Ride It

Chapter 31

Beatrice's POV

"What in the world is she doing here?" Mom exclaims as she shoves a basket of goodies into my arms.

I glance behind me and at my grandmother, who's busy talking to Sal and the others at the table, and purse my lips.

I look at Mom pointedly as she glares in their direction. "She's here for the party, just like you are. If you don't like it, you can leave."

Her eyes snap to mine in surprise, and she tries to refute. "But Bea!"

I shake my head and keep my voice firm. "There are no buts. You kept them out of our lives because of your problems. That has nothing to do with me. I want to get to know my grandparents. You've done enough damage to this family."

She winces and averts her gaze.

Dad wraps an arm around her shoulder and says. "That's enough, Bea. We get it. We're sorry for how we've treated you. We're here to make up for it."

I nod and smile. "Good. Then I hope you can get along with everyone here. They're nice people."

"Tricie!"

Bazel slams into my legs, causing me to stumble in surprise.

I hold on to her and laugh. "Bumble bee! What's up!?"

"I wanted to come here faster but someone took forever to get ready," she turns her head to glare behind her.

I follow her gaze and freeze; the smile falling from my face.

My brother stands there awkwardly as he rubs the back of his neck.

"Hey," he greets, not even bothering to look me in the eye.

I purse my lips and nod. "I'm glad you're all here." Then I turn back to Bazel and smile. "I made some tarts. I want you to try them. They're really good."

Her eyes light up.

She's a sucker for fruit tarts.

"Really? I'll give you five hugs for a whole basket." She puts up five fingers.

I snort a laugh. "That's a hard bargain. How about 10 hugs instead?"

She nods seriously. "Deal."

I ruffle her hair and then turn back to my parents.

"Dad, you and Kyle can go hang with the guys over there. They're frying the meat on the grills right now. Try and refrain from drinking your guts out. We have a few exciting activities coming up!"

Dad looks over at where Bentley and the guys are lounging with beers in their hands and nods. He places a kiss on Mom's forehead and says. "I'll be back."

He leaves to join them, and Kyle follows close behind.

I turn to Mom and gesture towards Sal and the others. "I know you don't feel comfortable around her, but she's here to stay... and she's your mom."

She hesitates, her eyes fleeting between me and Mary. I can see the conflict in her eyes. The guilt and uncertainty. It's clear that she's been avoiding her parents out of fear than anger.

She's afraid of them shunning her.

My heart softens a bit and I grab Bazel's hand, then link ours together.

"Let's go." I drag them over to Sal and the girls.

For the party, we're using an open space at the back of the house with neatly decorated picnic tables set up.

Sal and I did all the cooking early this morning so everyone could just come out to relax, eat, and have fun on this cool Saturday afternoon.

There's even some good ol' country music blasting in the background.