The Biker's Fate Chapter 410

"Dinner's ready," Katie announced, and we helped her carry food to her immaculately set table.

"Everything looks amazing, Katie," I said.

"Thanks. I love dinner parties."

"I didn't know this about you," Flea deadpanned.

"Suck it, Billy," Katie said, good-naturedly.

"Children," Jan warned, and Katie and Flea chuckled.

Katie waved to a place by the window and I took a seat while Flea sat beside me. He linked his fingers with mine under the table and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

Dinner was actually pleasant, and I began to relax as conversation turned to jobs, and another bottle of wine was opened.

"Did Billy tell you Grace is a ballerina?" Katie asked her mother.

"Oh?" Jan mused.

"She's starting at PBC tomorrow," Flea provided.

"What a great opportunity. Are you a principal?" Jan asked.

"No. An apprentice," I said. "I hope that'll change soon, though."

"Yes, I would, too." Jan sipped her wine. "Katie, honey, I was wondering if you would like to catch a movie with me next weekend."

"Let me check my work schedule, but that sounds fun."

"Do you like movies?" I asked. "I love movies. Like Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

"I don't think I've seen that one," Jan said.

"It's one about a guy who's all alone when confronted by possible hostile aliens and his wife refuses to listen to him, so he flips out and builds a mountain out of mashed potatoes."

Flea choked on his beer, as he started to laugh.

Serves him right.

"I'm going to step outside," Jan said.

"Mom," Katie admonished. "You need to give that up."

Jan ignored her and grabbed a pack of cigarettes and lighter, walking onto the little patio.

Katie rose to her feet and started to clear the table. I followed suit, but Flea pulled me back down to my seat. "You okay?"

"Other than your mom hating me, yep, I'm great."

He smiled. "Pretty sure you're off-base."

"Pretty sure I'm not." I smiled, leaning over to kiss him quickly. "It's all good. Come help with dishes, okay? I'm in a chocolate mood, so I'm ready for dessert."

We worked in tandem to rinse dishes and load the dishwasher while Katie served up the pie. Jan had been outside a while, so I offered to get her, walking onto the patio just as she said, "I know. But I can't tell Billy who to date, honey. He'll just dig in harder. I have to finesse him out of his current obsession."

I didn't want to hear anymore and rushed back inside, down the hallway and into the bathroom. Taking several deep breaths, I calmed my emotions and shoved them deep down inside. It wasn't hard, I'd had years of experience doing it, then I left the bathroom and headed back to the kitchen.

By now, Jan had returned and smiled as I approached.

I glanced at Flea, then Katie and waved my cell phone. "I need to get back to my grandmother's."

"Is everything okay?" Katie asked.

"Yes. I just need to go. I'm so sorry to cut this short." I grabbed my purse and jacket and hugged Katie. "Everything was perfect."

"Let me grab my jacket," Flea said, but I shook my head.

"You stay. I'll have Merrick swing by and pick you up later."

"What the fuck?" he growled.

"Billy!" Jan exclaimed. "Language."

"I really have to go," I said, and headed toward the front door.

Unfortunately, I didn't beat Flea to my car and found myself spun to face him, his eyes searching mine. "What happened?"

"Nothing. It's fine. I just need to get home."

"Goddammit, Grace, tell me."

I shook my head.

"Is your Grams okay?"

"Flea—"

"You're not gettin' in your fuckin' car until you tell me what the hell is goin' on."

I burst into tears and waved my hands in front my face.

"Fuck," he breathed out and pulled me against him. "Baby, tell me."

I did. Everything.

"I'm gonna fuckin' kill her."

"No," I countered. "Please don't say anything. I don't want to get between you and your mom. It's fine."

He held his hand out to me, palm up. "Keys."

"Flea—"

"Gonna drive you home, Grace."

"You don't have your jacket."

"I'll grab it some other time."

"And get on your bike without it?" I argued. "No."

He flapped his fingers. "Keys, Grace."

I dropped them into his palm and he unlocked the door. "Get in. I'll be right back."

"Please don't say anything to your mom."

He kissed me gently and stroked my cheek. "I'll be right back."

Flea

I forced down my rage as I stalked back into my sister's condo. "Mom!" I bellowed.

"I'm right here, dear, you don't need to yell."

"What's going on?" Katie asked.

I grabbed my jacket off the sofa. "You've gone too far this time, woman, and you need to figure out a way to fix it, or you and I are done."

"What happened?" Katie crossed her arms. "Mom?"

"I have no idea," Mom said.

"Really?" I challenged. "You don't need to 'finesse me out of my current obsession'?"

Mom at least had the good sense to look contrite.

"Mother," Katie snapped. "You said that to Grace?"

"I would never!"

"No, she was talkin' on the phone loud enough for Grace to overhear her."

"Oh my god, Mom, who were you talking to? Betty? That bitch is a meddling shrew!"

Mom picked at a piece of lint on her sleeve. "I think people need to learn not to eavesdrop."

"Done, woman," I growled, and walked out of the house.

"Billy!" she called as I slammed the door. I ignored her.

Climbing into the car, I turned to face Grace. She was staring out the window. "Honey, look at me."

She faced me, and my heart shattered. Her eyes were wet, and her nose was red, and I knew she was trying hard to keep it together.

"Fuck," I whispered, cupping her face. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, I really didn't want to make a fuss."

"Grace, you have every right to make a fuss." I stroked her cheek. "God, honey. You're the most important thing in the world to me."

"I don't want to cause waves between you and your mom. I don't want you to…" She shook her head.

"Go through what you're going through?" I finished for her.

"Parents are important," she whispered.

"You are important," I countered. "More important."

"I'm sorry I didn't make a good impression."

"Listen. My sister loves you almost as much as I do. My mother is insignificant in this. If you and I make a family with Katie, it's going to be a perfect family unit. Hear me?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, baby, I'm sure." I smiled. "I love you. More than anyone, including Jan."

Her mouth tipped up slightly and I kissed her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?"

"Putting me first."

"Never need to thank me for that, Grace." I kissed her again and then started the car. "Gonna take you home and show you exactly how much of a priority you are."

"Can we grab some chocolate on the way?" she asked. "I'm kind of craving pie."

"What about your diet?"

"Fuck the diet. I'm going to eat my feelings."

I grinned. "Okay, baby."