Chapter 3

When it came to her father, she put in as much effort as he did into their relationship, the bare minimum. She knew her mother and father fought repeatedly about the same old stuff. There was never any break in their arguing, and it was always about one thing. Her father’s need to be accepted by the club was a constant heartache to her mother. It was driving a wedge between them all.

By the time Lily pulled up into the parking lot, Chloe felt sick to her stomach. Men and women were making out. Most of them had leather cuts on, and the women, well, she was lucky they at least wore underwear. Her hands shook as she followed Lily into the main house. The scent of smoke and alcohol was heavy in the air.

People turned and watched Lily though.

Chloe noticed her mother was a beauty with her blonde hair. Most of the time she wasn’t on a mission, and out of all of the club whores and wives, Lily got the most respect from the members. Even Eagle respected Lily. She had no idea why, but it was always there, especially as they walked up to his booth. Kurt was there, and there was a brunette straddling Eagle’s lap, who he quickly pushed away when he saw Lily.

Did Eagle have a thing for her mother? She doubted it.

“Lily, baby, you made it,” Kurt said, getting to his feet.

“I made it. Think really hard right now, Kurt. Where were you supposed to be?” Lily asked.

Silence fell in the club as they all took in the scene.

As far as Chloe was concerned, Lily had never caused a scene. She’d never overreacted to anyone. Again, her mother was known as a sweetheart.

“Baby? Why are you so angry?” Kurt tried to stroke Lily’s arms, but she wasn’t having any of it. She shoved him hard, much in the same way Chloe had shove Ian and Riley.

“You don’t even remember?” Lily stepped to the side, grabbing Chloe’s hand. Her cheeks were on fire as people took them in. This wasn’t what she wanted. This was bad news. She hated it when people looked at her, and now, she wished she’d stayed in the car far, far away from this mess.

“Does our daughter ring any bells? You promised me you’d pick her up. That you’d take her for somle new boots, and instead I got a call telling me that your son and his little boyfriends were bullying her, again!” Lily pointed at Eagle before returning her hands to her hips. “And yet, you’re here. Again. Why am I not surprised? When are you going to realize they don’t want you here, Kurt?

They see you as nothing more than a coward, and you’re still hanging around. Still hoping to be a patched in member. Instead of spending time with your family. With us, who love you no matter what, but you’re here again, and not helping me.” Her mother’s voice croaked, and Chloe squeezed her hand, offering her some comfort. She adored her mother more than anything.

“Lily, I apologize on behalf of my son,” Eagle said.

“No, I don’t want to hear you apologize. I want you to keep that boy and his friends away from my daughter.” She turned to Kurt. “We’re done.”

Chloe’s mouth opened in shock.

They were done. Her parents were done.

Lily took the wedding band off. “I’m going to call my lawyer.”

“Lil, babe, come on, you’re overreacting.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve been waiting for you to see your senses for the last eighteen years, and I’m tired of being second best. I deserve more. I deserve better, and it’s not you. Don’t come home. It’s in my name anyway.”

She handed the ring back, and taking Chloe with her, walked right out of the silent club.

Chloe couldn’t believe what had just happened. Her mother had ended things very publicly with her father.

Climbing into the car, Lily pulled out of the clubhouse. Chloe glanced behind her to see Kurt running out, trying to chase them.

“Don’t look back, honey.”

“Mom, you don’t have to do this.”

“I do. I’m tired of being lied to. I’m tired of relying on a man who can never love me back as much as I love him. Sometimes in life, you’ve got to learn to just walk away. I’m walking away. The best thing Kurt gave me was you. I’ll always treasure you, my darling daughter.” Lily grabbed her hand, locking their fingers together. “We can always count on each other. Now, let’s go and get you

some boots.”

She knew her mother was upset, and breaking apart inside. Her parents had been sweethearts, and had gotten married at a young age, even before she got pregnant.

Resting her head on her mother’s shoulder, she knew Lily would be crying tonight, alone. She should have just walked home.