Road from Ruin

Chapter Nine

I'm in the middle of cleaning and worrying about whatever 'club business' Red is currently in the middle of when I hear the sound of a knock at the front door. I run my sweaty palms down my jeans and one of Reds old plain white T-shirt's before cautiously walking to open the door. The surprise of the person standing in front of me must be evident on my face because the woman laughs, pushes me aside and walks into the apartment like she owns the place.

"Wow, always knew Red took care of himself but," she whistles "this place is nice." She exclaims with an extended i in the word nice.

"I'm sorry. But I'm guessing you're bucks old lady?" I say with confusion because I'm not exactly sure I'm using the correct terminology.

"Sure am darlin'" she drawls. "But you can call me mama." She finishes and glares at my extended hand in welcome and promptly pulls me into a big hug with a grunt.

"You're family now darlin', and I hug my family." She says with a sense of finality that makes me believe no one ever argues with this woman.

"Well alright then. Would you like a beer or anything? I heard you were coming to take care of me while Red is out taking care of some club business but honestly it is not necessary if you have other things to do." I say with a sigh as I open a beer for myself.

"Nothin' better to do. Love a beer thanks." She says as she helps herself to a beer from the fridge, popping it open with the edge of the kitchen counter before hopping up on it and staring at me. "You know I heard from the boys that you were somethin else but damn lady, you're hot."

I can't help the laugh that escapes my mouth. "Ahh thank you? Didn't know 'the boys' were talking about me.

"You're a hot topic. Fresh meat. But Reds staked his claim on ya so you don't have to worry about them coming near ya." She explains followed by a big chug of her beer. "Now you better be careful with that boy."

I look at her to see if I can find some hidden meaning to what she's saying. "I'm not sure what you mean? Is he dangerous?" I say carefully.

She glares at me while taking a moment to look me up and down. "He's the best man I know. Strong. Kind. Caring. Now I don't know you from Adam but I'm saying you need to be careful with him. He's never had a woman for more than one night before so I already know he's breakin all his rules for you. And if I find out you do somethin to hurt him I will not be so friendly."

I gulp audibly. "Yes ma'am. I ah. I know he's a good guy, he really doesn't need to be helping me the way he is. I really appreciate it. But there's really nothing going on with us, we're just friends." I say as I think back to my plan to seduce him. Now I feel a little gross thinking I could use this man and leave without a thought. I figured he would be okay with a one night stand but I don't think Mamas threat should be taken lightly.

"I see that fire behind your eyes Delta. I see it in him too. You're kindred spirits. So you may think you're just friends but when's the last time you dropped everything to help a friend, let them stay in your home, and spend as much money as necessary to ensure they get out of a bad situation. Especially when you just met. It's been a short time but he cares for you. So if you don't care for him I would up and leave now." She finishes off her beer and tosses it perfectly into the recycling bin across the room. "Now," she stands "let's have some fun with all the heavy stuff out of the way."  

—

"I love this song!" I scream as I stand on the coffee room table, dancing to American Girl by Tom Petty. Mama decided I needed a makeover and some hooch. Which is how I ended up in a leather skirt that is shorter than anything I've ever worn, one of Reds large white T-shirt's cut right under my bra line, the brightest red lipstick I've ever seen and my boobs pushed up to my chin. We chatted about everything under the sun and 3 shots of her hooch later I can't help but get up and dance. Mama is currently dancing as well in the kitchen, using a spatula as a microphone.