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Easton.

Fuck. Not thinking about him. Too much guilt.

I threw down my briefcase onto the counter, an old, decrepit laminate that should’ve been removed two decades ago. Everyone else I knew in this building had swank apartments. I’d been told this outdated one was all that was available. Even though I’d known it was a lie, I hadn’t been in a position to argue.

I opened the cabinet next to the sink and froze. “Are these your glasses?” Slowly, I pulled one out. On the shelf above were plates and bowls I recognized as Mama’s favorites. My parents had had them since they were married. We’d eaten off them all my life.

“Look at me.”

That tone of voice, the one with the strength of a hundred men and more backbone than I’d ever hope to possess, was almost enough to make me do it immediately. But whatever she had to say, I didn’t want to hear. I’d done enough shitty things for six lifetimes, and today was the culmination of the worst. She didn’t even know about that yet.

“Drew Harris.”

Shit. I felt like I was ten again. I’d gotten myself in deep and screwed up things with my family. Done things to them there was no excuse for.

I filled the glass with whiskey I’d lifted from one of the executive’s offices at Starlight Petroleum Energy. Then I slid Mama a bottle of water across the counter.

“Mama, I love you, but there’s nothing you can say—”

“I’m the reason you aren’t rotting in prison right now, so you sure as hell are going to listen to me.”

I clutched the glass instead of doubling over like I wanted to. Her words were a sucker punch to the stomach even though they were true. What did I think? Dad, Easton, and Mulaney would want anything less than the worst punishment possible?

“I didn’t—”

“Don’t lie to me.” Steely determination stared at me across the island. “And don’t make me look like I was wrong.”

How was I supposed to do that? Shewaswrong, though I’d never admit that to any of my family. Once they sank their teeth into what they thought I’d done, they wouldn’t let it go. I’d never conceded a thing. As long as I drew breath, I wouldn’t.

“What happened to you?” Her face contorted in pain as if it was her fault I’d turned out so terrible.

I shrugged. Life had happened to me.Thiswas who I was. I didn’t have to apologize to anyone for that, not even Mama. Though her sad look kind of made me want to.

“What’s Dad going to say when he finds out you’re here?” My lip curled into a sneer at the mention of my father. He’d assumed the worst about me. Even though he was right, the benefit of the doubt would’ve been nice.

“Not a word.” She twisted the cap on the water bottle, but it didn’t give. When she couldn’t open it, I unscrewed the cap and placed it back in front of her. “Stop avoiding the subject.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I drained the whiskey in my glass and ignored the disappointment coming from her as I poured another glass.

“I don’t want you behind bars, especially while I’m dying.”

“Mama—”

She held up her hand. “It’s a reality, and there’s no reason to avoid it.” I wanted to. “But you can’t get away with what you’ve done.”

“You want me to turn myself in?” I didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm. Out of everyone, I thought Mama would have my back.

“No, I don’t think that would accomplish anything. I have something more important for you to do. You’re going to do community service.”

I snorted. Was she kidding? Like I should be anywhere around people. “I don’t think so.”

“At Paths of Purpose,” she continued as if I hadn’t protested. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll go there every day for the foreseeable future.”

“I have a company to run.” And I wasn’t wasting my time at whatever that place was Mama was trying to send me. I didn’t have the time. If I didn’t figure out a way to make some serious money stat . . .

“I’ve already spoken with Mrs. Quinn. She’s willing to let you volunteer there because I’ve expressed your eagerness to do whatever she needs.”

I rubbed my face with my hand. “Why would you tell someone that? And what kind of place is this?” I couldn’t cook, so I’d be of no use in a soup kitchen. Hell, I didn’t even know how to do laundry. And they could all kiss my ass if they thought I’d pick up trash off the side of the street.

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