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“Because I needed someone around. I know,” she said. “And you stayed at the house even though you didn’t want to. I know I held you back.”
“Ma, you didn’t.”
“Don’t patronize me, Luke. I thank you for never saying the words out loud, but I know you were doing something you didn’t want to do.”
“I’m sorry. It’s not that I’m ungrateful for my home, it’s just—”
“You stepped up for me, just like you promised your father. But I’m releasing you from your obligation.”
“Wait, what’s going on? Are you seeing someone or something?”
“I…”
I suddenly noticed a man in his mid-fifties waving at us.
“Oh my God. Mom, who is he? How long has this been going on?”
“His name is Hal and only a few months.”
“Is it serious?” I asked.
“It might be. Someday.”
“And you want me out so you can… entertain him?”
“Don’t make it dirty, Luke. He’s a nice man from my church and we’re getting to know each other. Although, I know your generationgets to knowone another a lot more quickly. Andloudly,” she explained.
“I see.”
“Also, Max is moving home.”
That caught me off guard, but it shouldn’t have.
“Really? Why? I mean, I thought he was taking a job in New York after graduation,” I said, confused.
“I don’t know. But he called last week and asked if he could come home and I said yes. He didn’t say why.”
“Huh.”
“Point is, I won’t be alone in the house anymore. I’ll have Max.”
I blinked. Twice. Was it really going to be this simple? If Carter and Kieran took over Kane Construction, my father’s business would still be run by family. If Max moved into the house, I was not leaving my mom alone. I could finally do something else with my life. I could even leave Blue Creek.
I was free.
“And you don’t have to pick me up after the game tonight. Hal said he’d drive me home,” she said as she got out of the car.
“Okay.”
I watched my mother meet up with Hal and walk into the church together. I drove home, feeling like the world was on my side tonight. I ran up the stairs, stripping off my shirt on the way, anxious to get back to Cindy.
But when I opened the guest room door, she was gone.
Seventeen
Cindy
I freaked out.
