Page 14 of Fighting Fate

Mom's voice goes all gentle, like she's trying to be cool. "I just want you to know it's okay to be curious, to explore your sexuality and all."

Inside, I'm groaning. Can't we just have a normal, quick goodbye? Is that too much?

"And hey, Luke and Miles are here, right?" she says, kinda laughing. "They'd totally deck a guy for kissing you without asking."

I let out an awkward laugh because if only she knew how painfully true that statement was six months ago when Miles kissed me that night at the club and Luke knocked him on his ass. That memory is etched so deep within me, I swear it'll be buried with me.

Sitting there on my bed, I start feeling all weird and open. I like my privacy, always have. The thought of Mom poking around in my personal life? Yeah, not great. We usually keep our chats pretty light. Maybe that's on me, maybe her. I mean, she grew up without a mom. Her mom left her and Grandpa when she was young. Makes me wonder if that's why we don't go deep in our talks, or if there's something else. But I can't shake this feeling, like we're missing out on something, some deeper connection.

"Anyway." Mom slaps her hands together, and I catch her eyes starting to get all watery.

Oh no, not the waterworks. I can't deal with crying. Just can't.

She understands; it's clear as she hastily dabs away a tear and rises to her feet, casting a sweeping gaze across the room. Her attention settles on Payson's side, and there's a familiar crinkle of her nose—reminiscent of Luke's nervous gesture, yet hers is tinged with distaste. Payson's belongings are strewn about. Chaos in the form of a barely concealed box of condoms peeking from under the sheets, a lacy bra draped over a pillow, and remnants of her wild night scattered around.

She just shakes her head, and I'm biting back a laugh. She's never been Payson's number one fan, but she's never tried to mess with our friendship, either. That meant putting up with Payson all these years, just like I've had to play Miss Perfect at her Stoneton committee gigs.

Raising an eyebrow at me, I jump in before she can say anything. "Payson's here early because she's an RA," I explain. That's Resident Assistant—basically an older student who helps out in the dorms. Payson's always been set on NorthRidge, and with her parents knowing the dean and all, she wrangled her way into the RA gig. She's convinced it'll look great on her resume for her dream job as a therapist. Once Payson's got a plan, there's no stopping her.

She lets out this big, dramatic sigh. "Well, good for her." She nods toward Payson's bed. "Just make sure she doesn't drag you into all that, okay?"

I stand up, facing her squarely. "Yeah, I know, but trust me, I'm not into that sort of thing," I say as firmly as I can, trying to nip this talk in the bud.

She looks at me, her eyes filled with doubt, as if she can't quite take my word for it. "Really? Not even a tad curious?" she challenges, those eyes sharpening with intrigue. It's strangely amusing—ironic, almost. She was the one who told me to let it go, and yet, here she is, seemingly unable to shake off the very thing she dismissed.

I give my head a firm shake, striving to maintain composure. Drawing in a deep, calming breath, I extend my arms wide. "Look, Mom, I'm in college now. It's all about exploring, figuring out who I am, one step at a time, okay? And if that means some adventures happen on that bed over there?" I nod toward my bed, a half-smirk playing on my lips, embracing the moment's awkwardness. "Well...it's a possibility."

A chuckle escapes me as her face scrunches up in dismay. "Milli, was it really necessary to plant that picture in my mind?"

"My point is that you don't need to worry about me. All I care about is my studies, my dance, and making friends besides the ones I already have. Those three things will make my college years great."

"And don't forget, Luke's around too," she throws in, one eyebrow going up. "If you need anything, he's just a call away."

Oh yeah, Luke, my very own superhero . . .

I wave my hand, trying to wrap up this chat. I've got a mountain of unpacking to tackle, plus I have to meet with my advisor before classes start. And I'm itching to slip into my Target pj's and get lost in my book, Educational Temptation.

Yep, it's about a professor and one of his students...What can I say? It's hot and spicy, igniting all those sensations in just the right spots.

"Mom, I appreciate this conversation, truly, but I've got to get started on unpacking and meeting with my advisor," I say to her.

She gazes at me, her eyes glistening, then gives a nod. "Alright, sweetheart. Just don't forget, your dad and I are always here for you."

I give her shoulders a hug. "I know, Mom. And hey, think about it—you've got your own adventure ahead. You've been supermom for so long, and now with you and Dad as empty nesters, it's your chance. Maybe even take over Joy's spot on the committee."

She laughs, kissing my cheek. "Not a bad idea, baby girl."

Pulling away, my mom's eyes take another sweep of the room. There's a softness in her gaze, a mix of pride and a hint of sadness. "Alright, I'll leave you to it. Just call me tonight, okay? I want to hear all about your meeting with the advisor."

I offer her a smile, bright and comforting. "Absolutely, I will. Mom, you know I love you." Those words are filled with a sincere warmth, a connection that spans the gap between my fledgling college days and the home I've just stepped out of.

She hesitates at the doorway, casting a glance back with a soft, affectionate smile. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. "I love you too, Milli," she murmurs, floating a kiss in my direction before she vanishes through the door.

LATER THAT NIGHT . . .

Every muscle in my body screams as I collapse onto my bed. "I am officially out of juice," I mumble, eyes closing from sheer exhaustion.

The moment Mom left, I couldn't resist the pull of my book. I thought I'd wait till later, but the temptation was too strong. My advisor meeting got pushed, so I figured, why not a little reading break, right?

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