Page 76 of Watched

She sniffles and clears her throat. “Your father and I haven’t been in a good place for a few years now. I admit my wrong in taking out my frustration with him on her. It was never right for me to do so. When you called and said they wanted to stay with you again, it gave me time to reflect on my actions and how they’ve impacted the girls…and you.” A lump swells in my throat as I adjust my black coat, trying to ease the sudden chill. “Your father said you’ve started seeing Rain.” She smiles softly.

“It’s complicated, but Dad made his reservations known.”

“I’m sorry.” She sucks in a fractured breath, losing composure. “For treating you how I did the day you confided in me, for my comment at that table a few weeks ago, and everything in between.” Tears burn my eyes as her gloved hand strokes my cheek. “I do love you, Rome. All of you.”

I swallow my tears and nod. “Thanks, Mum.”

“Oh, my boy. I am so sorry.”

I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her head to my shoulder when she sobs. “It’s okay, Mum.”

Her head scuffs against me, shaking in disagreement. “I’ve failed all of you so many times out of fear of your father.”

“He’s cheating on you,” I whisper.

Her sobs halt, and then she laughs. “Son of a bitch, I fucking knew it.”

“You did?”

She lifts her head, and I wipe the tears from her cheeks. “I had my suspicions. He was leaving at odd times, saying he was going to the golf course or to see friends.” She rolls her wet eyes. “Your father has people who tolerate him, but no friends.”

She’s right. “I’m sorry, Mum.”

She waves me off. “At least I have one man in my life who is a true gentleman.”

“Moi? I’m honoured.”

She tuts, pushing my shoulder. “I wanted to thank you for standing up to him in a way I was always afraid to. You protected your sisters.”

“I’ll protect you too, Mum. I don’t like the thought of you being uncomfortable.”

“My battles are not yours to fight, Rome.”

“Doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

Her lips purse, and she drops her head. I know she’s meant every word; and her lack of acceptance for the last seven years isn’t swept away and forgotten, but she was scared to speak up. I understand that.

“Can I hear about Rain?” She waggles her brows, nudging my shoulder.

She’s trying to get to know me better. I appreciate it, and I guess we need to start somewhere.

“You’re blushing,” she teases.

“Mum,” I groan.

“Come on.” She taps my jean clad thigh. “Tell me.”

After briefly explaining everything that has happened since I met Rain, her mouth is agape, and I don’t think she’s blinked the last minute.

“Rome,” she berates. “That man does not sound safe.”

“Believe me, I know, but like I said, we aren’t together. He’s trying to force his way into my life.”

“Do Indie and Kilah feel safe around him?”

“Oddly, yes.”

“Do you?”