transition has gone well with Dad stepping down, but the MC has grown a lot over the years—like the security company. I had no idea about it.”
“It’s relatively recent so it might not have come up. I had the idea and went to Sarah since she’s an accounting whiz. We put together a business plan and then approached Dad. Once we had his blessing, we talked with Baron and Regina. Then Baron took it before the brotherhood.”
“Why Mom?”
His question threw her off a little but with him thinking it was only a security company, she could see how he’d be confused.
“We set up the business plan with forty percent of the profits to the brotherhood, forty percent to the bail bonds and twenty percent to some special projects we support or run. Regina is an amazing businesswoman and was interested in a couple of the special projects.”
She didn’t have a problem sharing the special projects with him but she, for sure, wasn’t going to do it in a diner where anyone could overhear them. They were her babies, and she wasn’t having them jeopardized because the wrong person heard something.
She answered his questions, wondering if he was turning over a new leaf in their relationship or if he’d flip the next time he saw her and she’d get the cantankerous ass who called her princess. She’d have to wait and see. She was a betting woman and right now, she’d bet on the ass coming back to visit.
