Page 46 of Joker
I can just see Kate telling Joker exactly how she feels. I frown when I think of Beau disrespecting his dad like that.
“I’ll talk to Beau about his behavior when I get back,” I state.
“You’ll do no such thing. A boy should be sticking up for his momma.”
Giggling a little, she wraps her arm around me and pulls me in for a hug.
“Don’t be too hard on them all when we get back,” she tells me.
We stay cuddled on the steps for a little longer until the sound of a vehicle pulling up makes us look up. Prez is jumping out of one of the club’s SUVs.
“Gave us a bit of a scare there, girly,” he says as he reaches us.
“I’m sorry. He was getting so angry and not listening to anything I was saying. I just needed space,” I try to explain.
“I understand that. Ready to head back?” he asks.
Nodding, we climb into the SUV and head back to the clubhouse. Walking through the common room, no one says anything. My dad and Joker are nowhere to be seen. I head straight to Beau’s room. He’s sitting on his bed, playing a handheld game.
“Momma, your back!” He jumps off the bed and gives me a cuddle.
“I’m sorry I scared you, sweetie,” I say, kissing his head.
“You didn’t scare me. I knew you just needed Momma time. I’m mad at Dad for shouting at you. It was so funny watching Aunt Kate tell Dad off,” he tells me with a giggle.
I bet it was.
“Come on, kid, bedtime,” I declare.
Getting Beau sorted for bed, and all tucked in, I finally make it back to my room.
Deciding a nice relaxing bath is in order. I light some candles and relax in the bubbles. Soaking my muscles helps me relax and unwind. My mind is still thinking about Joker. We need to be able to co-parent. He has to understand how his actions make me feel. I let my eyes fall closed as I relax further into the hot water.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
JOKER
“What, am I not good enough for you anymore? You don’t need me? You’ve got Beau, so who cares about me. Jesus, you’re even calling me Joker. I’m not Joker to you, never have been. I’m Jason. Your Jason. I’m supposed to mean something to you. You mean everything to me, Carrie. I never stopped looking for you. I never gave up. Why can’t you just let me the fuck in?” I exclaim.
By the end of my rant, my arms are flying around, and I’m shouting. She flinches. It stops me dead in my tracks. Holy fuck, she flinched. She thinks I’m going to hit her. Before I can say or do anything, she takes off running.
Screaming her name, she doesn’t stop. I start to go after her, but hands grab me and pull me back.
“Get off me. CARRIE!” I’m still shouting for her.
“Leave her be. Give her a little time,” Dad tells me.
“The fear on her face, Dad, I would never hurt her,” I say as I drop back down onto the bench. My head is in my hands.
I’d never forget the look of fear on her face and the fact I put it there.
“I’m going to fucking kill you,” someone shouts, and I’m dragged off the bench by my cut. Brothers come running, but I don’t fight back. Reck has every right to kick my ass for scaring her. Reck is pulled off me and I see Beau standing off to the side.
“Son,” I call out to him.
He shoots daggers at me and storms into the clubhouse. Great, he’s mad at me too.
“You stupid, ape-like son of a bitch,” Kate spits at me.
