Page 74 of Hawk

“Is he planning on staying here, with you?”

“I can’t answer that because we haven’t discussed that.”

“Isn’t he happier here with you and me than he is back home?”

“I don’t know, Rose. He and I don’t discuss New Mexico very much.”

“Well, why not? You have to know what he’s thinking. You have to know if he’s planning on staying or leaving.” Her bottom lip trembles. “I need to know if he’s going to stay or if I’m going to lose him again.”

This poor woman.

“You won’t lose him again, Rose. I know what kind of man Hawk is, and there’s no way that he’s going to abandon his family.” She takes a deep breath, maybe one of relief. “But you have to realize that his family is also in New Mexico. You remember the loyalty and the brotherhood of the MC. You have to know that Hawk isn’t the type of man to turn his back on those who have never turned their back on him.”

“Then I guess I’m out of luck.” She’s beating herself up over how she left him when he was younger.

“I wouldn’t count yourself out, just yet. Your son might surprise you.” I know Hawk, and I can see that he’s forgiven her for leaving. She needs to forgive herself.

I sure as hell hope he surprises both of us.

Hawk

It’s moving day.

Rose has been medically cleared and is moving into a halfway house. Pulling up to the facility, Rhea is waiting for me outside. She’s looking better every time I see her.

“Hey.” She takes a timid step in my direction, and when she wraps her arms around my body, I feel an instant familiarity. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m not going to question it. The closest thing I had to a sister growing up was Sienna.

I pull my body from hers. I’ve learned that I need to watch Rhea’s eyes when she talks because I can usually tell when she’s feeding me a line of shit. Not that she intentionally lies to me, I’ve never gotten that vibe from her, but I know although this relationship is new, she doesn’t want to disappoint.

“Everything all right?”

“Loa and my dad are inside.”

I can feel my jaw clench. The high I was feeling knowing that my mother is one step

closer to living a life I want her to live is gone. I was hoping this would be a good transition

today. Something that my mother would see as positive. A fresh start, but now I’m not sure

that’s gonna happen. Not when two of her triggers are in with her.

I give Rhea’s shoulders a squeeze and walk past her. As soon as I enter the facility my eyes land on Tessa. Her hair is pulled up in a messy bun on top of her head. She’s wearing her uniform of white scrubs. Her eyes are twinkling as she smiles at Martha. When she finally sees me, she gives me a weary smile. She stands at her full height and takes me in as I make my way towards her. I know today is about my mother, but there’s nothing that can stop me from landing my lips on hers. My lips come down, and I know for a fact the kiss isn’t gentle. Even the feel of her lips on mine can’t erase the uneasy feeling I’ve got churning in my gut. She pulls away, clearing her throat as her eyes dance around the area.

“Hey.” She reaches up, touching my lips with her fingers. I’m sure she’s trying to wipe the lipstick from my lips, so I pull my head away. I don’t give a shit.

“Hey.” My tone is flat, and by the look on her face, I’m sure she caught it too.

She shrugs her head towards my sister. “Did Rhea tell you?”

“Yeah.”

“There ain’t no need for any shit, now. You hear me?” Martha comes up next to me. “I have to admit, I don’t like either of those two, but they are family, and sometimes, that can’t be helped. The only thing you can control is the way you act towards them.” She wraps her arms around mine and escorts me towards my mother’s room. I can hear the squeak of not one, but two sets of shoes behind me.

“I don’t like my things folded that way,” I hear Rose’s plea as soon as we reach her room. She’s standing off to the side while Loa is throwing her clothes into duffle bags. “Please, sweetie, let me fold them, so they don’t get wrinkled.”

“It doesn’t matter, Mother. You’re going to be sitting around in your room at the other place just like you’ve been doing here, so what’s the point.” Loa continues to grab pieces of clothing that are lying next to the bag and forcefully tossing them in. I clear my throat, making Loa’s head snap in my direction. Her eyes widen in surprise.

“Oh, Hawking.” The relief in my mother’s voice is evident.