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Last month, Mother turned fifty-six yet didn’t look a day over thirty. How the hell my dad had won her heart I never understood. But then, how the hell did I have Miranda’s heart…had?
I forced a smile to ease my mother’s worry. There was pity in her espresso-colored eyes as they roamed over me. “Have you heard from Miranda?”
It was the dreaded question I knew she’d ask. Simple and powerful at the same time, and it sucked the air out of my lungs.
“No.”
“Sit down with me.” She patted the spot next to her. I obeyed. “That’s better.” She smiled, squeezing my hand. “Now, I don’t want to pry, but I’m worried about you and Miranda. Couples have disagreements all the time. But running from them or brushing them under the rug only makes matters worse. If both of you want a future together, marriage and children, you cannot behave immaturely. You need to face the issues. Learn from your mistakes so you’ll have a successful relationship.”
I can’t believe I’m willingly listening to this bullshit.
To be fair, I don’t think she knows about the affair—fake affair.
“Mother, please—”
“Now, Will.” Her voice hardened as it would when I was ten. “You will listen to me. I’m only trying to help you. You should have never gone to Vegas with another woman.” She shook her head, her lips pressed thin. She knew about the affair. Of course my father had told her. He didn’t usually keep secrets unless it was business related, like the breach. “What were you thinking? Don’t answer that.” She raised her hand. “I don’t want specifics.”
Good, I can’t give you specifics.Dad had told me to keep my mouth shut until Jason and his associates were apprehended. The breach was our top priority.
A small smile formed in the corners of her mouth. “I know about the ring. You do love her, don’t you?”
“Yes.”More than you can imagine.
“I knew you did. I told your father as much. However, he didn’t seem convinced because of yoursoiréein Vegas.”
“Because he’s an asshole,” I replied in a harsh tone. I hadn’t meant to, but it was the honest truth.
“Yes, well, we love him, asshole and all.” She winked and I exhaled a relieved breath. “Regardless of how you feel about him. He does love you, Will.”
“That’s shocking.”
“Now you’re just being stupid. I did not raise a stupid man.”
A firm knock interrupted the madness. We looked toward the door as the devil himself entered.
“Jason, it’s wonderful to see you,” my mother said in greeting.
This day can end already. I’ll be on the rooftop weighing my options.
“Mrs. St. James, what a nice surprise running into you here. I just stopped by to see if Will was okay. I haven’t heard from him in days.” He looked at me with a wry smile. He’d called dozens of times after we returned from Vegas, so had Cori for that matter. I hadn’t answered their calls or the door.
Axel should have warned me Jason was here. But then, I should have blackmarked him at the security desk. I’ll do that ASAP.
Last week, I had been forced to talk to Cori when she showed up at my place on Saturday. It was always the same. The Feds were closer. This time they’d get Jason. All bullshit. Lies. She sure was dedicated to playing her part. I never wanted to see them again, but as I was finding out, I didn’t always get what I wanted.
“That’s very sweet of you. I’m sure you know he’s having a hard time of it with Miranda gone.” She smiled sympathetically.
My mother never stopped supporting me. Loyalty meant everything to her. She would stand by me even when I royally screwed up. My father, not so much.
Last Christmas, I’d received her approval. She’d whispered, “I approve,”when she kissed my cheek. Since then, she had treated Miranda like family… like a daughter.
“Yes, I know about her leaving. It’s why I’m here,” Jason said, sitting down on the black leather club chair across from me. Lying to people seemed to be second nature for him.
He didn’t give a shit about me.
I hated him.
“I’ll leave now so you two can talk.” My mother turned toward me, putting her hand on my knee. “Will, let me know if there’s anything you need.”
