AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I saw my mother today.”
His eyes widen, knowing he’s busted. “How did it go?”
“Why do you give her money?”
“I didn’t want her bothering you. Hurting you. I did it to protect you.”
“I know, and I appreciate it, but I don’t care what lies she spreads. You’re feeding her drug habit. I want you to stop.”
“Okay. No more payments.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you seen Tyson?”
“Not yet. I’m headed over there in a bit.”
He smiles. “She brought him in the other day. He’s a rascal. That kid is going to be trouble.”
“Well then, he’s just like his mother was. For our baby’s sake, and our sanity, let’s hope that comes from Declan’s side of the family.”
He laughs. It’s deep and so uniquely him. I can’t believe how much I missed hearing it.
“How’s Andie?”
“She’s good. She misses you. I told her you went on a painting retreat where they don’t allow phones. I didn’t know what else to say, and I didn’t make her any promises about your return.”
“I missed her. I’ll come by this weekend to see her. I’ll be at Darian and Jackson’s. I have a painting for them I need to deliver, and she invited me to their pool party and barbecue. I’ll stop over after that.”
“Thank you. She’ll be very excited.”
“How’s your mom?”
“She didn’t talk to me for a month after you left. She lived with us for the entire month and legitimately didn’t say a single word to me.”
I smile.
“She beat the crap out of me, both figuratively and literally. It turns out I get my right hook from her.”
I can’t help but giggle. “I love her.”
“She loves you. We all do.”
I think I need him to go. I wasn’t expecting to see him so quickly. I wasn’t expecting him to say everything I needed to hear. My head is a mess.
“My appointment is at eleven tomorrow. I’ll see you then?”
He nods. “Your mail is on the counter. I’ve…umm…sorted it for you.”
“Are any of my bills in there?”
He has a guilty look on his face. “They may have been misplaced,” he mumbles, “and paid.”
I shake my head and sigh. I don’t have the will to fight him on this right now. “Thank you.”
He hesitates for a moment. I know he wants to touch me, but I’m not letting that happen. Not yet.
He seems to understand without me having to say it. Giving me a small smile, he says, “Goodbye, cherry pie.”
