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“Mom,” I say, shaking my head sadly. “You say that about all of us. We’re all doing the best we can, but if this is our best, you’ve got trouble.”
She waves me off and ushers me outside. “Come on. I’ve got some wine on ice. Let’s sit out for a few before everything is ready. Your dad will be home in about thirty minutes.”
Grabbing the chilled bottle, we each pour a glass and go to the deck. I love sitting out here and if I’m being honest, I kind of miss living here with them. Their house is a perfect setup for entertainment, whether it be two or twenty people, and I just love being here, sitting on the cool green grass with the firepit lit.
“I talked to Tom earlier today.”
“You did?” I ask sharply.
“Yes, he was just checking in. He got to base after traveling for forty-eight hours and wanted me to know he landed.”
“Glad he let someone know.” I reply petulantly, sinking into my chair.
“Billy. He can only make one call here and there. You know that. Can his mother be first sometimes?”
“I’m his twin! I’m always first!” I erupt at her, guilt instantly washing over me.
She doesn’t scold me for yelling, but her eyes are knowing as shesays, “Yes, you’re right. Your bond is unique, special. But I’m his Momma, Bill. I deserve a seat once in a while.”
I smile charmingly, wanting to make up for my previous overreaction. “You’re number one for me, Ma. That’s all you need to know.”
She sips her glass and pats my hand. “How was your weekend with Jackson? Dad and I watched the game. He did great.”
“It was a good time. It’s kind of weird to see everyone make such a big deal out of him.”
She grins. “Yes, I know. The first game we attended, when he was just a rookie, was unbelievable. Does he seem to be doing okay?”
I don’t want to tell her he’s sinking fast. That we both drank to excess, and the women were lining up for him. I’d never seen anything like it, and then they threw themselves atmejust for sitting next to the guy. They didn’t care who I was, just that I was breathing the same air as him.
And as exciting as that was, that life also seems very lonely.
“He’s doing alright,” I reply with a shrug.
“And you?”
Closing my eyes, I sit back, thinking over how to answer. Mom has always been ridiculously easy on me, so I know she won’t judge me if I tell her the truth, but part of me wants her to take me to task, to call me out for my bullshit. But I know she won’t so after a moment I say, “I’m okay.”
“You sure? I think it was quite a surprise to hear Adley was engaged.”
I scowl, instantly annoyed. “What’s that got to do with me?”
She gives me a knowing look and takes another sip of her wine as she raises her brows because, well, because she’s my mother and she knows everything.
“I don’t like the guy.” I admit quietly.
She smiles at my admission. “I know you don’t. None of us do. But we have to let things unfold the way they’re supposed to, sweetheart.”
“And wait for her to get hurt?”
“I don’t think she’ll hurt for long. Sometimes you have to walk things out, to see how good they can be on the other side.”
I want to rage out that she’s been cheated on already. I want to say that she’s clearly making a mistake, that she belongs here in Christmas.
And even though I want her with me, she’s also better off without me.
I know I’m trouble and bring drama, but I can’t stop thinking about her.
“I know you like her,” she says with a sly smile.
