The Ryland Boys
Chapter 17

It’s been over a week since Tony was tossed down the steps of the home.

He tried suing but since he realized the chances of him losing more than gaining were higher, he dropped all cases.

I was finally free of my neck brace and talking like a semi normal Norah again, it felt good to be free of that s**t.

Today Lucas and I are going to see my mom, she had some crazy news and flew out just to tell me. I guess I was happy, but I was sort of scared too.

She would also find out that I got in a big wreck and didn’t tell her. Id keep it a secret if I could but since it’s the summer and the bruises aren’t fully healed, it’s that of that they all abuse me here.

“Can I go?” Mason asked as I pulled on Lucas’s left shoe tying it.

I laughed and shook my head “You’re not ready to meet my mom. She’s crazy.” I said laughing.

He smirked “Alright, well you two drive safe. Give my mother in law my hellos.” He said giving me a wink.

This guys relentless.

“Alright, I will.” I said taking Lucas’s hand and walking us down the stairs and to my car.

It took us twenty minutes to get there and we ended up at the small bakery mom always took me to when she’d get paid a bonus.

Parking the car, I got out and headed inside with Lucas who was taking my hand and hurrying me inside.

Looking around for her, I spotted her and smiled but Lucas was staring at the glass counter of all the sweets and muffins “Norah can I have the one right there.” He said pointing to the Batman sugar cookies.

I nodded “Get a muffin or a bagel if you want too.” I said watching him shake his head but eye the chocolate milks with the cartoon shaped heads to drink from.

“Go pick which one you want.” I said watching him smile and hurry over to the drinks.

I smiled at the kid who I’ve seen many times before at school, he smiled politely “Norah, wow yours?” He asked looking to Lucas.

Staring at Lucas I shook my head, “No, just babysitting.” I said watching Lucas walk over with the scooby doo one “It’s the grinch dog!” He said smiling at me.

I eyed it “That’s scooby doo, we’ll watch his movie this weekend.” I said brushing his hair back. He nodded smiling and staring at scooby.

“Batman cookie, the chocolate milk, a blueberry muffin and then a cinnamon toast bagel with the sweet pecan cream cheese. Oh and two coffees.” I said smiling.

The guy smirked at me but then eyed my neck “Wild night?” He asked me gesturing to my neck as he picked it all out and put it in a box for me.

I ran my hand over my neck “Car accident.” I said sheepishly.

Lucas leaned into the counter pulling himself up “She got Han Solod.” He said reaching for his drink.

Taking the drink, I unscrewed the top peeling the wrapper off and then twisting the cap back on and handing it to him.

“This is the best chocolate milk I’ve ever had!” He said smiling wide.

The guy laughed “What’s Han Solod?” He asked me handing me the box.

I smirked “It’s when the roof of the car crushes and pins you to the seat of the car.” I said watching him make the two coffees.

“Glad you’re okay, you still look at beautiful as in high school.” He said blushing with a smile.

Lucas furrowed his eyebrows “She’s my girlfriend.” He said possessively.

I laughed and watched Jacob nod “Alright, Sorry man. I’ll back off.” He laughed.

Handing him a twenty he returned my change and I tossed ten into the tip jar. Lucas took the box and I took the coffees walking to moms table.

Taking a seat I placed the coffees down and took the box from Lucas who stared at my mom nervously. “Hi.” He said low.

Mom stared at him smiling sweetly, “Hi sweetheart. You must be Lucas.” She said leaning forward.

He took a seat beside me and nodded slowly “You’re Norah’s mommy?” He asked furrowing his eyebrows thoughtfully.

She nodded taking her coffee and pouring sugar in it before mixing it.

“Here’s your muffin.” I said handing it to her and then pulling out Lucas’s cookie placing it in front of him.

Taking the bagel out I placed the box to the side and began covering the bagel with the cream cheese. “I got a job out there.” Mom said smiling at me.

Her eyes looked over my neck and then my arms “Wh-What happened to you?” Mom asked looking me over.

I took a steady breath “I was in a car wreck, got crushed. I’m fine though, feeling a lot better now. I just didn’t want to worry you.” I said watching her stare in silence for a while.

Lucas looked to me and then my mom “Everyone else died.” He said chewing his cookie.

Mom furrowed her eyebrows “Whose everyone else?” She asked staring me over.

I began pouring creamer packets and then sugar into my cup “A semi struck our truck” I began.

Mom cut in “Who’s our?” She asked leaning in and taking my arm running her hands softly over my cuts.

“Lucas’s brothers. We all made it out. But the semi truck driver, and then the second car that hit us, and then the guy in the sports car that crushed me into the car died.” I said drinking my coffee.

She stared between Lucas and I for a while “Are the boys okay?” She asked me worried.

I nodded “Oh yeah, they’re good a few broken bones but we’re all okay.” I said repeating softly “we’re all okay.”

Lucas stared at mom, “You should meet my brothers. Mason thinks Norahs his girlfriend.” He said rolling his eyes in his sassy ways.

I smiled softly and mom laughed “He’d be lucky to have my girl as his girlfriend.” She said proudly.

Mom and Lucas began talking about his life with me and then my phone rang. I eyed Alison’s name and looked down at the two of them talking. “I’ll be right over there I’m just-gotta answer.” I said watching mom nod while her eyes where glued to Lucas.

I remember her telling me she wanted one, she wasn’t done with having kids, she wanted to have four. That was her dream.

Answering, I watched mom stare at Lucas with so much attention “Hey Alison.” I said waiting for a response.

“Hey Norah, I heard you took Lucas out. Just making sure you’re both okay.” She said worriedly but trying to stay calm.

Ever since he accident she hates us driving.

I smiled “Yeah, we’re okay. I just took him to a bakery to meet my mom.” I said watching Lucas laugh with mom.

Alison stayed quiet for a while “I’d love to meet her, if that’s okay with you. Can you invite her to dinner? We’ll go out or she can come over. Whatever you want.” She said nervously.

I felt a bit taken back but nodded and then realized she can’t see me nod “Of course, I’m sure she’d want to meet somewhere public though. She gets anxiety when she’s alone with people she doesn’t know.” I said watching her react calmly with Lucas.

“Perfect, tell her six and we’ll go…where does she like to eat? Or what does she enjoy eating?” She asked thoughtfully. “She’s not picky, she loves everything.” I said.

Alison told someone something on the other line “Okay awesome we can do that Mediterranean grill off Lenu.” She said in more of a question.

Lucas jumped up and gave mom a half five “Perfect.” I said smiling and listening to her say bye.

Only she didn’t hang up….

“No it was just my babysitter. She’s a real doll. I might even keep her around, who knows, maybe she can be a full time babysitter.” She said laughing and moaning lightly.

I cringed and went to hang up but stopped when I heard the other voice “She fitting in good with the boys and your husband?” He asked muffled.

Your husband!? That’s not Benson?!

Alison m****d a bit more giving an “mhm” before she laughed.

“She’s hot.” He said laughing.

She laughed more “You’re not actually thinking what I think you’re thinking right?” She asked.

It grew quiet, “No, we’re not having a threesome. The girls weird about s*x anyways. I think she’s a virgin but just lies about having s*x.” She gave a small seductive laugh “I could rock that girls world.” She said.

Oh god, oh god!

“Masons doing a team round up thing at your place in an hour. I should get going.” He said sighing.

She sighed “Shut up and f**k me quick.”

Hanging up quick I cringed eyeing the phone for a couple minutes.

Walking to the table, I sat with Lucas and then stared smiling at mom “You want to go to dinner tonight to meet his mom?” I asked watching mom eye me confused.

My mind still trying to wrap around what I just eavesdropped on.

Lucas leaned forward “Yeah! Come meet my mom!” He said proudly.

I wonder if he’d sound so proud knowing his mom is cheating on his dad with one of Masons f*****g team mates.

f**k.

“Yeah I’ll go, I’d love to meet who you’re staying with.” She said smiling wide and sweetly to me.

I leaned forward “So what’s the big news?” I asked her, she smiled at me carefully “I’m pregnant.” She said sighing with a smile.

Watching her carefully, I leaned back, she leaned forward “I’ve been taking walks on the beach every morning, and I met this guy a couple weeks ago. Well now I’m pregnant.” She said calmly.

I laughed smiling, “Mom, I’m so happy for you! That’s- it’s amazing!” I said feeling so gleeful, a bit worried but mostly just happy.

She nodded and I looked down at Lucas “I want one too.” I said sighing.

Mom placed a hand over mine “When the time comes, you’ll make an amazing mother. I’m so proud I get to be yours.” She said winking sweetly to me.

I smiled and looked to Lucas who stared at my mom “I wish Norah was my mom, she’s a very good mom. She would play games, she would teach me to be nice, she would teach me grinch.” He said happily.

Looking to Mom I shrugged “He hasn’t watched much tv, I’ve been introducing him slowly. This weekend is Scooby Doo, right?” I asked him.

He nodded and I watched mom lean back and smirk “Remember when you where six and that was all you would watch. You had this little shaggy doll and you would carry it everywhere!” She said laughing. “Not even scooby! It was shaggy!” She said shaking her head as she stared at me with focus.

Her eyes moved over my face and over my hair, “You’re so beautiful my sweet daughter. I hope this next one is too.” She said sighing.

Lucas looked up at me winking and holding a thumbs up “She is beautiful.” He said to my mom.

I smirked and ruffled his hair, “Alright well I should go, I have a few errands to run and then Ill meet you.” She said smiling at me.

Standing, I got Lucas and tossed our trash while giving mom a hug. “It’ll be that Mediterranean place on Lenu. The one that Nichole’s birthday was at.” I said, “Six!” I said smiling and watching her walk out giving me a wave.

We bought Lucas another Batman cookie, along with a cookie for Jack and I drove us to the house with my stomach feeling sick from worry. I wish I had just hung up, there’s certain things no one wants to know. That was one of those things I never wanted to know. Ever.

As we pulled up to the house, I parked and Jack opened my door giving me a smile. I handed him the cookie and the keys. “Thank you Jack.” I said walking to the front with Lucas.

He ran inside to tell everyone about his cookie and even went to the backyard where the whole team was practicing outside.

I wondered momentarily who the mystery guy was, I watched each one discretely seeing their bodies for markings like hickeys or scratches.

None.

“We uncovered the pool this morning.”

Turning I looked to Carter staring in confusion, but he pointed to the pool that had suddenly appeared.

I mean I saw it before but not as a pool, it was just a big black rectangle on the floor, it seemed like a black top or something.

He looked to his cast “Still can’t swim sadly.” I laughed but he sighed saddened by the fact.

Looking to Lucas I c****d an eyebrow “Does he know how to swim?” I asked Carter.

He nodded “Lindsay taught him.” He stated with a smirk.

Lucas must’ve noticed the pool because he came running so fast to me that when he reached me he crashed into my leg “Swimming!! I wanna go! Let’s go! Letss go!” He said taking my hand and pulling me inside.

I sighed and followed him upstairs, he wore his swim top and swim trunks and I put sun block on him watching him smile wide.

“While I change you stay where?” I asked.

He pointed to the bed “Right here.” He said as he sat on his bed.

I nodded and went to my room quickly pulling on my black bikini. I slid on some shorts and a T-shirt adding some sun tan lotion.

Thankfully, I was smart enough to wax the other night. Otherwise I’d be a bit embarrassed.

Going out the door, I went to Lucas’s door pushing it open “Let’s go kid. Grab two towels.” I said.

He ran to the cabinet in the hall grabbing two towels, he ran down the stairs so fast and I quickened my pace following behind him.

Heading to the pool Carter laughed “Awe I knew he couldn’t resist.” He said smirking.

I watched Lucas go to the pool and smile at me with his eyebrows to his hair line in excitement. Taking his hand I walked him to the water and he slowly stepped down before swimming like a dog.

She would teach him to swim like a dog, the b***h.

I walked to the chairs and pulled the shirt over my head and ignored the loud hoots and hollers along with the whistles.

“Take it off baby! Take it off!” Mason shouted laughing.

I flipped him the bird and then unbuttoned my shorts pulling them down and tossing them to the chair too.

Lucas was smiling at me “Come in the water it’s nice!” He said happily.

I walked into the pool shaking my head laughing as Carter began singing some stupid song about a hottie with a body.

Lucas and I swam around for a bit while the guys played and constantly blamed me when they didn’t make a shot.

“She’s distracting! It’s not my fault! Look at her! That’s your f*****g babysitter! You know what mine looks like? She’s a fifty year old grey haired woman who smells like grape jelly and cheese!” I laughed as Thomas began gesturing to me.

I pulled myself from the pool walking out as Lucas ran to grab a drink from inside.

“Wait up Luke, you might slip.” I said grabbing his towel and scooping him up wiping his feet and legs before putting him back down and watching him run.

Looking to the guys, they all stared with their mouths drooling “Careful boys, you might be swimming in each other’s drool soon.” Carter said laughing and giving me a wink.

I smirked and gave him a half five heading to the kitchen.

“You’re seriously just walking around in a bikini?”

Oh god….

“Who in the hell invited her? Aren’t her and Jax broken up?” I asked Lucas while ignoring the fact she could hear me.

Lindsay scoffed “He called me last night, I’m surprised you didn’t hear us. We where up all night.” She said smirking.

I handed Lucas a cup of juice and he drank it while I wrapped him in a towel. “You know how you always say Mason is so thirsty and desperate for me?” I asked her.

She c****d an eyebrow and I pulled out a bottle of sprite popping the cap off with a knife. “You’re just as desperate for my attention. I mean I don’t get it, do you hate me? Or are you obsessed with me? I haven’t yet figured it out.” I said watching her stare dumbfounded and astonished.

Walking past her, I pushed her bottom l*p back up “Careful sweetie, you might catch a fly.” I said following Lucas out the door to the pool.

“You think you’re hot s**t don’t you, you smug bitch.” Lindsay called to me.

I took a drink ignoring her words and ignoring the stares from the boys, “Fight again!” One guy said.

Laughing lightly, I looked to the crowd “I should start charging people to watch me punch others.” I said watching Mason nod.

Lucas and I sat drinking our drinks for a good twenty minutes just watching the guys run up and down the court.

He had a favorite player, Nick.

I don’t get it, he’s the enemies friend!

“Why do you like Nick? He’s Masons friend.” I said to Lucas curiously.

He laughed “He’s mommy’s friend not Masons.” He said like it was so dumb of me not to know.

Right, mommy’s friend….

What kind of friend?

Watching Nick, he stared over at me, his eyes moving down my body. I leaned back in the tanning bench and drank my sprite giving him a small smirk and a matching small wave. His distracted look got him shoved and he focused back on the game.

Oh Nick….you sly rat.

Lucas and I headed back into the water swimming back and forth while Lucas and I played I spy.

“I spy with my little eye, something red!” Lucas said smiling widely.

Looking around I pursed my lips “Carters watch?” I guessed.

Lucas grinned “Nope!” He said laughing silly.

I looked closer, my eyes landing on the door, Jax was there with three other guys all of them walking out talking.

“Jax’s cup?” I asked watching Lucas say “yes!” And then run out the pool.

I sighed, this kid.

Going under water I came back up and walked out the pool letting the water drip from my body, “Lucas no running with wet feet!” I called out grabbing the towel watching Lucas stop running and stand still.

Picking him up I dried his feet and legs off putting him down after wrapping him in the towel.

The first guy with Jax looked up and kept his eyes stuck on me. He was an older guy probably in his late thirties. The second guy did a triple take before looking back at Jax for a few moments and then giving in and staring back at me. Guy number three was young and seemed like a d**k. He looked to the other two then followed their stare toward me.

Jax was talking but stopped when he realized they all weren’t staring at him, he turned his head to me, his eyes roaming down my body. His mouth did the same thing, dropped and his eyes glossed.

Lucas jumped up to the third guy who smiled at him “How you doing Luke?” He asked.

I made it to Lucas “Sorry, he just got excited.” I said apologizing for Lucas’s interruption. The second guy laughed and shook his head “Don’t worry babydoll, we all just got a bit excited.” He said.

Wow, okay.

“Who’s this?” The first guy asked, his eyes roaming over me, and then to the basketball players and then Carter then Jax. “Who is this woman?” He asked again.

I held out my hand “I’m Norah Brooks. Lucas’s babysitter.” I said politely.

The man smiled at me and kissed the top of my hand “Manny Jones. Manager of twenty five boxing facilities in this state. Would you like another job? A better paying job?” He asked watching me carefully.

Lindsay popped up in her bikini “What job? Are you hiring her to fight?” She asked the guy.

Manny looked to Jax “She fights?” He asked staring down at me.

Lucas reached over and I picked him up off the third guy carrying him on my h*p.

Jax nodded “Manny, if you take my moms babysitter she might kill you.” He said moving his eyes from my legs to Manny.

“She fights though?” The second guy asked.

Lucas leaned forward pointing to Lindsay “She kicked Lindsay’s a*s twice! Then she beat up a guy!” He said proud.

I gave Lucas a look and then looked to Manny “Thank you for the thought, but I really love my job. I appreciate it though.” I said placing a hand to his arm lightly.

He eyed it and then me “You ever, ever change your mind babydoll, just let me know. You’d kill it up there. I’d pay you eight grand a night just to hold a damn number up and walk around the stage. Let me know though.” He said kindly.

I nodded and then put Lucas down watching him run back to the pool.

s**t.

Running after him I went to the kid picking him up “No running you crazy!” I said walking with him back to the water. Holding his hand we went into the water and Lindsay came in taking Lucas and showing off her swim skills with him.

I didn’t mind, she was doing my job for me.

Sitting on the first step, I let the sun tan my arms and chest, mostly my neck.

“What did Manny want?”

I turned and looked behind me at Carter, Jax and the other guys with him where inside by now. I shrugged “A job offer.” I said looking at him slowly lowering and dropping his good leg in the water.

Carter nodded “That’s a really good thing, he doesn’t offer that job to just anyone. They’re all Miss blah blahs or ex cheerleaders. Only the hottest.” He said smirking.

Rolling my eyes, I laughed “I am definitely not super model hot Carter.” I said staring at Nick as he laughed with Mason.

I wonder if he ever thinks about the fact he’s f*****g his best friends mom.

At least I think it’s Nick.

“You are though Norah, but like not a dirty sexy, you’re the natural milf kind of sexy that makes guys want to wife you up and do freaky s**t to you.” He laughed.

I didn’t know how to take that, so I just laughed.

“Lindsay’s bat s**t crazy, but she’s hot. She’s dirty sexy. The type you want to f**k, but with a condom on because she might have chlamydia.” He said laughing.

I ran a hand over my face to hide my embarrassment and laughter. “Carter! That’s horrible!” I said shaking my head.

Smacking his arm I remembered “Oh tell the guys to be dressed and ready by five thirty. We’re meeting my mom at some restaurant.” I said smiling at him.

He rose his brows “Damn meeting the parent already huh? Nice.” He said grinning.

Dork.

We sat talking for a while and then Lucas was tired and we headed to his room. I gave him a bath and then got him dressed nice in a dress shirt and a pair of dress pants and a belt.

Combing his hair to the side, I smirked as he gave me waggled eyebrows “I look handsome?” He asked me.

I nodded “Totally!” I said standing and showing him his reflection.

Eyeing the time I stared at my own reflection, it’s literally five and I haven’t even gotten ready.

Mason walked over to me dressed in a dark green button up and denim jeans “Do I look formally informal enough?” He asked before looking my body over.

I looked down at my bikini, god I need to change already.

I nodded walking up to him and placing a hand to his chest straightening the shirt out “You look great, can you watch Lucas while I get ready?” I asked smiling up at him while leaning into his chest.

Mason stared from me to the wall ahead “Norah, don’t do that you make me want to k**s you.” He said stiffening up.

Running my hand down his chest I smiled “I’ll take that as a yes.” I said heading past him to the hall.

Jax walked out the door looking around and staring at me with his tie in his hand “Do I have to wear this?” He asked me bothered by it.

I laughed taking it and putting it around my neck “Your crazy fiancé leave?” I asked him as he leaned into the doorway watching the tie.

He nodded “She said she’ll meet us there.” He said focusing on the tie.

“So, I’ll do it, then you will. Alright?” I asked.

Jax stared at me thoughtfully before nodding.

I did the tie on myself and then undid it and stood closer to him “Your turn.” I said placing my hands to my h**s.

He c****d an eyebrow “On you?” He asked.

I nodded “Come on Jax, I got ten minutes to get ready. You’re going to learn even if i have to go in this.” I said watching him smirk.

“Take your time!” Carter shouted from his room.

I laughed lightly and stared at Jax, he picked the tie off my skin, his hands brushing over the top of my breast. God this is annoyingly hot.

He began doing it, his eyes catching mine every couple seconds before he slowly tightened it leaving it a bit loose “Don’t want you feeling claustrophobic.” He said giving me a small smile before he placed the tie down to my chest. The back of his hand brushing down the middle before he dropped his hand back to his side.

I stared down at the tie “Now you won’t need help.” I said watching him stare down at me, I began undoing the tie but he took it in his hands giving it a small pull bringing me a step closer. He smiled softly “You should go get ready, you’ve got seven minutes.” He said running his eyes down my body slow and steady “Six now.” He stated giving me a small smirk.

Stepping back, I undid the tie slowly and placed it into his hand “That’s all the time I need.” I said heading to my room and shutting the door.

Pulling off my wet bikini, I pulled on my bra and an underwear slipping on my baby blue summer dress and a light grey coat and my light grey boots to match.

Using the last four minutes to blow dry my hair quick, I tossed it up into a messy yet sexy updo and dropped a few strands using the curling iron to curl them. Unplugging it I slid on lipgloss and grabbed my new purse going out the door.

“Shit.”

I looked over at Jax who was staring at me for a while “You just walked in there.” He said pointing to the door.

I nodded “Now I’m walking out.” I laughed.

Going to Lucas’s room, I picked him up watching Mason walk out and look to Jax “Right? How the f**k does she do it?” He asked annoyed.

Rolling my eyes smiling I headed down the stairs to see Alison was already dressed and by the door calling for the guys.

We hurried to the car and Benson got in smiling and happy, I hate that I have this dirty secret against him. He’s a good guy.

A new truck was parked in front and it had six doors. I smiled relieved as I watched her nod “I had this specially made. Mother of too many.” Alison said laughing.

We got in the truck and made it to the restaurant. Lindsay was already there and probably ignoring my moms existence.

Going inside with Lucas, he ran past me and inside. He went to the seating area smiling at my mom and hugging her tight.

I smiled at mom and Alison walked in “Table for Ryland.” She said before turning and seeing my mom.

Lindsay walked over in a sultry sexy black dress and dark makeup.

“Oh that’s your mom?” Lindsay asked staring my mom up and down.

Mom stared at Lindsay for a moment “Lindsay.” She said laughing.

I nodded and mom gave Lindsay a look over “You described her a lot prettier. I’m Jenna.” Mom said laughing lightly.

Alison laughed and placed a hand to moms arm nodding in agreement “I’m sure she did. I’m Alison, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” She said hugging mom.

“This is my husband Benson, and you’ve met Lucas.” She said laughing at Lucas who was hanging onto my moms leg.

Mason held out a hand to my mom “Mason, pleasure to meet you.” He said smiling to her proudly.

Mom shook his hand smiling sweetly “You’re the one she talks a lot about. You are such a charming young man.” Mom said patting his cheek softly. He smiled wider “She’s a charming young lady.” He commented looking to me.

I rolled my eyes “Mom don’t promote his flirting, it’ll only cause more.” I said laughing nervously.

She smirked at Alison after she looked over Carter and Jax “You have some absolutely killer sons. These boys are so handsome.” She said looking them over.

Her eyes worriedly moved to me and then Alison before she spoke low “You don’t let them….” mom trailed off staring at Alison with a motherly worried look.

Alison placed a hand over her chest “Oh no, it’s a rule. My sons and your daughter know it very well. Yeah not happening.” She said laughing nervously.

Mom nodded in relief.

“This is my Eldest, Carter.” Alison said gesturing to Carter. He shook her hand smiling at mom, “Pleasure to meet you Ma’am.” He said nodding once to her.

Mom stared at me blushing while mouthing ‘ma’am’.

I laughed “God mom.” I shook my head.

She looked to Jax who held his hand out with Lindsay on his arm. Mom looked to Lindsay and then Jax “Jax.” She said smiling at him.

He gave her a small smile “You’re more handsome than Norah said you were.” Mom said embarrassing me just a bit more.

I laughed nervously “Okaaaay, lets go sit.” I said taking Masons arm and rushing him to the table.

“You talk about me a lot?” Mason asked smirking at me.

I looked to him “Please don’t.” I laughed shaking my head.

He nodded “That’s fine, I talk about you a lot too.” He said proudly before pulling my chair out, and as I sat he pushed my chair back in.

The table was sat in order with Carter, Lucas, Mom, Me and then Mason. Followed by Benson, Alison, an empty seat, Jax and then Lindsay across from us.

“Welcome, what can I start you all off with to drink?” The man asked looking each of us over.

We got our drinks and later our food.

All the while everyone kept trying to make small talk with mom who was nervous. “She told me about the accident. I just couldn’t believe she didn’t tell me.” Mom said eyeing me before looking to Alison.

Lindsay leaned into Jax whispering something, he looked between my mom and I giving me a long stare. “She does, doesn’t she?” Lindsay asked eyeing my mom.

I eyed Lindsay and watched her go to say something before I leaned forward and spoke low to her “If you say anything disrespectful or hurtful towards my mother, I will not hesitate to beat you and shove a stick up your a*s like a kabob.” I said watching her shut her mouth.

Sitting back I looked to my mom who was laughing and leaning her head into Carters arm.

He smiled down at her and looked over at Alison who was also laughing hard.

I guess I missed the joke.

“Oh no, when Norah was young, my God, She was so aggravating.” Mom said looking to me wiping tears from her laughing fit.

Alison eyed mom “Really? But she’s an angel now!” She said looking to me.

Mom shook her head “She is not an angel, I mean she’s an amazing young lady, but she can become the scariest person in the room real quick.” She said.

Thanks mom.

I stared at my plate and ignored the stares “Oh no, we’ve seen her inner bitch.” Lindsay commented with wide eyes and a shake to her head.

“What? When she fights?” Mom asked leaning back and staring at Lindsay who nodded. “Your psycho daughter almost killed me twice.” She said.

Mom smirked “That’s not the scary I’m talking about hunny, scary is when she knows something you don’t know she knows. Then she hints at it, and you sit there, torturing yourself about it for days, sometimes she lets you wonder for weeks.” Mom squinted shaking her head.

I sat back and took a drink of my sprite “The best revenge is nothing, sometimes it’s best to keep them looking over their shoulder for years. Let them torture themselves for you.” I said softly.

Looking up at Lindsay, she c****d an eyebrow “So you are psychotic?” She laughed.

Alison leaned forward “No, she’s just annoyingly smart.” She said smirking.

I watched her eyes roam over my face.

“Protective.” Jax said catching my attention, I gave him a small stare as he looked me in the eye.

Mom broke the stare “Oh yeah, she’s always been fiercely protective. She’s broken so many bones from helping others not get hurt. I used to ground her for it, but now I just know she’ll be fine.” She said smiling at me.

Alison eyed mom “So it’s normal, she’s always saved others? I was beyond surprised when I found out she sacrificed her safety for my sons.” Alison stated.

Mom nodded “Oh yeah, when she was fourteen she ran into a burning store to fetch a dog.” Mom gestured to her arms “all of her arms burnt and her only thought the entire time was ‘is the dog okay?’ The damn dog!” Mom shook her head and eyed me.

I remember that day, she wanted to kick my a*s for it.

Mason laughed “Did you ever meet Norahs crazy boyfriends?” He asked looking to Mom.

Looking to Mom with a smirk she nodded to Mason, “She kept bringing them home and the first one was scary, the second I was like okay he’s a lot older, like woah but he would make us like deer skull things.” She laughed “Then there was the race car guy, I hated him.” She shook her head. “Last was, Who was he? That one who moved…” She said thoughtfully.

I eyed her “Casper, the craft beer guy.” I said laughing.

She nodded and looked to Mason “She told you about Casper right?” She asked.

He eyed the guys “We heard about race car guy and then Snakeskin boot guy.” Mason said laughing.

I eyed Jax who seemed a bit intrigued.

“Casper was twenty seven, she was twenty. He was insane, some Bulgarian guy who made his own beer, had a pet tiger and liked taking Norah on plane rides to secret spots around the state.” Mom smiled at me, and looked to Alison “She was in love with Casper.”

Rubbing the blush from my face I laughed nervously “I was, but that’s over. Been over.” I said staring at Alison who was smirking.

“Did you ever see the tiger?” Carter asked me leaned forward, Lucas eyed me wanting the answer too.

I nodded “The tigers name was Belloc, I called her Bell, but she was a sweetheart. She had been collected by poachers who tore her teeth and claws out to make her a show tiger.” I said sadly “Casper picked Bell up in an auction and she was like a big house cat.” I laughed.

Mom smirked at me “You totally dated him for his tiger.” She said laughing.

I shook my head “Not that one.” I said thinking of Casper’s sweet smile and his amazing laugh.

That’s the one that got away.

We finished dinner with my thoughts on Casper and Mom stood “I’m going to head out, I’m so tired.” She said yawning.

I smiled and stood giving her a hug, “it was lovely meeting you boys and you two of course.” Mom said smiling between Alison and Benson.

I walked mom out and we stood by her car “I love you Norah, more than words could ever explain.” She sighed.

Leaning into her car I watched her get in, “I hope you find your Casper again. I know there’s another one out there just waiting to sweep you off your feet.” She smiled.

I kissed her forehead “Drive safe mom, I love you.” I stepped back and she shut the door rolling her window down.

She looked to me “I’m really sorry if I ever neglected you, or made you feel you weren’t enough for me. I hope I can give this baby more love and more of me.”

I nodded “Of course mom, I forgive all of that. You’re an amazing mom, always have been.” I said watching her nod before she backed up and drove away.

“So, Casper huh?”

Looking over at Mason I laughed nervously “Yeah, the one that got away.” I said watching everyone exit the restaurant.

Mason nodded “You said you didn’t regret them leaving.” He said eyeing me.

Staring at Mason I smiled soft “I left Casper in my own fear and worry.” I said remembering the night clear.

We drove home and I stayed silent until I got home and I headed up the stairs to my room shutting and locking the door.

Casper…..

Getting my phone, I headed to the bathroom and sat in the empty tub biting my l*p.

We were dating when the man broke in and raped me. I ignored Casper for two weeks straight, he would come over and I’d tell him to leave, to go away.

I remember calling, I remember telling him goodbye, and when he asked for a reason, I remember telling him I didn’t love him anymore. What a lie that was….

Three years later, I don’t know why I had forgotten about him, maybe I was ashamed.

Dialing the number, I waited and it rang twice before he answered his voice so calm and comforting.

“Norah darling.”