Page 12 of Savagely Scarred

“Mom, you’re being dramatic. And your Irish is coming out.” The corner of my lips lift before taking a sip of my coffee.

Every time she’s upset or angry her accent thickens. I never kept mine thanks to the public school system of New York. One Leprechaun remark from a bully will knock it right out of you.

“I am being a mother. Am I not allowed to worry about the wellbeing of my son?”

“Yes.”

“Then tell me the truth.”

I take her off speaker and bring the phone to my ear, leaning forward against the counter.

“Yes, I’m having the dreams again. Like clockwork every year. Nothing has changed, Mom.”

“You cannot carry this on your shoulders for the rest of your life. You were a wee thing. It wasn’t your fault.”

“It was and I’ll never think otherwise,” I argue.

“Get your head out of yer arse and go see a doctor.”

“Mom, it didn’t work when I was a kid, what makes you think it would now?”

“You need to want it to work, William.”

I sigh and run my hand down my face. We have this same ineffective conversation every year. But she’s right. I am the only reason I haven’t been able to let it go.

“I know, Mom.”

“And now you have a reason to, son.”

For her.

“I do. And I will try harder I promise.”

“That’s a good lad. Now, when are you coming to see us?”

“Soon. A week or two. Ava has us all busy with her birthday events when we’re not working.” I smile.

“That girl will drive some poor man crazy one day.”

“Yeah, if she ever settles down. I don’t particularly see that happening.” I snicker.

She hums knowingly through the phone.

I didn’t ever see myself settling down either. Until Liv walked into that training room. One look in her gorgeous blue eyes was all it took to bring me to my knees and make me submit. I’ve never given another woman a second thought since.

“Mom, I’m bringing Olivia.”

Her excited squeal pierces my ear, causing me to move the phone away briefly.

“It’s about time I get to meet the girl who stole my son’s heart!”

“Yes, well, I have another reason for coming to see you,” I begin.

I startle when I feel arms encircle my waist from behind and Liv buries her face into my back.

“But we’ll talk about that when I get there. I’ve gotta go.”

“Love you, William.”