Page 12 of Secrets on Ice

“I’m going to call you tomorrow,” Mom says.

“Yes, Mom.”

“Good, just indulge me a little. I need to know my baby is okay, just five minutes to check in.”

I nod even though she can’t see it. “I’ll do that.”

“Do you want me to deal with Kevin if he comes to the house?” she asks.

“Tell him to get fucked.”

“That might be harsh, but I probably will.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “Do you want me to go to your home and get anything?”

“I haven’t thought that far yet, but I’ll let you know.”

“It’s been a big day. I can hear it in your voice. Go to sleep, and we can put a plan together later.”

“Thanks, Mom, love you,” I say.

“Love you too, sweetheart. And as I said before, I’m here for you,” she tells me again.

“I know.”

“Night, sweetie.”

“Night, Mom.” I put the phone beside me and stare at the black screen, and then hear a soft knock at the door. “Come in,” I call out.

Cassidy opens the door slowly. She’s changed into one of Jo’s oversized T-shirts. Her face is washed clean, but her eyes are red and swollen. “Hey,” she says.

“Hey.”

She lingers in the doorway. “Can I sleep in here?”

“Of course,” I tell her as I throw back the covers.

“Thanks, I don’t want to be alone, not tonight,” she confesses.

“Neither do I,” I tell her.

She closes the door and climbs into bed beside me, and for a while, neither of us says anything. We lie on our backs staring at the ceiling.

“I called my mom,” she says eventually.

“Me too. How did that go?”

“She cried, and Dad got angry. Then Mom told me she never liked Trevor’s mother.” Despite everything, a laugh escapes me.

“Sounds like she’s been waiting years to say that.”

“One hundred percent,” Cassidy says in agreement. “How did things go with your mom?”

“She cried. Wanted to get on the next plane to New York.”

“I told her not to come, that I needed to sort this out myself.”

Cassidy nods, and then silence falls between us. “Do you think it’s been going on for years?” she finally asks.

“I don’t know.”