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Chapter Twenty-Two
—Kinley—
Then
“Hey, sweetness,” Christian greeted, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind me. I was standing outside by the pool, needing a second to myself.
I smiled, leaning into his embrace. “Hey, handsome.”
“How does it feel to be a college graduate?”
“Pretty damn amazing. How about you?”
“I’d rather be in bed with my face buried in between your legs.”
I giggled. “How romantic.”
We were at his parents’ house. They were throwing a huge celebration for all of us, including Jax and Julian who were inside hanging out. There were hundreds of people inside. The Troys were known all around Texas. His father was one of the best attorneys in the state.
“Is my mom here yet?”
“No, baby.”
I could tell in his tone that he was concerned for me.
“Did she seem okay to you at the ceremony this morning?”
He shrugged, causing me to turn around to face him. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, come on. I can hear it in your voice. Tell me.”
“Kinley, it’s our graduation. I just want to enjoy the day with you, babe.”
“Are you implying what you have to say would make us fight?”
“Anything that concerns your mom makes us fight.”
“That’s not true. You guys have been getting along.”
“Kinley, I do that for you.”
“So do this for me too, and tell me what’s up?”
“Fine.” He deeply sighed. “But you asked for it.”
“Oh my God, Christian, what?”
“I think she’s drinking again.”
I jerked back, not expecting him to say that. “What do you mean? Why do you think that?”
“I don’t know … it’s just a feeling.”
“Well, your feeling is wrong. She’s been sober for nine years. When are you going to give her some credit for how far she’s come? You’re always so hard on her.”
“This” —he sternly pointed at me— “is exactly why I wanted to keep my mouth shut. Anytime I say anything about your mom you bite my head off.”
