“Whatever you think you know is wrong. I’m a damn good mom. Call your lawyer. I don’t care. I am Jace’s legal guardian. I’m his mother, nothing you say or do will ever change that.”
“A simple DNA test and a court evaluation will prove otherwise. And don’t think for one minute you will be getting any of Brian’s money. He didn’t have any when he died. He was drowning in debt from his divorce from that whore he married,” she sneers.
“I never wanted anything from your family. If I had, don’t you think I would have contacted Brian from day one for child support? I’m not going to defend myself and argue with you. You clearly have no intention of listening. I would like you to leave now.” I point toward the door.
Mrs. Case leaves without contest. I can’t be mad at Tyler; he was acting in Jace’s best interest. But, what if she is serious? Their family has money and money talks. I love my job at the club, but maybe I should just quit. Then there is Tyler being in the motorcycle club. Beverly could use that against me in court if she finds out.
If she is serious about having me investigated, how will the court see my profession. “Tyler, I am going to quit the club. I have to.” I flop down on the couch next to him.
“Don’t let her scare you, Aria. She is upset and her threats are empty. But, even if she is serious, you have me. I’ll help you. Whatever the cost, I will pay an attorney. She is in mourning and she sees Jace as a way to replace what she has lost. All it would take is one call, and I could get rid of her for good. Just say the word.”
He can’t be serious. I shake my head pretending he didn’t just offer to get rid of Jace’s grandma.
“No, I can’t drag you into this. I have to do this. I have to prove I am good mom, and I am going to act like one. The MC is another thing. I don’t want to lie about your life. I mean look where all of my lies have gotten me.”
His eyes find mine. “They brought you to me.”
“Tyler, I didn’t mean…” He interrupts me with a kiss.
“Move in with me, you and Jace. Let me take care of you guys. It will show the courts that Jace has a stable life and a two-parent family.”
He goes to kiss me again, and I stop him as much as it pains me to do so.
“I can’t Tyler. I appreciate what you are trying to do. Really, I do, but if and when we take that step. I want to know that it is the right thing for all of us, and not because we feel pressured, or because you have some hero complex that you feel the need to take care of everyone.” The hurt expression that forms across his face looks as if I just smacked him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.” I attempt to backpedal, but the damage is done.
“Actually, I think you did. But, I know you’re upset, and you’re scared right now. I love you Aria. I’ll call you tomorrow. And keep the costume. I think we could have some fun with it,” he teases as he goes to the door.
“Are we okay? Please don’t walk out that door upset with me.” A hard lump forms in my throat. If he leaves on bad terms and something happens to him I won’t be able to take it. I can’t help but remember what Faye said about death coming in threes.
Tyler stops at the door. He looks back at me and winks. “You can make it up to me by wearing that costume for me tomorrow night.” I laugh and he says, “There’s that smile I fell in love with the day I first laid eyes on you. I’ll see you tomorrow, sugar.”
I hurriedly change my clothes and walk next door to get Jace from Caroline. She wants details about what was happening over at my place, but I just don’t have it in me to talk about it right now. My head is pounding; I feel mentally exhausted. All I want to do is take my boy home and snuggle up with him in a protective bubble, where no one can bother us.
**
The sun has risen, and I have barely had any sleep at all. Every time I would try and close my eyes I would see Brian’s angry mother threatening to take Jace. I can’t afford to quit Indigo right now as much as I need to. With the possibility of Mrs. Case’s threats, I need to find a second job fast.
I have three spray tans today and hope that I am able to secure some new clients. I make ten dollars a head each new customer, it can add up some days on top of the salary pay I make.
I check in with Chrissy to see if she has the schedule for the next month ready. I am going to have to step up my game and recruit new customers.
“Is the schedule okay, I can try to move your shifts around if you need me to? I know you’ve had a full plate lately. You know my dad will help you, Aria. If you need anything just say the word.”
“Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it. With everything that has been going on I can use keeping my mind as busy as possible. I just really need extra shifts,” I tell her. I guess I am more like my mother than I thought…I don’t want Bender’s money either. I can’t expect everyone else to jump in and clean up a mess of my own making. Taking care of Jace is my responsibility.
“How are things with you? I hear you and Tyler finally realized you two make a great couple.” She grins at me and winks. “I hear some girls at the clubhouse and Indigo are hating you right now. He told this one chick to get lost when she tried to suck his dick. It was so funny. You shoulda seen the look on her face when he shoved her away. She landed flat on her ass.”
“Yeah, he is a wonderful man, but I still want to take things slow.” I try not to let her words get to me. At least she said that he turned her down. I still don’t know much about his club life and from the sound of things, I don’t think I want to. I want to be able to trust Tyler, to believe in him and have faith that he won’t hurt me.
My shift drags by, and I’m not able to bring in any new customers. I hope this isn’t an indication of things to come.
Chapter Nineteen
I am in a tailspin trying to get ready for work at the club, and Jace didn’t get a nap today at daycare so he is being unruly. “Jace, baby, go get mommy your shoes, Caroline wants to take you to feed the ducks.”
“No, I don’t want to,” he cries holding onto my leg.
“Please Jace, we have to go.” I am walking out the door at this point with Jace on my leg, my keys in my mouth and his shoes under my armpit. I am going to be late, and I am so tired.