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Rebecca’s eyes narrow and she tilts her head to one side. “Have you changed careers? How do you afford all this?”
It’s my turn to study her with suspicion. What’s she playing at? Surely, Devlin didn’t dropjustmy address. However, Rebecca seems genuinely confused by what she’s glimpsed of my lifestyle. We both glare at each other until I decide that maybe she doesn’t know about the money Allan left me.
“You don’t get the privilege of being let into my personal life. You can go now.” I mimic her earlier words. “I don’t have time for this.”
“Are you seriously—”
“Goodbye, Rebecca. See you at the wretched family reunion.”
I just know Melanie is going to beg me to show up, and I’ve never had the heart to disappoint her. Rebecca opens her mouth to say something, but I close the door. I have no guilt about shutting the door in my mother’s face—she shouldn’t even be called a mother.
Once Rebecca is out of my space and my head, I can think clearer. I realize how much I messed up.
“Shit. Grace.” I practically ran her out of here after the shock of seeing my mother.
After all this work on our relationship, I think I’ve managed to ruin it one morning.
Chapter 2
Rowan
“Row, you look awful.” Matt studies me with a frown.
“Thanks,” I grumble, stepping into his kitchen. I grab the chair I always use, the one facing the backyard, and sit. The garden is visible through the screen door, and I just stare at it.
Without another word, Matt heads to the cupboard. He returns with a bottle of scotch and two glasses. I give him a questioning look.
“I know it’s barely noon, but you look like you need this.” He nods to the bottle.
True. It’s a little past twelve, but I’m so on edge I’m tempted to drink the entire bottle. I tried to sleep this morning because there was no point going after Grace like I’d been tempted to do. She’ll be in classes all day. So, I gave up the attempt to sleep and came here.
Sighing heavily, I reach for the bottle and pour. Matt does the same.
“Frankly, I need a drink too.” He lifts his glass in salute.
“Did a bunch of kids stress you out that much?” I ask. He mentioned something about going to the local high school to offer counseling. Matt is always immersed in community service in his free time. He must be in the running for sainthood.
“Theydidn’t stress me out per se.” He strokes his chin. “It’s just... teenagers. They’re so...”
“Angsty?”
“Yes. What in God’s name are they so depressed aboutallthe time?”
For the first time since my mother showed up, shocking me out of my wits, I find amusement in something. My laughter circulates Matt’s kitchen. “It’s been a while since my teenage years, so I can’t speak for them.”
Shaking his head, Matt throws back his drink. “You know, although it’s been a while since your teen experience, I bet you can still relate to plenty of them. Maybe you can come by the high school with me and talk to the more troubled kids.”
I lift an eyebrow in question. “I’m not a counselor.”
“No, but you had a rough childhood. I’m thinking you can offer encouragement. You can show them that they can have a good life after their struggles,” he explains. “You’re a walking example of overcoming a troubled childhood.”
“No way. We’ve been over this. Not that I don’t want to help the youngsters, but you know I prefer to stay behind the scenes. I’m fine doing my part by donating to various children’s charities. Interacting with them isyourforte.”
He holds up both palms. “Alright, fine.”
Huffing, I down the entire content of my glass. My childhood is a part of the reason I completely lost it and shut Grace out this morning. When I opened the door and saw Rebecca, it was like my past stood right there for Grace to see, and I didn’t want her to. I haven’t told hereverythingabout me yet... and maybe I hadn’t really planned to.
After a moment of silence, Matt says, “You called earlier saying you needed to talk, yet you’re not talking.”
