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Would I like to have her come to Oklahoma with me? Sure. I’d love for my mom to meet her. I think they’d get along great.
But my dad will not have the opportunity to swipe at her. I’ll protect her from that at all costs.
“It’s all going to work out,” she says, her voice sleepy now, and she cuddles up closer, kissing my chest. “Don’t worry.”
But I lie here in the dark and listen to her breathe. Yeah, I’m worried.
But it needs to be done.
“Hey, Mom.”
Her arms are open wide as she hurries to me and hugs me close.
“Welcome home, baby.”
I texted her this morning to tell her that I was flying in, and she insisted on picking me up. I’m glad because I want to give her a heads-up before I talk to Dad.
“You didn’t tell Dad?” I ask when we’ve put my bag in the back of her car, and she’s driving toward the house I bought my parents just outside of Oklahoma City. Dad sold the farm, said he didn’t want that life anymore, and he and Mom now live in the suburbs.
“No, but I’m not sure why your being here is a secret.” She glances at me with concerned eyes. “Did you lose the contract?”
“No.” I shake my head and feel my stomach tighten when her shoulders visibly sag in relief. “Why?”
“I just thought maybe you wanted to deliver some bad news in person, that’s all.”
“I do, but it’s not because I lost my contract. Mom, things are about to change, big time. And I don’t want you to be blindsided because I know that you’re always the one that he takes everything out on.”
“You know that Clark is an emotional man—”
“No, Mom. He’s an asshole.”
“Isaiah Harrison, I will not have you speaking about your father like that.”
“I’m an adult, and I’m just speaking the truth. You know it, too. You know, Mom.”
She tightens her lips together but doesn’t respond for a long time.
“I’m done giving him money,” I say softly.
“What?” Now her eyes are full of fear. “You’re cutting us off?”
“Not you,” I reply and reach over to touch her shoulder. “Never you. But him? Yeah. It’s not right that he bleeds me dry, Mom. Most of what he does isn’t right. You didn’t want to move off the farm. You didn’t want that huge house in the suburbs that you have to take care of.”
“It’s a beautiful house.” Her voice is a little softer, a little more unsure. “I don’t have anything to complain about, and you know it.”
“I know that Clark Harrison is a bully and that he’s mean to you more than he’s kind. He’s been taking me for granted, wasting a shit ton of money, and it’s over. He’s done. He’s young and able-bodied. If he’s gotten himself into trouble financially, he’ll have to figure out how to dig himself out of it.”
Mom just nods and then takes a long, deep breath. “I’ve been thinking the same for a long time, Ike. You’re right. What he’s done is a shame, and he has acted like he’s the one who’s worked so hard for all that money. He’s a selfish man.”
“I need you to know that I’m not leaving you here with him, Mom.”
Now she laughs. “And just where will I go?”
“Wherever you want.” I shrug and watch as she takes the exit toward their house. “I know that Aunt Suzie’s in that retirement community in Florida. You always said that someday you two would be old ladies together.”
“Who are you calling an old lady, young man?”
I grin at her now. “You know what I mean. Or, you’re more than welcome at my place in Washington. I’m sure Nellie would love to have you with her, as well. You have so many people who want you, Mom.”
She nibbles her lip, clearly thinking it over.
“Give me a day or so to think it over,” she finally says and then swallows hard. “You’ll help me? You won’t make me do it alone if I decide to go?”
“Mom, I will be here as long as you need me.”
She nods as she pulls into the driveway, and a new wave of rage rolls through me.
“He still bought the truck?”
There’s a brand-new Chevy sitting in the driveway with temporary tags on it.
“He always finds a way,” she says, but there’s no pride or joy in her voice. “Yeah, he talked the dealer into letting him leave with it, and they’ll figure out the payment in a few days, once he talks some sense into you, he says.”
“He’s about to be sorely disappointed.”
We start toward the house, but Mom stops with a frown. “Aren’t you bringing your bag inside?”
“No, ma’am. I’m not staying here.”
She pauses, then nods, and I follow her up to the front door and inside the house. I can hear Dad in the kitchen, but he hasn’t seen us yet.
