Page 49 of Cannon
I think I said yes to you asking me out because you were so persistent. I wasn’t really that attracted to you, but sometimes a woman likes to be chased. To know she matters. My sisters were all finding their happily ever after and I admit, I was bored. At first, it was nice how attentive I thought you were. But then my clothes were never what you’d pick for me. You’d say I needed to change what I was wearing. This would be a deficiency with you because you were threatened by a strong woman wearing what she wanted. You’d bring up me needing to change because having that type of control over someone made you feel better. It wasn’t in any way, shape or form done for me.
Now, I will say. You’re a master at gaslighting. It took me a little bit to figure out what you were doing. But here comes another deficiency. You made a huge mistake. You turned your negativity toward my family and sisters. You not only pointed out how I was too loud or didn’t act the way you thought I should, but you called Remi names because she doesn’t have what you consider a traditional job for a woman.”
Jesse waited for what was next. Beth had not only thrown Kerwin under the bus, but she was now going to drive it over him until he understood where he’d screwed up. War’s face was turning red. Remi’s face hadn’t shown any emotion about him saying negative things about her, but she’d been livid at what Beth had revealed about their relationship.
“I’d thought about kicking you to the curb quietly after lunch, but then I realized I needed to set an example.”
“An example…”
Beth shook her finger at Kerwin. “Uh, uh, uh. Remember, it’s my turn to talk.”
Beth waited a second, nodding at Sarah. Sarah walked behind Kerwin and slapped a piece of duct tape over his mouth. Jesse bit her lip because she so wanted to laugh at the look in Kerwin’seyes. Gaslighting didn’t work near as well when Beth had a huge family at her back.
“I’m setting an example for the young girls who will grow to be strong, fierce women someday. They’ve seen you put me down and they’ve seen me not stand up for myself. I’m not even sure why because my dad raised strong women, but your put downs were so insidious with how they crept in that I missed what was happening. Me, a strong woman who would never dream I’d let myself be in an abusive relationship. But now it’s out in the open and the girls are learning that it’s okay to stand up to bullies. Because that’s what you are. You’re the bully on the playground who changed their tactics when they grew up. But no more. Not only am I getting rid of you as a boyfriend, but Jesse also took pictures,” Beth paused and pointed at Jesse’s phone. Jesse hit send on her email to the sheriff. Beth’s statement was attached, requesting that the sheriff review the deputy’s qualifications for a job of keeping the people of Bluff Creek safe if he abused his girlfriend.
“She’s just sent copies to the sheriff, along with my request for him to review your employment status. I mean, can we trust you to keep the people of Bluff Creek safe if you choose to leave bruises on the person you profess to be your girlfriend? The person you say you like.”
At Beth’s words, Locks stood, knocking his chair back. Oh wow, her dad was ready to jump across the table and teach Kerwin about how to treat women. Beth held her hand out to her dad, silently asking him to hold back.
“So, I’ll close out this little chat with a warning. I’m talking to Kerwin my ex-boyfriend, not Deputy Kerwin. Run far and run fast. You’re no longer welcome in Bluff Creek or the surrounding counties. Heck, if you want to be safe, make sure you’re not within two hundred miles of any of the Bluff Creek Chapters or any of the bail bonds offices. Our reach is far and wide. What youdidn’t realize is the only reason you were safe was because my family thought I liked you. Now they know it’s not true and they don’t appreciate behavior like you’ve shown. I could be nice and say I’ll hold them back for two hours to give you a head start, but I have zero fucks to give about you.”
“Swear,” the kids yelled.
Beth chuckled. “How about I buy you all ice cream after lunch since I swore, and we’ll celebrate me taking out the trash?”
Jesse smiled watching Phoebe and Blake high-five each other.
“One more thing. I think you need a more visual reminder. The next time you think about telling a woman what she should or shouldn’t eat, remember this.” Beth reached her hand into the pile of mac ‘n’ cheese she’d placed on her plate and grabbed a huge glob, then threw it directly in Kerwin’s face. Sarah must have realized what she was doing because before the mac ‘n’ cheese hit his face, she’d ripped off the duct tape. The glob hit his nose, eyes, and mouth.
Jesse chuckled and the rest of the table was laughing too.
“Aunt Jesse, Mama said we’re not s’posed to throw food.”
Bear patted David’s shoulder. “Nope, but sometimes a point needs to be made,” he said.
“Thank goodness,” War yelled and threw up his hands. “My prayers have been answered. I didn’t want to miss a Sunday meal, but that guy grates on my last nerve. However, it seems like the situation is a little more serious than I’d thought. Beth, I think Kerwin might need some help out to his car. I know Locks would like to help him. Do you want to help him, or do you want to leave it up to the brothers?”
Beth grinned. “I just did my nails, and I still have mac ‘n’ cheese to finish. I’m okay with anyone helping him along that would like to. I’m going to clean off my hand and enjoy my lunch.”
Beth sat back down, and Jesse slipped her arm around her. “I’m so proud of you. I know that was hard. Your time will come, and I’m sure it’s going to be epic.”
Beth nodded. “Well, I had to set an example for all the girls. Hopefully, they’ll remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Your family will always have your back. And they don’t have to make themselves smaller to fit someone else’s ideal.”
Jesse nodded. Beth was right. Her daughters were too young to see this in person, but someday, they’d hear the story of how Aunt Beth stood up to a bully at Sunday lunch and her family stood up with her.
Jesse glanced around the table. Not only had Locks, War, and the men of the MC headed outside, but it looked like she was the only sister that stayed in the clubhouse. Jesse was fine sitting here, hanging with Beth.
By the time Locks and her sisters got done with Kerwin, there wouldn’t be enough left for her to have any fun with him anyway. But if he was still in town when she went to pick up the twins’ onesies she’d ordered from the diner, she might have to do a little on-site maintenance of his personal vehicle. It would be such a shame if the vehicle broke down close to their Texas Chapter. She sent the email with his personal car info to the Texas Chapter and all bail bonds locations. Once Beth had said to get the email ready for the sheriff because she was going to take out the trash, Jesse had crafted one to go. She hadn’t instructed them to do anything bad, just to make sure that Kerwin moved along if he found himself close to their allies.
Cannon and War walked back in and went toward the kitchen. Jesse took a bite of her fried chicken, savoring the flavor. Regina’s chicken was even tastier knowing that jerk was out of her sister’s life.
When Cannon rejoined them, he grinned at Beth. “Way to go, little sis. I totally would have gotten a couple punches in foryou, but Locks wasn’t really sharing. I only wish you would have warned me it was going to be an epic smackdown. I would have recorded it.”
Jesse grinned at her man. He still had the need for control, but he smiled a lot more and joked more with the family. Who knew the man she originally wanted to bash with a cast iron skillet turned into the biggest hero of her life? And gave her two of the best gifts she’d ever received.
Chapter Thirty-One
Jesse slipped her boots on and then went out to the front room. Clara, Sprite, and Beth were watching the girls this afternoon while she and Cannon went on a bike ride. She’d gotten the all-clear at her doctor’s appointment this morning. When they’d walked back in the door, Cannon had informed her he had babysitters for the girls, and they were going on a bike ride.