Page 82 of Renascence

“Is that where you met him? At the gym?”

“At the pet shop. He does Uncle Jeff’s accounting.”

“Well, if he’s raised your spirits, I like him already. Where are you? It’s a little noisy.”

“I’m….”In a MC clubhouse, where Liam, aka Venom, is a member. There are half-naked women walking around, and I’m pretty sure someone is smoking weed. “Hanging out with some girls I met. They’re Liam’s friends’ girlfriends.”

“That’s great, honey. I’m glad you’re making friends. See, I told you some time away would do you good.”

“You were right as always, mother mine,” I say, a big smile in place.

“That’s why you should listen to me more, daughter mine.”

“I will. Where’s Daddy?”

“Working late. I’ll have to put his dinner in the oven.”

Mom goes off on one of her “homemaker” tangents, all thoughts of me and Liam vanished. Belinda Pierce has always been a stay-at-home mom while Frank was the provider. It always baffled the two of them that I worked. They thought once I got married I would have become Suzie Homemaker and pushed out a couple kids while James brought home the bacon. They were even more confused when I took the second job. They didn’t know the whole story until I left James. They would have wanted to help, and I couldn’t allow that.

“What didyoudo today?” she asks.

“Today was great, Mom! I had lunch with the girls, and then we spent most of the afternoon wrapping gifts they’re planning on giving out to the neighborhood kids for Christmas. After that we went shopping.”

Two of Venom’s brothers, Charger and Booker, went with us. I thought it weird that they sort of have bodyguards, but I guess their men are just overprotective. Booker’s huge, so I can see how he’d scare people off, but I think his red hair and freckles are cute. Charger is smaller, shorter, and more of a pretty boy. I could see he takes his job seriously because his brown eyes were always keen, constantly scanning the surroundings. With his dark hair and tattoos, it’s obvious why Chrissy’s drawn to him.

On our shopping trip, the women convinced me to buy the most scandalous dress. Raven said she could live vicariously through me since she won’t be able to wear anything like that for a while. Marlowe and Renae weren’t there, but I was told they don’t hang around the club or other old ladies much. Too bad since they’re closer to my age.

I like the women I hung out with today, though. They’re all younger than me, but the entire time we were together, it didn’t matter. I didn’t have that with the women I used to be friends with. Looking back at them now, they weren’t my friends at all. They disappeared when I needed them most.

“Sounds wonderful, dear. The kids will be thrilled, I’m sure. What about you? Do you need money, Emily?”

“I’m fine, Mom. Uncle Jeff won’t let me pay for anything, so I haven’t really spent any of my own money yet.”

“And Liam?”

“Mom, I just met him.”

“Yes, but he’s not making you pay half your dinner bill or some silliness like that, is he? I seriously don’t understand men these days.”

“No, Mom. He pays the bill.”

“Good. You deserve a man who will take care of you.”

“He does… and it’s not about money. He’s everything James isn’t. He makes me feel… well, he makes mefeel. I never thought I’d be able to let anyone in again. I don’t know where this is going, but at least I know I’m capable of moving on.”

“Oh, honey… I’m so happy for you. I’m sure your father will be, too. We might want to meet this man of yours.”

“Mom, it’s way too early for that.”

“Just think about it. Talk to Liam. If he agrees, you’ll know he’s serious about you.”

“Okay, Mom.” I know he’s not serious, so that conversation is a nonstarter. “I will.”

“Good.”

“I gotta go, Mom. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“You’re coming home for Christmas, right?”