Page 162 of Contentious

Cresley’s hand curved around his shoulder, infusing him with her warmth and a sweet feeling of homecoming that took him by surprise since they were in his bed at his home. They’d decided to sleep next to Ty in case he woke up afraid. He was beginning to realize that home was wherever they were.

“If he didn’t have me, he wouldn’t have bothered us or wanted money from Mom or any of the other stuff.”

“None of it was your fault, Ty. He made his own choices, and now he’ll have to live with them.”

“I know. Can I visit him in jail if I want to?”

“I’m sure you can eventually.”

“I don’t know if I’ll want to, but I was just wondering.”

“We can ask about that.”

“That’s okay. I’m mad at him right now. I don’t want to see him.”

“That’s fair.”

“Do you think I’ll always be mad at him?”

“Not necessarily. Things can change with time.” He felt way out of his league having this conversation and hoped he was saying the right things.

“Can we stay here with you?”

“As long as you want to.”

“Don’t tell Mom I told you this, but I don’t think she wants to go back to our house because that’s where you got hurt so bad.”

“I won’t tell her, but it’s probably true.”

“I love our house. I hope we can go back when she feels better about it.”

“I hope so, too.”

“How do you feel today?” Ty asked.

“A little better.” He said what the boy needed to hear, but the truth was he was achy and sore after the arduous ordeal the day before.

“Where’s Mom?”

She raised her hand off his back to wave at Ty. “Right here.”

“Were you listening to us?” Ty asked. “That was guy stuff. You shouldn’t be listening.”

“My apologies.”

“She’s not really sorry, is she?” Ty asked Carson.

He smiled. “I don’t think so.”

“Am I going to school today?”

“Not today, buddy,” Cresley said. “Hopefully, you can go back on Monday.”

“Why can’t I go today?”

“I think we all need a day to decompress before we face the world again.”

“What does that mean? Decompress?”