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For the first time today, Jules smiles. It’s a smile I’ll hold as one of my favorites for the rest of my life.
MY PARENTS ARE WAITING for us at home when we pull into the driveway. I wanted to wait to tell them the news about Aria until we’ve had time to process it more, but Jules wanted to tell them as soon as possible. She needs rest, not more stress, but she was adamant. We’re also going to tell them about Theo’s deception. I was in no frame of mind to explain to them in the waiting room yesterday what happened. All they know is he attacked her again, and I beat the shit out of him. This is going to fucking kill them, especially Mom.
I didn’t expect to see Ella and Vicki when we walk through the door. Not that I planned to keep it from them, I just assumed Ella would be at the shop and she’d be coming by or calling later.
“Jazz is watching over the shop,” she explains when I look at her with questioning eyes.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t have blamed her if she had closed down Ink Me for the day. She knows something big went down between Jules, Theo, and me and would want to know the news.
Mom comes rushing around the corner of the kitchen then screeches to a halt, her hands flying to her mouth and tears springing to her eyes when she sees Jules’s face. A soft sob escapes her mouth, the sound muffled by her trembling hands. Dad walks out behind Mom, his hands going to her shoulders. His face takes on a savage look when he takes in Jules’s appearance.
“Oh, God,” Mom whispers with a cracked voice. She slowly makes her way over to us and grabs one of Jules’s hands. “You poor baby.”
“I’m okay,” Jules says, emotion distorting her voice.
“And thank God for that.” Mom takes a step forward. “I want to hug you, but I don’t want to hurt you.”
I can feel rather than see Jules smile as she tells Mom, “I just have a little headache, but I could certainly use a hug.”
It’s a lie. I know she’s hurting more than she’s letting on, but she’s trying to be strong. She doesn’t need to be. I’ll be the strong one for both of us.
Mom’s eyes find mine over Jules’s shoulder once she has her wrapped in her arms. Deep sadness makes the green shine brighter than normal. I’ve always hated when Mom is sad. This particular pain is worse, because it involves her children.
My eyes stray from Mom’s and meet Dad’s. The tic in his jaw that always says he’s upset or angry about something is going a mile a minute.
“How you doing?” he asks in his deep baritone.
A grunt is all the answer I give. Physically, I’m fine, but my emotions are a fucking mess. Dad gives me an understanding look. He knows, even if he doesn’t have the full story yet.
Mom steps back, wiping the tears from her eyes, and steps to the side. Dad comes forward and kisses Jules’s cheek that’s not sporting a bruise. Her eyes close briefly before she opens them when he steps back. He stays close and keeps his voice low.
“You okay?”
She nods. “Yeah.”
“Good.”
Ella practically shoves Dad out of the way to get to Jules. She’s just as angry as Dad, I can see it deep in her eyes, but she manages to hide it.
“That bastard,” she whispers before gently pulling Jules into her arms.
I fucking love these people. Jules came to them as a stranger. She was thrust upon the family as a new member and they’ve taken her in without reservation. With Mom and Dad, that came as no surprise, it’s just the type of people they are. But in a way, it’s still surprising, because of the way we’ve had to stay cautious due to the area we live in. Ella though, she’s more reserved; however, she took Jules under her wing immediately.
I watch Vicki standing off to the side. I can even see emotions swirling in her eyes. Anger and sympathy.
“Where’s Aria?” Jules asks once Ella releases her.
“School,” Mom answers. “We thought it would be best if she weren’t here.”
“That’s good.” I point to the living room with my chin. “We’ve got shit we need to tell you all.”
I feel Jules’s eyes on me, and I look down. She’s biting her lip nervously, so I grab her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. I know this is going to be hard on her. Hell, it’s fucking brutal on me too.
“Would anyone like something to eat first? Maybe a sandwich or soup?” Mom, the ever-present host even though this isn’t her house, tries to take care of everyone.
We all decline and make our way to the living room. Dad makes a pit stop at the fridge and grabs several beers and bottles of water. I hand a water to Jules, who smiles at me gratefully. I pop the top off a beer and take several heavy swallows.
“Tell us what happened,” Ella demands.
