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11
“You look lovely this morning, Jezebelle. I do love it when you put your hair up,” her mother said with such a prim expression, Jezebelle took it to mean her mother didn’t care for how she normally looked.
She had done her hair this morning for Brick, not anyone else. They had showered together, then got ready in the tiny bathroom as if they both could fit comfortably. He had kept kissing her neck, pressing soft touches everywhere, making her wish for more, knowing they couldn’t if they didn’t want to be late. But she enjoyed his touch and swooped her hair up in a simple coif to give him easier access.
Jezebelle could only smile at her mother in thanks. Because while the memory was a beautiful one, the morning wasn’t going exactly as she’d planned.
Brick wasn’t here.
Oh, she desperately wanted him here.
But she understood when he told her he had a stop to make before he joined them—like yesterday.
Of course, unlike the previous day, he told her this time where he was going.
To see his dad.
She instinctively knew it had to deal with the ring on her finger. He didn’t offer the reason why, but she just knew.
“Something wrong, dear,” her mother asked, glancing at Jezebelle’s hands.
She forced herself to stop fiddling with the ring. The last thing she needed was her mother zoning in on anything.
Anger rushed to the surface. She grabbed her glass of water and took a sip, stopping herself from blurting out something she’d regret. Brick had told her not to say anything to her mother about what she had done concerning his bar. For now, she’d respect his wishes. But she would never let her mother get away with doing something so vicious. All to get her way. Why couldn’t she let Jezebelle live her life the way she wanted?
She set her glass back down and forced out another short smile. “Everything’s fine.”
Thank goodness Bradley wasn’t at breakfast either. They both had assumed Brick would be here, so maybe that’s why he hadn’t shown. He was missing a vital opportunity to get under her skin, win her heart somehow. It wouldn’t work, but she had no doubt her mother was silently fuming he had also missed breakfast.
But it was good for her. Only one beast to contend with instead of two.
“I figured you starting the same day as Bradley at the company will be splendid. Two weeks should give you ample time to find a nice apartment.”
Her fake smile disappeared.
“Excuse me?”
Her mother arched a brow. “You honestly don’t expect to live in that place while working at a top-level firm, do you? It isn’t respectable.”
There was nothing wrong with Brick’s apartment.
Yes, it was a bit small.
Yes, it was above a bar.
But no, it was the most wonderful place she had ever lived in. Because Brick was there.
It drove her up the wall how her mother could throw words out like they wouldn’t hurt. It wasn’t anything new. Same shit, new day. Jezebelle should’ve been used to it by now, as her mother hadn’t changed since childhood, but it always hurt. It always stabbed her right in the heart her mother could be so cruel.
“I like where I’m living. I have no intention of moving.”
Her mother pursed her lips into a tight line.
Ah, yes. She was the master champion at disapproving stares. She never raised her voice. That kind of behavior was beneath her. She always managed to get her anger across by the sharp sting of her tongue and her disparaging looks.
“Finally, you’re here.” Her mother stood up and hugged Sophia, her sister, before returning to her seat. “Talk some sense into your sister.”
Just. Great. Now she’d have two she-devils on her back instead of one. Sophia, no matter the issue, was always—always—on their mother’s side. Of course, Sophia didn’t disappoint Mother like Jezebelle did in every aspect of her life. Oh, no. Wonderful job as a doctor in the most prestigious hospital in Connecticut. Handsome husband, who also held a high-level position in the hospital. No kids yet, but Jezebelle had no doubt they’d be on the way soon enough. There was no way Sophia would ever disappoint their mother in anyway. Not like she did.
