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My head felt like it might explode, that’s what was wrong with me. “It’s not stupid to call you on your bullshit, Faith.”
She laughed bitterly. “Like you know me well enough to know the difference?” she blurted, dealing a well-aimed blow to the already bruised topic. “I am fine. And I’ve been doing fine for a long time now without you, Adam Bishop, so you can take your macho act and fuck off!”
“Macho...?” I ripped the keys from her hand and pinned her against her Jeep, our bodies aligned, our angry breaths mingling in the night. “Did you just tell me to fuck off?”
“Yes!” Her breasts heaved against my chest as she glared at me. “You don’t get to just come back into my life and start bossing me around.”
“I’m not trying to boss you around, Faith. I’m trying to take care of you. There’s a difference, but you’re too busy trying to act like you’re fine to see it.”
“I am—”
“Fine doesn’t have panic attacks in Rudy’s parking lot.” I cut off her snarky reply with a tilt of my head. “Fine doesn’t torch its childhood home.” Her mouth snapped shut. A troubled look passed over her face and I knew I’d hit a nerve. “And fine sure as hell doesn’t run off by the seat of its pants to North Carolina after nearly being stabbed to death.” I softened my tone, hoping she’d hear me. “Baby, the only one you’re fooling here is yourself.”
She gazed into my eyes for a long moment, her eyes hard, her bottom lip between her teeth as she absorbed my words. It absolutely killed me that I couldn’t read her thoughts in that moment.
“Faith...”
She yanked her keys from my grip and hit the button, pulling open her door. Without looking at me again, she slid inside and started the Jeep, slamming the door behind her.
I slapped the window. “Faith!”
Nothing.
She backed out and drove away.
So much for fine.
I slept likeshit that night, tossing and turning as I rehashed every way the night went sideways. It could have been a good time. A fresh start. I’d gotten Faith past the misunderstanding about the bridge and to agree to a date. It should have been a night full of drinks, dancing, and sex. Not panic attacks, accusations, and self-recrimination.
Maybe I was a being an ass, pushing her too hard.
I stared up at the ceiling, trying to believe that.
With a sigh, I rolled my head and petted Lance, who’d curled up on her side of the bed as if he missed her too.
He cracked open an eye and studied me as if he thought I was a jerk for running off his mom.
“Sorry, buddy. She’ll be back tomorrow,” I promised.
I’d make sure of it.
I mulled over how to do that until dawn when I finally rolled out of bed and got ready for the day. After a quick run, shower, and breakfast, I texted Faith an olive branch.
Me:I hope you’re feeling better this morning. Lance and I miss you. xo
Nada.
Tucking away my disappointment, I shoved my wallet in my pocket, grabbed my keys, and headed out. Using the burner phone, I dialed Mateo.
“Hey,” he answered, sounding sleepy.
“Hey.”
“You good?”
“Yeah. Sorry I didn’t quite get things fixed with Faith last night.” I didn’t bother giving him the details.
He yawned and a door closed quietly behind him. “It’s fine. Grace settled down after Faith went to bed.”
