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39
“What’s going on?”
Mom steps into the kitchen, hands on her hips as she grunts, “What were you thinking?”
My stomach tightens. “What are you talking about?”
“You know very well what this is about,” she grits and begins counting off. “Eight hundred, a thousand, twenty-five hundred, and most recently, two thousand.”
I rumble a deep groan and comb my hand through my hair. “Mom, why are you checking my account? It’s mine.”
She clicks her tongue. “Well, you left me curious about your spending habits after the bike and your first time helping Barry.” She turns her head slowly while twisting her features. “What the hell are you doing? I told you not to communicate with him. Why are you letting him use you like that?”
My shoulders droop. “I thought Barry would change. He was looking for a job. I thought…” I hang my head and blow a long breath. “It doesn’t matter. You were right. I was a fool.”
As her scowl morphs into sympathy, she steps closer and touches my arm. “Reid, he’s hurt you so much. Barry doesn’t deserve a place in your life. A good father wouldn’t use his son for money and continue disappointing you like that.”
“I know. It should make you happy to know Barry messed up again. I’m not giving him any more chances.”
“Reid…” She touches my face. “Honey, it doesn’t make me happy. I wish he could be a better person so you’ll have a relationship with your dad. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to have it in him.”
I draw a shaky breath, fighting back the surge of pain. “Eighteen years…and he still hasn’t changed.”
“Oh, honey.” She wraps me in her warm embrace.
We stay like that for a moment before she lets go. “You don’t need Barry. You have me. I’m always here for you, no matter what.” She touches my cheek lovingly. “I’d give you the world. You know that.”
“I know, Mom. Thank you for everything.” I manage a smile and breathe deeply to smooth out the heaviness in my chest.
She lightly pats my arm, eyes constricting as if thinking. “You and Cassie seemed intense just now.”
I shrug, playing it cool. “We had an argument at the beach. I’ll apologize in the morning.”
“Hmm.” She bobs. “Reid, you don’t… You and Cassie…” My throat tightens as I realize where she’s going. “Nothing’s going on between you, right?”
I swallow the lump and let the lie slip out. “No, Mom. That’s crazy. We’re cousins.”
“Okay.” She relaxes me with a loving smile. “Well, please don’t give Barry any more money.”
“I won’t. I’m done. I swear.”
She pats my shoulder. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”
“Night.”
As I watch Mom leave the kitchen, I think back to her question about Cassie and me. Would it be so bad to admit the truth? It’d be so much easier to reveal it. Regardless, it doesn’t matter how our family will react. We love each other. Nothing will keep us apart.
I replay the argument on the beach, and it dawns on me. Cassie’s right. It’s not fair for me to ask her to give up her plans for me. That’s not love.
