Page 50 of Finn

“Riley, stop it,” Gillian says, laughing.

“Nah, I never know where her mouth has been,” I say, walking away.

Both Gillian and Riley’s laughter echoes behind me.

As I walk up to Mia, Vic, and Porter, they are still going at it.

“I’m twenty-two years old, for fucks sake. Stop trying to keep me in a bubble. I saw the note you left Porter, I read the awful things you said, and I’m asking again why the hell did you really leave?” Mia says, staring at her mom.

I squeeze Mia’s shoulders from behind and keep my hands there. She turns her head slightly, and I see tears swimming in her eyes, full of hurt and betrayal.

“You’re my child. I did what was best for you. I will not apologize or be made to feel guilty for giving you a life most people only dream of,” Vic says.

“I’m not asking for an apology. I’m asking for the truth,” Mia shouts.

Porter runs his hand through his hair and sighs. “This isn’t helping. Let’s take the night to clear our heads, and tomorrow we’ll have breakfast together and try again.”

I squeeze Mia’s shoulders again, and this time she reaches up and rests her hand on mine. I tighten my hold and feel myself relax.

“Fine,” Mia says, looking at her mom. “I don’t wanna fight with you.”

“I don’t either, sweetie,” she says, pulling Mia away from me to hug her.

I glance at Porter, and he shakes his head.

Women are fucking complicated.

“Vic, I can show you where you’ll be staying,” Porter says.

Before she can answer, Nora comes walking over with fire in her eyes and a grin on her face.

“Tell me I’m seeing things because there’s no way Vic Lawson is standing in Souls,” she says.

“It’s Woodward,” Vic says, crossing her arms.

Nora laughs, shaking her head. “Maybe in California with your fake bullshit of a life, but here, inside the walls of our club, you’re Vic Lawson, and you fucking know it. Now stop being an uptight bitch and give me a hug.”

Vic smirks, and they grab onto each other, hugging tightly. It makes me grin because it’s like two friends that finally found each other after all these years. I glance over at Mia, and she looks equal parts sad and confused.

“Damn, I’ve missed you,” Nora says, holding onto Vic’s hands and looking her over. “How is it possible you look just as good as you did the last time I saw you?”

They both laugh, and Mia walks away, shaking her head. I turn to follow and feel a large hand on my shoulder. My head snaps around, and I find Porter staring at her retreating form.

“Give her a little bit. This has to be a lot for her to take in,” he says.

“How about a drink before you all continue whatever fucked up conversation you were just having,” Nora suggests.

Vic wraps her arm around Nora’s shoulders and nods. “I’d love a fucking drink.”

They walk off together, and I glance at Porter. “Now what?”

He shrugs and slaps me on the back. “Now we go get a damn shot.”

As we head toward the bar, I notice that everyone is here. I honestly don’t remember if they were here before I walked over to Mia, but I feel a calmness surround me as I look around. This is my family here to support me, my girl, and whatever happens with Porter and Vic. It’s a damn good feeling.

Porter and I toss back a shot before grabbing a beer. He heads to the table with everyone, but I go outside to find Mia. She’s leaning against the building with her head back and eyes closed.

“Angel?”

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