4

Chapter 547 Apologies

"

On Sunday morning, Jax chuckled to himself. He couldn't get over how excited Tig was to get his old bed. He seemed almost giddy. His kid must really need the bed.

Scarlett was in the living room sitting in a chair working on her laptop to figure out the finish for the fireplace when there was a knock at the door.

Jax answered the door and was surprised to find his mother standing out there.

"What do you want?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking and it's time that we make amends," she said, trying to push her way into the house.

"I have nothing to make amends for," Jax reminded her coldly, blocking her entry.

"You know what I mean."

"No, I don't."

"Fine. I'm here to apologize."

Reluctantly, Jax stood aside for her to enter. Gemma frowned when she saw Scarlett. Jax's bike was parked in the driveway and Scarlett's car wasn't there. She hadn't been expecting to see her.

"Isn't it convenient that Scarlett's here too? You owe her a huge apology as well," Jax drawled.

"Why don't I start with you first?" she suggested tensely.

"I've got a lot to do. You can try to apologize while I empty the cupboards."

Gemma followed him into the kitchen noting the house was empty with the exception of some boxes filled with kitchen items.

"I guess you are getting ready for your home renovation project. Clay mentioned it to me."

"Demo starts Monday," Jax said. "Now what do you have to tell me?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm sorry for trying to interfere in your relationship with Scarlett."

"You know I can honestly say I haven't missed you in my life. Your constant interference trying to control every aspect of my life. I'm over it."

Gemma flinched as though he'd struck her.

"You have to understand a mother's love for her son. I just want what's best for you."

Scarlett's father wanted what was best for her too, but he didn't try to control her life. Decker could teach Gemma a lot about being a parent, Jax thought as he looked at Gemma.

"You have this belief that you know what's best for me. I'm an adult and I'll decide that. If I make mistakes, I'll learn and move forward. I don't need your constant input. It's been such a nice refreshing change not having your voice in my ear telling me what to do."

"I only have your best interests in mind."

"And I'll be the judge of my best interests. If you want back in my life, this is the way it's going to be; I will not permit you to interfere in my relationship with Scarlett. I don't want to hear you say a negative word about her or we will be done permanently. If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it; otherwise, keep it to yourself."

Gemma gritted her teeth and forced herself to smile.

"Fine. I'll abide by your terms."

"And I want you to apologize to Scarlett."

"OK."

"Scars," Jax called. "Could you come in here for a second? Gemma has something she wants to say to you."

Scarlett carefully set her laptop on the floor and walked into the kitchen. Gemma nodded at her.

"I just wanted to apologize for what I said to you at the clubhouse."

"About Jax being yours and I should leave him alone."

"Yes," Gemma said biting out the word.

"I'm willing to give you another chance, but if you think that you can be nice to me when Jax is around and then nasty and mean to me when he isn't, that isn't going to work because I will tell Jax. I'm not some naïve high schooler like Tara. I'm not going to kiss your ass to get your approval."

"I understand."

"I'm only forgiving you because I think it would be nice if Jax could have a healthy relationship with his mother even if that is you."

Jax smiled. He was delighted that Scarlett wasn't letting Gemma off the hook so easily. Gemma needed to have her nose rubbed in the mess she'd created.

"That's kind of you," Gemma said with only the faintest trace of sarcasm. "Would you two like to have dinner tonight?"

"We're having dinner with Decker, Scarlett's father to go over the reno plans."

"Some other time then," Gemma said digging her keys out of her handbag. "I'll leave you to your packing."

Jax walked her to the door and shut it behind her.

"You think she's sincere?" Scarlett asked.

"For the moment," Jax replied. "We'll see how long it lasts."

"I really do hope for your sake that she can change."

Jax shook his head.

"I'm not optimistic. Gemma prides herself on never changing and being the same person she's always been."

Jax returned to emptying his cupboards wondering if it were possible that Gemma could change.