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“It’s not that simple, and you know it. Talk to Ace. Get it sorted out.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “All right, I’ll hit him up. See what kind of grand exit he’s cooked up for me.” Despite my reluctance to leave Angel Harbor, the thought of having a plan, a clear path laid out by those I trust, eases some of my tension.
“Good. And Stone?” Dad’s voice softens, the warmth cutting through the miles between us. “I know this isn’t easy. But it’s the right move. You’ll see.”
A lump forms in my throat, and I swallow hard before I can speak. “Yeah, I know, Dad. I’ll get it sorted with Ace. Then I’m Texas-bound.”
“Looking forward to it, son. Be safe and see you soon.”
“You got it, Dad. Is Mom around?”
“Thought you’d never ask. She’s been staring at me since I got on the phone.”
I hear him hand the phone over before my ma’s voice puts a smile on my face.
“Stone, how’s my baby boy?”
“Hardly a baby or boy anymore, Ma. But I’m good. How are you?” I leave the dim light of Ace’s office and head outside, in need of fresh air after the news from my dad.
“I’m good, better now with the good news of your return to Texas,” she answers easily, a clear smile in her voice. “Are you getting enough to eat, sweetheart?” Ma’s voice is full of concern.
I chuckle as I step outside and stare at the sunny California skies. Same blue as in Texas. Same puffy white clouds. But the vibe is as different as can be. “Do you think I’ve been starving over here for the past five years, Ma?”
“Don’t get smart with me, Stone.” Her tone holds that warning I’ve missed since I left my home in Texas in the middle of the night.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I tease. “Yeah, Ma, I’m getting plenty to eat. The girls here keep us well-fed.”
“Don’t you mean the women?”
“That’s what I said.” I can’t help the smile on my face because I miss sparring with my mom, more than I miss a lot of things. “That’s not what you heard?”
“Are you dating anybody?”
“Ma,” I groan. “Isn’t there something else you need to be doing?”
“Nope. Who is she?”
Ma and I are close, but not the kind of close where I tell her how many different chicks I fuck each week between MC business. That’s a little too close for my taste. “There is no she, Ma. At least not just one.”
“I hope you’ve been covering your junk,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t want any pissed off grandbabies showing up twenty years from now.”
“I’m not dating anyone, Ma. And I refuse to talk to you about my junk—covered or uncovered.” That pulls a laugh from both of us.
“Damn, I miss you, Stone. I’m so ready for my baby boy to finally come home.”
I smile. “I haven’t been a baby in a long time.” Maybe if I keep telling her I’m not a baby, she’ll get the hint.
“You’ll always be my baby. Wait until you have kids, and you’ll understand.”
I smile and shrug even though Ma can’t see me. “Sounds good. Well, I guess I need to talk to Ace about this move. You know, I’ve been on my best behavior for you and Dad since I came to Angel Harbor. Now that I’m leaving, I’m a little conflicted about it.”
“I understand, honey,” Ma says. “You’ve built a life there. You’re comfortable there. But just know we’ve been working hard to get you home. Took a while, but it’s handled. And I miss you.”
“Miss you too, Ma.” It won’t be easy to leave Angel Harbor. These guys are my friends. My brothers. California is cool. It’s exactly what I needed after that shitshow five years ago. The weather is great, the weed is good, and the chicks are hot as fuck. But none of that is important enough to stay away, is it? Not when my rightful place—one day—is to lead the Reckless Bastards into the future. “All right, Ma. I’ll be home soon.”
“That’s what I want to hear!” She claps her hands, and I can almost see her strutting around the kitchen in the big house. “I’m so happy to hear that, Stone.”
“It’ll be a little strange being back since I haven’t been around for a few years, but I got this. How’s everyone doing?”
