Page 183 of Wild Card

“You always have been.” The sincerity in her compliment sends a wave of warmth through me.

“Thanks.”

“One more thing. Are you sure you’re okay with Sterling and me moving forward with bailing Rylee and Joseph out?”

I try to cover my laugh, which turns it into a muted squeak. “We already went through this. It means nothing to me. I have Talon because of their mess.”

Her smile is genuine and laced with a little mischief. “Yes, Talon. Quite a man you landed.”

There’s a light rumble from behind.

Oh my God, these bruisers are listening. I do a quick glimpse around the table for anything out of place and notice a small silver device next to my water. No wonder the waitress is spooked. These men are insane.

“Man, neanderthal, brute, boor… you name it. He and his friends are developing a side gig as caveman trainers.”

One of them, possibly Ace, snickers. I chuck the device over my shoulder without looking to let them know I’m on to them.

Mom’s gaze lights with amusement. “I hope to get to know him and his friends one day soon.”

“Stacy, I’m living the best life possible. There is no room for toxicity or distrust. If you want to be a part of this life I’m building, I’m willing to give it a try. Small steps.”

The amusement fades out and tears well. “I’ll do anything in my power to win your trust again. Small steps are fine.”

“Well, then we’ve come to our place.”

“What exactly is our place?”

“The place of opportunity.”

“Does this opportunity allow for you to call me Mom again?”

“Small steps.”

She nods, gathering her napkin from her lap and slapping it on the table. “We better take advantage of this fabulous salad bar before you have to return to work.”

“You know about the salad bar?”

“Of course! I love this place.”

“You do? It doesn’t seem like your kind of establishment.” I take in the clientele dressed more like me in scrubs.

“Your dad had an office close to here many years ago. We met up often.”

“Why’d you stop?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “You always wanted to go to upscale restaurants when you met me for lunch.”

“Because somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I thought taking you to fancy restaurants was part of my job. Show you the finer things.”

“I didn’t need that.”

“I know, Willow. You have always been down to earth. Even your little Lulu addiction.”

A tinge of pain hits, thinking about the clothing now in the trash. “Well, that hasn’t changed. And I have a newfound love for designer shoes.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Really?”

I stand with her and lead the way to the salad bar, catching Ace and Ford’s approval as we pass. Evidently, they didn’t need the device to hear because of Ford’s ability to read lips. I don’tcare. They may be overprotective, but they do it out of love. Talon couldn’t be here, so he sent his brothers to watch my back.

Yeah, I am definitely living my best life. We get in line and I begin the story of the fabulous evening I met my boyfriend’s parents.

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