Page 22 of Stone

Elise wasn’t part of the decision, but for the first time that day, I realized something.

I was about to leave and live out everything I’d dreamed of since I was a kid, and I couldn’t wait. But as excited as I was, I couldn’t help the worry stabbing through my chest when I realized it was Elise who’d have to deal with the consequences.

Chapter Five

Elise

Graduation came and went, and school closed for the summer. Time marched on toward the date John would leave.

He passed his medical and fitness tests with flying colors, and his references and background checks came back clean. It didn’t take long for him to get the date he had to report for boot camp in San Diego, three days after my eighteenth birthday.

I hadn’t slept well since the day John enlisted, so I was already up and dressed by the time Dad came downstairs on the morning of my birthday.

He came straight over and kissed my hair. “Happy birthday,” he murmured. “Can’t believe my baby girl’s all grown up already.” He slid into the chair next to me at the kitchen table, smiling at Mom as she placed a mug of steaming hot coffee in front of him. “What are you doing today, sweetheart?”

I bit my lip nervously. “A crowd of us are going swimming down the creek.”

Dad’s eyes narrowed. “You mean that John Stone’s gonna be there.”

Pop wasn’t pleased that I was spending all my time with John instead of helping him out at our family’s home improvement store. I told him that once John left, I’d work every day until the new college semester started, but deep down, he wasn’t on board with mine and John’s relationship, and he didn’t mind letting me know.

Gathering my composure, I shrugged. “Of course, he’ll be there, Daddy. He’s my boyfriend.”

“I don’t like you seeing him,” he muttered. “They’re all criminals in that biker club. You’ve got a perfectly decent fella who’d love to take you out, a future Mayor of this town, and you turn him down for the likes of Stone.” He shook his head slightly. “I can’t work you out.”

Mom placed her coffee gently on the table on the other side of me. “Come on, Jerome. John Stone’s a decent young man. I’d hardly call him a criminal; he’s joining the Marines.” She went back to the stove, dished some eggs out onto two plates, and brought them over for Dad and me. “He seems to think the world of Elise. That’s what’s important.” She sent me a secretive wink.

Dad studied me thoughtfully. “Still, it wouldn’t hurt to give Robert Henderson Junior a chance. Stone’s leaving town soon.”

My stomach twisted. Dad kept hinting that I should dump John for Robert, but he had to accept it would never happen. He never cared about what I wanted. All he saw was that Robert was the mayor’s son, whereas, in contrast, John’s dad was a biker.

Dad’s snobbery was blatant. His rigid views stirred a suppressed rebellion within me, and for the first time, I couldn’t stop myself from clapping back.

“John may be going into the military, but it’s not the end of our relationship,” I retorted. “I won’t be going out with Robert Henderson or any other guy while he’s away, Daddy, and it’s hurtful to say those things. John’s good to me. He treats me like a princess.”

Dad sat back in his chair, glaring at me over the top of his glasses. “You’re proving I’m right in having reservations about that boy if this is the influence he’s having on you. You’ve never spoken back to me before.”

“I’m eighteen, Daddy,” I argued. “I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m allowed to voice my opinions. You always judgeJohn because of his background, but he’s kind and respectful toward me. Isn’t that what’s important?”

Dad’s green eyes—an identical shade to mine—softened slightly. He ran a hand over his dark blond hair, letting out a deep sigh. “I know you’re growing up, and I also know Stone’s not the worst guy you could end up with, but still, you can’t blame me for wanting more for you. Henderson has better prospects, and you’d have a much easier life marrying him than getting involved with that biker club.” He pursed his lips disapprovingly. “Bandit Stone’s a lunatic and a criminal. Why would you want to get mixed up with people who operate on the wrong side of the law?”

“John’s not part of the club,” I insisted.

My dad looked at me like I was crazed. ‘He will be one day.”

I couldn’t help gaping at him. “Daddy. Please stop. John’s not like that.”

“Jerome,” Mom scolded softly, taking the seat on the other side of Dad. “I like John. He’s helpful and polite. Whatever you think of his father, you must admit, he’s well-mannered, and nobody in town has a bad word to say about him.” She smiled at him knowingly. “And let’s face it, If I’d listened to my daddy about you, none of us would be sitting at this table.”

“That’s different,” he said gruffly.

Mom sent me a conspiratorial glance and took a sip of coffee. “Maybe Elise should enjoy her time with her boyfriend. He’ll be gone in a few days. I’m sure once he goes to boot camp, she’ll be more available.”

“Yes,” I agreed, eagerly taking Mom’s cue. “I can help in the store as much as you need soon. I’ll want to keep busy when John leaves, anyway.”

Dad heaved out a breath and went back to his breakfast. The clinking of knives and forks filled the tense silence until, out of nowhere, the telephone attached to the wall began to ring loudly.

“It’s probably John,” I murmured, jumping to my feet and rushing to answer before it rang off. Lifting the receiver, I held it to my ear. “Hello?”

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