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He’s really not a bad guy, at least not anymore. But I think part of the reason why I’m not ready to take the next step is because I know that deep down, he’s not right for me. But I won’t let Jax hear that right now.
Kylan nods as I talk and Jax aggressively sweeps up the glass. My dad notices something is off with him, while my mother leans against the counter with disappointment surrounding her like an aura. Jax steps back but doesn’t look up from the pile of broken plates.
“Oh, that's right. You have a birthday coming up in a few months.” Delanie speaks with such a loving tone. I always enjoyed her growing up.
“Hollis, can I get you to help me with this thing over here please?” My mom’s tone is cold as she walks out of the kitchen and into the foyer. I look at her like she’s stupid for a second, because if that wasn't cryptic as fuck. But I get up from my chair and follow her anyway. I pass Jax on the way, he doesn't even look up at me. I feel a slight pinch in my heart, like I realized that I’m being a bitch by throwing that in his face just now.
My mom turns around to face me and lowers her voice but keeps her tone stern. “What the hell is wrong with you?” She bites out and I cringe at the question because I don’t think I like it.
“What do you mean?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“The lying. I know Liam isn’t taking you anywhere for your birthday. And you don’t need to rub that in, whatever that is.” She gives me a very deep glare of disapproval and I accept it because I know it was stupid of me.
“This is not who you are, Hollis. I know how you feel but trying to make him jealous isn’t the answer.” My mom does all but point the finger at me, scolding me for my actions.
“Who said that’s what I was trying to do?” I ask.
“It doesn’t need to be said, it was obvious.”
"Whatever mom." I roll my eyes at her, because even though I know she’s right, I’m stubborn.
"No, notwhatever, Hollis. You are better than that. And that poor boy looked miserable listening to you say all that moments ago."
"Thatpoor boy?" I scoff. “Liam and Iaredating, Mom. Was I supposed to lie about that?”
"Listen, I don't know exactly what happened between you two to make you feel so much anger toward him. But I really think that you need to have a conversation withhimabout it."
I let my shoulders sag as I sigh. She's right.
My mom drops her hand on my shoulder before giving me one of her motherly looks and leaving me to stew over my choices. I knew this was going to get complicated.
five
Jax
It’sbeentwodayssince breakfast at the Mendoza's. Now, I didn’t mean to actually drop the plates and make a scene, but I didn’t really prevent them from slipping when I realized my grip loosened. I was annoyed. And angry.
I don’t even recognize her anymore. Sure, eleven years is a lot of time for two people to grow apart but I didn't want to assume that something like that would happen to us. I only want answers as to why she ignored me all this time, why she never returned my calls or texts.
I always assumed she was going to be one of those girls who would love being on social media but I didn’t have luck finding her there either. So, yeah. I’m kind of pissed that she treated me like that. I was excited to see her again and I got greeted like I was someone who had ruined her life.
And Liam? I really don’t understand.
I kick up my bike stand and turn it on, huffing just as the engine vibrates and echoes through the neighborhood. I strap on my helmet and drive down the street, letting the hum of my Harley settle over me as the wind blows gently around me.
I pull up to my new place about twenty minutes later, seeing the movers already unloading some of my things. I park at the curve of my driveway.
“Thanks guys, sorry I’m a few minutes behind,” I offer as I head up the walkway to the front door.
“No problem, we were able to get a head start,” one of the guys says as he heads back up his truck’s ramp.
I gave them the garage code this morning so they could get started without me so I decide to wander into the house to take a look at it myself. The open floor plan allows me to see the kitchen, living room, dining room, an office and the stairs that lead up to the bedrooms–where the primary room, two guest rooms, and laundry room are–all in one shot.
After a few more hours, the guys finally take off and I feel pretty satisfied with the way my place looks. So I grab a beer from my fridge, mentally making a note that I should go to the store and grab more than beer, then head to my black leather sofa.
Leaning back, I take a swig of the cool liquid and let it flow smoothly down my throat as I try to think about anything else, anything other thanher.
But I can’t shake her. Her tall, curvy body. Her deep brown eyes. Her flawless hair and the new pop of color she’s added to it. The way her body heat melted into mine when I pressed her up against the wall. The way she avoided my eye contact at breakfast. Her voice and how independent she seems. Everything about her makes me wish I hadn’t left things the way I did. That I would have told her how I fucking felt.
