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We spend the next hour discussing potential solutions and plans for her to regain her independence. As we part, I have a sense of hope. Maybe even a promise of a better future. It all depends on my mother finding some inner strength and allowing me to assist her. If she doesn’t, then I’ll explore my own legal options regarding my siblings.
When I return to the office, I find Shay waiting. She takes one look at me, envelopes me in her arms, much like she did last night. “Tell me everything.”
As I relay what went down at the restaurant, her expression grows grave. “Austin, this is serious. You have to be prepared for this to be a long process. Hopefully when things settle down you can all get some counseling.”
I bury my face in her vanilla-scented hair. “I know it’s a long shot, but at least I’m doing something.”
“I’m so sorry you are going through this.” Shay strokes my nape. “Whatever you need from me, I’ll give to you. Flirt alert?”
I lean back to catch a twinkle in her eye. She licks her lips.
“You’re my little minx.” I kiss her nose. “Tonight, I’m not the mood. I’m sorry.”
I can’t believe I don’t feel like fucking my girlfriend. Usually, I can’t get enough of her.
The heaviness of today still presses down on me, though.
I hope I can help my mom and maybe get my own family back on track.
Shay deserves everything.
I won’t be able to give it to her unless I resolve this.
Chapter thirty-two
Shay
Four Weeks Later
Soft jazz music plays in the background, muted by the low hum of conversations around me.
I’m seated in a cozy booth at Saffron’s, a chic little café around the corner from Hungry Llama’s office. Miles is meeting me here for happy hour. It’s been an intense month and I need a break to get away from the pressure. There’s no one I’d rather hang out with than my twin.
As I sip my green tea, waiting, my thoughts drift to Austin. He’s been a ghost these past few weeks. Buried in paperwork. Long meetings. Longer phone calls. It’s heart-wrenching to see him grapple with the ghosts of his past to try to free his mother from the clutches of a man who’s been a negative presence in their lives for so long.
I wish he’d open up more, but Austin seems determined to handle this on his own.
I can’t help but feel shut out.
Miles makes his way through the crowd to the table with a beer. Seeing him perks me up a bit.
“Hey, Shay.” He slides into the seat opposite me. “How’re you holding up?”
I offer a weary smile. “Hanging in there. Austin…he’s struggling. And I want to help, but sometimes, it feels like I’m in the way.”
Miles rubs the scruff of his neck, a hint of discomfort in his gaze. “Yeah. It’s tough. Austin’s always been the type to bottle things up. But with all this stuff about his mom, it’s hitting him harder than I’ve ever seen.”
“I get that.” I wrap my hands around the warm cup. “Sometimes, I wish he’d let me in, you know? He’s been there for me. I want to do the same for him.”
Miles leans back, considering. “This is a little different, though. You’ve got to understand, Austin’s relationship with his mother…it’s complicated.”
“He’s your best friend. I don’t want you to betray his trust, but if you could give me any insight I’d genuinely appreciate it.” I blink up at my brother with puppy-dog eyes. It’s an old trick, but it usually works.
He hesitates, but then sighs. “Fine. When we were kids, Austin used to come over to our place all the time. I mean, you know the story. But what you might not know is the depth of it. He wasn’t just escaping his stepdad; he was escaping the pressure he felt from his mom. So I don’t think this is all on Mitch.”
“Pressure? How so?” I blow on my tea.
“Mitch is a dick. There’s no denying it.” Miles rubs his chin. “Without knowing all the ins and outs, it’s hard for me to articulate this but I’ll try. I think when Austin’s dad left Molly and moved to Florida, she blamed Austin. I didn’t know him when that happened, but Austin—as you know—can be focused and intense.” He looks up at the ceiling to compose his thoughts. “I guess what I’m trying to say is Austin’s parents didn’t know what to do with a kid who has an IQ as high as Austin does. Someone who is curious. Asks questions. Isn’t easy. When Molly married Mitch, I think it gave her an excuse to immerse herself in what she thought was her new life. Mitch thought he was weird. Austin represented her old life and was older and self-sufficient. Yada. Yada. Yada.”
