Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“You look…”

“Just say it.”

“You look smart. It does suit you.”

“Ha ha. You’re taking pictures for the guys.”

Devil already had his phone in the air, snapping them. “I’ve got to keep these kinds of memories, son. You know that.”

Simon rolled his eyes. “I hate you right now.”

“That’s your prerogative.”

Lexie knocked on the door, gaining their attention. “She’s ready and she’s nervous.”

“How can she possibly be nervous? This was her idea.”

“I taught you better than that. Every girl will be nervous on her first date. Accept it.” Lexie walked into the room and moved toward him. “You look handsome.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Lexie sighed. “I can’t … you make me so proud.”

His stomach twisted. In the past few weeks, she’d been making comments that always made him think she believed she was going to die.

Wrapping his arms around her, he held on to her, not squeezing too tightly when that was all he wanted to do.

Be a man. Don’t be a pussy. She’s your mom. She’s going to fight this.

Simon pulled away. “Do you think the flowers are too much?”

“No, go and see her reaction,” Lexie said. “She’s waiting. Simon, she’s special. Treat her right.”

“Always.”

Leaving his father’s office, he found her sitting on the stairs, and she quickly stood. She wasn’t wearing The Skulls’ leather cut.

“Wow,” she said.

“Wow.” He pointed at her. “You look…”

“Like a dork?” She tugged at the bottom of the dress. It was a beautiful pink floral dress.

“No, you look beautiful.”

She glanced down at herself. “You always say that.”

“But you do, to me. You always are beautiful and I love it when you smile like that.”

Devil cleared his throat. “We’ll be waiting for your return.” He dangled the car keys from his fingers. “Slow and steady. You’ve been taught.”

“I will. I’ll keep her safe.”

“Have fun,” Lexie said.

“We will.” Simon looked at the flowers. “These are for you.”

Tabby laughed. “They’re beautiful.”

Lexie took them. “I’ll put them in some water for you.”

“Thank you.”

Putting a hand on her back, Simon walked out of the house and went to the car. He opened the passenger door and Tabby climbed in.

He took a deep breath, the nerves getting to him. He waved at his parents just as he got behind the wheel.

“They’re still watching,” Tabby said.

“I know.” He pulled out of the driveway. “I booked us a seat at a restaurant in town. It’s a cute little Italian place. They’re the only ones who were willing to do vegetarian meals.”

“Thank you, Simon.”

“Anything for you.” He took her hand, locking their fingers together.

“Your hand’s a little sweaty.”

“I’m nervous. I thought I was the best kind of boyfriend in the world.”

“You are and don’t let anyone else tell you any different. You’re awesome.” She rested her head on his shoulder. He could do this.

****

“Tabitha is going to keep him on his toes,” Lexie said.

“Count on it. She has got that boy so twisted up, but at least it’s keeping him out of trouble.”

“She’s struggling, though, Devil. You can see that.”

Devil wrapped his arms around his wife. The headlights of the car had already faded in the distance. “I know.”

“Do you think allowing her to come here and help was a mistake?” Lexie asked, turning to look at him.

“Do you want the truth?”

“Yeah.”

“I do and I don’t.”

“That’s one way of avoiding the answers,” Lexie said, smiling.

He cupped her cheek. The love he had for this woman. “I don’t think we made a mistake because she needs to realize what kind of future she has. Being with Simon means a choice has to be made. This is her one and only chance to realize that. She’s a Skull. We all knew this day would come. We can’t keep avoiding it. I expected Simon to move on. To find a girl in high school, or several girls, but it’s Tabitha he wants, and the only person he seems to think about. We can’t change that.”

Lexie sighed. “I hate this. They are going to have such a hard time. We all know this and we’re only now thinking about it.”

He held her close. “Tell me what you want me to do.”

“Nothing. There’s nothing we can do. Unless there’s a chance of you and Lash coming to some agreement.”

“No.”

“Then no, Devil. I know the club means the world to you, and I love you. This is the challenge they’re going to have to face.” She cupped his face. “Take me indoors. It’s cold.”

****

Twenty minutes later

“You hate this,” Tabitha said, looking over her menu at her date.

“No, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine, you’re wriggling.” She looked at where his finger was digging into his neck. She pressed her lips together.

“You’re finding this really funny.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t seem to help it.”

“This isn’t funny.”

“It is a little funny.” She lifted up the menu and then shook her head. “Let me.” She leaned over the table and unbuttoned the top two, relieving his neck. “There, how is that?”