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She frowns. One day a man will knock the smart out of your mouth and then where will you be? So, did you and Harry fall out?
I look down at my mug, watching the steam rise and trying to figure out what the hell has happened to my life. I cast my gaze back at Mom.We haven't... hadn't.I shrug.I have no idea what I’ve done to him!
Mom frowns.He did this to hurt you?
I honestly don't think he sees it like that. He did it because he's a gossip queen, and he will walk over anyone he needs to make sure his podcast is a big hit.
I just hadn't realized that list had included me.
Mom drinks her coffee, the lines between her eyes deepening. I hate those lines. She’s overthinking, and nothing good usually comes from it.Does he have a crush on Austin?
I lift my hands to respond, and then I drop them. Huh. Mom's lines might be useful this time around. It makes sense. He’s jealous of something that isn’t even happening which means that he's effectively killed our friendship because he has a crush...how ridiculous, and maddening. Austin isn't gay. I mean, every woman on campus can testify to that. He never stood a chance anyway, but to throw me out there, to bethatcruel is unforgivable.Maybe... it makes more sense than what I've been thinking.
People do things when they are jealous. He will regret it. He might even come back into the fold.
He's not welcome.I’m adamant on that one. Break the circle of trust and you’re out!
I want the ability to project anger into my hands so she can really see it. It pulses around the room, so I think she has a pretty good idea on how I’m feeling. He was my friend and it clearly meant nothing to him.
Mom smirks, the soft lines around her eyes creasing.Oh, he’s pushing buttons.
I know which of the annoying men she’s referring to. I shake my head. I don't recall how I've spent several years never having bumped into him when my running route takes me right past his boathouse. The moment our eyes had met, I’d been unable to breathe, and that’s sort of important, which means that I need to stay away from him.
Mom nods, seemingly satisfied with the mother and daughter talk as she goes back to her baking. I love that about her. When you have to use hand gestures, conversation is always concise and to the point. There have never been any wasted words in ourhome, and now she knows what's happening, so if I need to come here and hide again, I won't have much explaining to do.
I leave as darkness starts descending, promising Mom I will visit more. When she makes a point of talking about it, the guilt always finds its way to my heart. I'm aware that we only have each other, but I'd wanted the college life, the full experience. It was one of the reasons I’d moved out. While Mom is laid back, I wouldn't feel as free as I do now. I needed the independence, the life away from a home where all the memories are.
I turn left, about a block away from the apartment, and then I hit a hard body. The cake crashes to the sidewalk as a yelp leaves me before I can stop it.
"Mia?"
My name leaving his lips is a balm I need for the fear coating my heart. And I hate that it’s already a comfort.
I bend down to save whatever is left of the cake, cursing because Nova will kill me. Austin kneels down next to me, and I note the way the light catches the pop of his jaw, the flickers in his hazel eyes.
"You okay?" His voice is gruff as he stands and hands me what he’s saved.
Why does the five o’clock shadow look good on him?A heat I’m not familiar with sparks between us, warming me in the cooling fall evening. I nod, not trusting my tongue to form words or not to blurt how handsome he looks. The grey hoodie with theBB emblazed on it sits well against the dark jeans, the BB hat. He looks dangerous, alluringly so.
“Do you want me to walk you back?” he asks, stepping back.
I frown. “No. I’m good.” What game is he playing? Where has the asshole gone? He’d usually say something or even try to make a move. What’s happening?
“The cake looks good…” He stuffs his hands into his pockets.
“Looked,” I correct and shake my head at the remnants still plastered on the sidewalk.
He smirks.
The quirk of those full lips makes my heart flutter.
And this is where you say goodnight, Mia.
“Thanks for the help.” I hold the cake up, like he needs to know how he’s helped. I look stupid, and he likes it, judging by the quick flash of humor in his eyes.
Bloody hell.
He nods. “Not a problem.”
