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Her mother’s eyes met hers. “I’m sorry.” She swallowed.
Oh, she knew that had taken a huge amount of strength for her mother to even voice that. Her mother never—never—apologized.
Jezebelle nodded, her throat clogged with too many emotions. Hearing those two little words from her mother had the tears gathering, but she somehow managed to hold them back.
“Well, something smells great. Should we eat?” her father said, helping to push back her tears even further.
“I’m starving. Sounds like a great idea. Have a seat?” Brick swept a hand at the counter, unable to hold in his wicked grin.
Her mother looked appalled at the idea of sitting on a stool, yet wisely didn’t say anything.
When Brick opened the lid to the crockpot and put the bag of hamburger buns in front of them, Jezebelle swore her mother’s eyes couldn’t get any rounder than they did.
“Hope you like sloppy joes.”
Her father chuckled, then coughed to hide it. “It’s been a long time. Used to have them all the time as a child. Thank you for the meal, Brick.”
“Oh, anytime.”
Her mother still didn’t say a word as everyone made a sandwich. Her father made one for her mother, and Jezebelle waited to see if her mother would actually take a bite. She did, but hesitantly. She held it with delicate fingers as if it were a disgusting bug she didn’t want to be taking care of. She took a small bite, cringing when a small chunk of meat fell from the bun.
“Mmm. So good.”
Jezebelle laughed at her mother’s monotone voice. Her father, who she sat next to her, met her gaze and smiled. Brick, who stood on the opposite of the counter, winked.
It wasn’t nice to laugh at her mother’s discomfort, but she was out of her give-a-shits at the moment. She might’ve apologized, but she knew her mother wouldn’t magically change overnight. It would still be an uphill battle, fighting her mother along the way with other things. She could only imagine when her mother would bring up the topic of kids. She despised the thought.
But she felt content for the first time. She finally won a war against her mother. How refreshing and invigorating.
All because of the man in front of her.
This time she didn’t stop the impulse. She stood up and leaned over, wiping a finger near his lip where sauce had graced the spot. Then she kissed him.
“Delicious. Best sloppy joe I’ve ever had.”
“So good to hear. I’ve got some other great meals in my arsenal.” He winked before snatching another kiss.
Her father’s laughter filled her heart with happiness. Her mother’s muttered groan made her realize that with Brick by her side, she could endure anything her mother threw her way.
Her future looked bright and beautiful. A lot easier than she would’ve imagined a few short weeks ago.
