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“I hope you’re not waiting on a thank you.”
“Well, I clearly didn’t do that bad,” she reasoned because Adria could never be wrong. There was always a rhyme or reason and never any accountability.
“This isn’t a result of Adria’s Masterclass in training a man. This is a result of me fucking up so many times that I lost count. This is a result of Mia and Everett raising a perfect man. Despite having everything, he just wants to love Cam and me. That’s it, and he’ll do anything to make that happen.”
“If he’s so perfect, why are you afraid to be honest with him?” Mom challenged.
“For the first time in my life, I feel loved. Genuine, safe, real love with no strings attached. It feels so good, and that scares me because outside of Cam, I’ve never had that. Now, I’m afraid if Mack knew, he’d take it all away because, deep down, I don’t think I deserve it. If my mother couldn’t love me the way he does, why the fuck would he stick around if he knew the truth?”
“I-I,” Mom fell short because as much as she beat her chest about being a good mother, deep down, she knew she wasn’t. She didn’t know how to comfort me and tell me everything a mother should do after exposing my inner feelings, so she did what she did best. “I need a drink!”
Adria spun out of the door so fast her purse almost got caught on the handle. Accountability had never been her strong suit. I had spent too many days tripping over her past mistakes, so I knew what to do.
Chapter Twelve
Hailo sat on the edge of the bed, bouncing between watching Christian and watching me move around the room and get dressed. She hadn’t said much since Tyson called and told me about the casino getting robbed last night, but she wanted to.
She looked so cute, wearing a slight pout picking at the expensive ass duvet that we had to have for the bedroom. I wouldn't say I liked the color, but I loved her, so I didn’t argue the point when she brought it home. Plus, she made a compelling argument with her mouth, which softened my stance.
“Stop pouting. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Hailo gave her nails a break and stared at me blankly.
“I’m not pouting,” she lied, irritated that I could read the things she didn’t say.
“You are with your spoiled ass.”
“If you want somebody to blame, look in the mirror, buddy. It’s not like I have a daddy to blame for the damage.”
Hailo’s shrug made me laugh.
“You have Sadie, and she definitely spoiled you.”
Hailo couldn’t honestly fix her lips to deny it, so she rolled her eyes instead. “Whatever.”
“Mack is on his way. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“So me and the kids need to stay put?” she concluded.
“You’re learning.”
“Hmm, so what am I going to say next?” Hailo quizzed.
“Be safe, Gianni. I’d hate to move Chauncey in, but I will.” Her gaze narrowed at the way I mimicked her.
“I’m glad you know.” She smirked, climbing off the bed. I paused, watching her pull Christian to the edge while he giggled before tossing him on her hip.
“I’d kill that nigga in the afterlife before that ever happened but keep dreaming, sweetheart.”
Hailo looked down at Christian, laughing as if he understood what I was saying.
“Is something going on that I need to know about?”
“When or if you need to know, you will. For now, just chill while we figure this shit out.”
Hailo didn’t like that response because her brain needed to know every detail. Still, she nodded and went downstairs to feed Christian before he ate his fingers off. Renni stayed the night with Sadie, so Christian was her only worry for now. I opened the door, and Mack walked inside.
“Hey, crime fighters,” Hailo joked, shuffling into the foyer, “I need whatever this is wrapped up quickly. The parade is around the corner, and so is Valentine’s Day.”
