AllFreeNovel
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After we part, Mom checks out the books. “Some of these are new additions to your library.”
“Yeah, I picked up some new ones.” I was able to buy a whole box the library was planning to get rid of. I point out the one she has in her hand. “Look, same author as Stardust.”
“Ah, one of your favorites.” Mom laughs. “You used to beg me to read it again every time we finished it.”
I wrap my arms around her shoulders and hug her. “You did the voices better than me. I loved it.”
A wistful look lingers in her eyes, crinkling the lines around them as I finish brushing her hair and pull over the armchair.
“What is it? Are you tired?”
Mom waves a hand. “No, no. I’m just glad you were happy. That’s what’s important.”
My heart clenches. “Of course I was.” I take her hand, stroking her knuckles. “As long as I have you, I’m happy.”
A wrinkle appears on her forehead. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Being in here for so long, I’ve just been thinking a lot.”
“Mom,” I breathe, squeezing her hand.
“I’m sorry for your father, you shouldn’t have had to worry—”
“Mom, no. It wasn’t your fault.” My strong expression nearly crumbles. I want to take away all of her pain and swallow it. The burden can try to burn me from the inside out, I’ll survive it. “Everything will be okay now.”
She dashes away a tear before it falls. “Why don’t you tell me about how school is? The doctor mentioned your friend told him about a college fair coming up.”
“Right.”
Devlin left college brochures on the island in the kitchen. Gemma sent me the link for Oak Ridge College, too. But I can’t go to art school to study art history. I should go for something practical. Nursing, maybe. I haven’t decided yet. I’m more worried about picking schools that have scholarships and grants I can apply for.
Neither of them have to worry about their futures. Gemma had her heart set on one goal and Devlin can select any school he wants.
“I know we haven’t talked about it much, but whatever you choose, we’ll make it work. I want you to follow your dreams, Blair.”
I look up from picking at my nails. “I haven’t decided on a major.”
Mom leans back against her pillows, smiling. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
The nurse bustles in a few minutes later, checking on Mom and dropping off her dinner. We split the jello and laugh at TikTok animal videos I pull up on the hospital’s WiFi.
One video features a boy that looks like Devlin. Just like that, I can’t get last night out of my head. It keeps popping up. Concentrating in English earlier was hell.
“What put that look on your face?” Mom gives a teasing gasp. “Are you blushing?”
“I—no.”
I cover my flaming cheeks. Oh god, I am blushing. I can’t help it, not when my mind shoots to the faint red mark I found on my neck this morning. I tied a bandana around it to hide it. My cheeks heat more, replaying the feeling of Devlin’s mouth on my skin, leaving his mark.
A vibration in my pocket provides a perfectly timed distraction. Hopefully Gemma has a good Instagram story to share of a dog to get Devlin out of my head.
Except…the text is from Devlin.
The cycle starts all over.
I roll my lips between my teeth as I shift in my seat.
Devil: Will you be home soon? Want to go for a night run? [moon emoji] It’s supposed to be a clear night. I want to take you to the lookout point where there’s a good view of the sky.
