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“I’m sure Aunt Kim will hire some help for her if need be. One thing I’ve learned is to never judge a book by it’s cover ma.”
There was a pause of silence before Abbi said, “Oh lord, I’m so sorry Lane. Here I’m going on about my problems and—”
Lane laughed. “It’s fine mom. I’m in a much better frame of mind then I was a month ago.” He stood and toed the kickstand in place before leaning his bike on it. “I should let you go though,” he said, as he swung his leg over the seat. “I’m just picking up some food for Luke and me and I really should take my helmet off before going in to get it.”
“Helmet? What are you wearing a helmet for?”
Lane grimaced. He really put his foot in his mouth with that comment as he never told her he bought a motorcycle.
“I, ah, rode my bike,” he said, holding his breath.
“Well, you better hurry up then, your food is going to get cold.”
He was thankful she left it at that. “See you then mom. And don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”
“I hope so. I love you and I’ll see you tomorrow honey. Drive safe.”
“I will. Love you too,” he said, and disconnected the call.
Lane breathed a sigh of relief as he pushed open the door to the restaurant. As much as he loved his mother, he really hadn’t wanted to get into it with her about her hatred of motorcycles. When she saw him tomorrow afternoon, that would be soon enough.
Standing at the pickup counter, he told the elderly lady his phone number and glanced around the dimly lit dining area as he waited for her to return with his order. His eyes zeroed in on a couple sitting at a booth in the corner. A fire started in his belly when he saw that it was none other than Jace, sitting with a woman with red hair. One that Lane had dated a few times before the shit show had ensued. Justine was her name, and she was trouble.
No one could understand why he never had Jace charged. Seeing him sitting there, likely enjoying his money, Lane himself couldn’t exactly say why he hadn’t either. The only thing he could chalk it up to was that he felt sorry for the guy. It wasn’t an excuse, but being best friends since grade one, Lane knew everything about Jace. He had a hard life growing up, harder than most and the reason why Lane hired him in the first place. But Lane was a firm believer in karma, and you reap what you sow. If Jace stayed with Justine, which from the looks of them ogling each other, he would feel the wrath of both. Lane was just disappointed he wouldn’t be around to see it.
At the end of the day, he was glad that Jace had shown his true colours. He didn’t need that kind of friend in his life, and it was easier for Lane’s peace of mind to just let it go. But hewasa second away from marching over to the two. To congratulate them, sarcastically of course, when the old woman placed the paper bag filled with food on the counter. “That will be $55.10,” she said.
Lane whipped his head around and took out his wallet, pulling a hundred-dollar bill from the sleeve, he handed it over to the woman and said, “Keep the change.”
The old woman’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree but all the same she asked if, he was sure.
Lane nodded as he took the bag. He was far from broke. He might have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to the man sitting behind him, but one thing Jace couldn’t steal from him was his desire to make others happy. Without a backward glance he left his past behind as he exited the restaurant.
There was a distinctive chill to the Fall night as a fog started to roll in. It wasn’t a good idea to be riding a motorcycle in this kind of weather and so he jogged over to his bike. Unlocking one of the saddle bags, Lane stuffed the food inside and smacked the lid closed. He started his bike and put it into gear. He was starved and tired. He wasn’t looking forward to the next few weeks and the sooner he got to bed and was off to Pearl Lake in the morning the sooner it would be over.
Chapter 2
