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“I guess I’ll see you at the party. Make time for me after.”
Asshole. I’d rather walk on glass.
CHAPTER17
Jess
Iwalk into my dorm, shut the door behind me, and close my eyes. I'm trying to hold on. I prefer to be Valen and Reid's plaything any day of the week than be Michael’s. My phone rings, and I pull it out of my jacket pocket, hearing the sound of a basic telephone. I hate the generic ringtone. I feel like an old lady who doesn't know how to use a smartphone and needs a phone with large numbers because she can't see very well.
I answer and smile as my mother's sweet voice comes through. "Jesse, is that you?"
"Yes, Mom. It's me. How are you?"
"I'm fine. The bar is doing well, and I still have my hours," she says, and I sag in relief. The bastard has kept his word.
"That's great."
"Yeah, I was wondering if you could come home to visit. I miss you, and your birthday is coming up. You didn't let me get you anything for Christmas like always. When was the last time you had a Christmas gift, Jesse? How about a birthday gift?" she asks.
Tears sting like needles in my eyes because I didn't think it would make her feel bad for me not allowing her to get me anything. "You always try to get me something. I don't want you to work more hours because of me. I was nine, and I didn't want to worry you. I'm fine. I'm almost done and then I can get a real good job, Momma, and come and get you. We could move somewhere really nice. And get that kitchen you always wanted in a nice house. No more trailers and cold winters."
"Oh, Jesse. They don't make them like you anymore. Girls around here are on drugs and drinking. Sleeping around and getting pregnant. God was listening to me when I had you. You deserve a nice man that loves you. How about that young man Michael?"
Silent tears run down my cheeks. I would do anything for her. Anything. If she only knew he was a wolf wrapped in sheep's clothing. She thinks he is a great guy looking out for her because he is my friend. If I told her the truth, she would quit on the spot, and then what? My mother would be homeless, which means I would be homeless because I would have to drop out.
"I think he mentioned he had a girlfriend. Guys like him don't date girls like me, Momma. It's different for me. He is just an old friend from school who needs good help at the bar. You're a good worker. You never miss or call out."
"Did he say that? Is it because you live in a trailer? He's ashamed, Jesse. I'm sorry, baby. I tried. I really did, but your father left me; this was the best I could do for us. If that boy doesn't think you are good enough, he isn't worth your time. You're really smart, and you were top of your class. You worked hard and never skipped school to hang out with a boy. You didn't even go to prom."
She keeps bringing that up. She wanted me to have a prom and for a boy to pick me up, so she could take a picture of me in a nice dress. I couldn't go. I could never tell her what Michael did. I close my eyes, ashamed of hurting her feelings.
"I'm sorry about the prom thing. It was stupid, and they didn't have a dress in my size. They were all sold out. Besides, I didn't have a date."
I didn't know what else to tell her. We were broke with no money, barely making it, and no one wanted to take the trailer trash whore to prom.
"Alright, I get it. But could you come to visit your momma? I miss you, Jesse. You're all I've got. I can send you money for a plane ticket and pick you up from the airport?"
"No, please don't do that. I gotta go. I can't go over my minutes. I love you. I promise I will come home to see you soon." I hang up, acting like my minutes ran out, feeling like a horrible daughter. I know why she is insisting I go see her. She wants to do something for my birthday.
I hear the door open and sag in relief when it's Gia. "Hey. I didn't want to call you because of the minute thing. Are you sure you don't want me to get you a phone?" She pauses and frowns when she sees me crying. "Woah. Who did it? I'll call the twins right now, and they will kick his ass."
I laugh. "You would do that. I just got off the phone with my mom and feel bad. I don't want her to spend a dime trying to get me home, and I feel bad for hurting her feelings because I didn't go to prom or have a social life."
"Oh, that sucks. Do you need money? I could ask?"
I shake my head. "No, please. Don't do that. I'll be fine."
"Is that why you eat from the vending machine and drink coke at the bar when it's ladies' night and the drinks are free instead of finishing your beer?"
She figured out my hustle.
I scrunch up my nose. "Is it that obvious?"
"Kinda. I figured it out since it is the only time you are out. Since I have been here, you don't date. You hate parties, but I know the reason for that one. And you hardly use your car."
"Gas prices are high. Walking is good exercise."
She snorts. "Not in this cold. That is why I came to get you."
