Jessica’s dislike of my way of life was never concealed. She felt embarrassed by a man wearing a patched leather vest and oil-stained hands, especially in front of her country club circle.
She said it was her treat, a kind of peace offering, and invited me to a fancy restaurant. I ought to have been more aware. She excused herself, claiming to use the restroom, as soon as the $3,000 bill was placed on the table, and she never returned.
The actual strategy? Give me an excellent justification to be excluded from their high-status wedding, leave me stranded, and make me grovel or face imprisonment. Aged and worn by time, I saw my reflection in the delicate crystal glass.
The restaurant workers behind me became agitated. Most likely, the management was phoning the cops. Approaching with the customary phony civility, the maître d’ was accompanied by security.
“Sir, it appears that there is a problem with your payment.”
I spoke steadily. Give my kid a call. Tell him we’ll need the police here, and make sure someone brings a camera.
I then opened my old cell phone. But I didn’t give David a call. Rattlesnake, a longtime friend who is currently the county judge, was the first person I called. Deacon, a successful real estate lawyer, was my second. Mother Mary, who formerly rode with our club and currently oversaw one of the biggest charitable foundations in the state, received the third.
As you can see, Jessica was unaware of my past or the individuals who supported me.
Three decades ago, David became my son—not by blood, but by heart. He was escaping from an abusive stepfather when I discovered him hiding in my bike shop. I took him in permanently after his mother died a few months later.
I
Jessica hailed from a wealthy family. Her father was the head of the state’s biggest bank. Her eyes were as cold as steel, and she attended an Ivy League school. I could see right away that she didn’t think I was good enough.
She therefore believed I would be embarrassed when that $3,000 check arrived and she disappeared. The Centurion Amex card I took out of my vest caught her off guard. The legendary “black card.” Calm and unshakable, I paid the bill. I then made those calls to get ready for the next stage, not to ask for assistance.
A few days later, I organized a private charity function at Le Château, the most exquisite location in town.
I kept my real life a secret, even from David. He was unaware of my 20-acre estate or the prosperous companies I established after abandoning the road. I would make him believe that I resided above my previous store.
That evening, I wore a tux, my posture high, the years still visible on my body. For strategic reasons rather than out of embarrassment, I parked my Harley behind the eatery. The goal of this evening was to reveal the truth rather than flaunt chrome.
She didn’t first recognize me when David and Jessica pulled up in her father’s Bentley. Her face, however, lost color as I greeted them. She recognized me and our location.
I greeted them in public before requesting a private conversation. I turned to Jessica once we were behind closed doors. “Do you want to tell me what actually happened during our dinner?”
She lost her temper. “All right! I gave the bill to him. I’m sick of acting like it’s okay to have a biker for a father-in-law! Are you aware of the opinions others have about him?
David was taken aback. My father sacrificed everything for me, Jessica. It was because of him that I made it. Did you really try to make him look bad?
Jessica laughed. “With what sum of money? Above a garage, he resides!
I grinned. That garage is actually mine, along with sixteen others. I own and operate an export firm, a bespoke parts manufacturing company, and a vintage motorbike restoration business. Moreover, I began investing long before you were born.
As the reality set in, David remained silent. That night, he not only discovered who I was, but he also saw her vividly.
Jessica had attempted to use a $3,000 bill to intimidate me. Rather, she unearthed a legacy that she would never be able to touch—and exposed a personality that was too superficial to fit into my family.
