Page 125 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

“Problem, Belinda?” My mother enters, coming to stop at my side.

“Shannon! Are you aware of certain relationships your daughter is engaged in, thus associating your family name with some less than desirable individuals?”

This bitch.

“Yes.” My mother holds Belinda’s gaze with a firm stare. “But we love Daphne, and we don’t have to see you that often.”

Belinda’s face bares a look of pure shock. If anyone were to walk in right now, they’d assume my mother hauled off and slapped her.

“Hi Maverick.” Mom offers him a warm smile, pushing up to her tip toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. “It’s good to see you again, sweetheart. So happy they got that unfortunate misunderstanding straightened out.”

I feel Maverick physically relax behind me, his muscles releasing any built-up tension he’s been carrying. “Hi, Mrs. Conners.”

“None of that.” My mom whacks him on the arm with her clutch. “It’s Shannon or Mom. Understand?”

Glancing up over my shoulder, I see Mav’s Adam’s apple bob on a swallow, his eyes softening as his hand comes to wrap around my torso and rest on my stomach. “Yes, Mom.”

“You support this?!” Belinda’s high pitched shriek slices through the moment, my eyes involuntarily rolling in response. Yet, my mom doesn’t even miss a beat.

“Support it?” She scoffs, her tone mocking in nature. “This is the future son-in-law here if I’m lucky. But see…” My mother steps into her, pinning Belinda with a glare. “You look at him and you don’t see a successful young man who owns seven nightclubs and various real estate properties both in and around the city. You wouldn’t think someone who looks like him could possibly have a financial portfolio that would make even your mouth water. Because I am certain if you knew any of those things, it wouldn’t matter if he was dragging a body behind him into this dinner, you’d be doing what you do best, Belinda—kissing ass to try and further your own social standing. Yes, I do support this relationship, but for none of the reasons you’re thinking. Maverick!” she calls out over her shoulder, though continues to hold Belinda’s stare.

“Yes, Mom?”

“You love my daughter?”

“Head over fucking heels.” He pulls me closer, my back colliding with his front, essentially molding me to his body.

“Joanna, does he treat you right?”

“Like a Queen, Mama.” I smile wide, relaxing my head back into his chest.

“See that, Belinda? He makes my daughter happy. That’s why I support this relationship. Now, perhaps you should run back into your party before you really piss me off and I have Maverick buy this whole fucking hotel and cancel this joke of a wedding you’re condemning your daughter to.”

Mic. Fucking. Drop. If there was ever any question where I inherited my level of savagery from, hopefully Mama Bear just cleared it up for you.

Belinda stands rooted in place, her body visibly vibrating with anger, though she never responds. After a moment she does exactly what my mother suggested she do—she turns and retreats through the lobby heading off toward the ballrooms.

“Damn, Mom.” I let out a low whistle. “You let her have it.”

“Don’t worry. She’d have to have feelings for me to hurt them, so no harm no foul. Shall we?” She gestures in the direction of the party.

“Mama, wait.” My hand grips hold of hers, seizing her attention. “What did you mean about condemning Daphne to this joke of a wedding? Did she say something to you?”

“Daphne?” she questions. “No, she didn’t say anything, but I’m hoping we’re at a point in our lives where I can stop playing dumb and just admit that I know things. Like, for starters, that Daphne and your brother have been in love with each other for years.”

My jaw goes slack, my mouth agape. I stare at her in awe as she continues.

“I don’t know what your brother is doing when it comes to that girl, but at this point I can only pray he has enough common sense to pull his head out of his ass and speak up before it’s too late. Because if he costs me my future daughter-in-law, we’re going to have words.” She stalks off, muttering angrily to herself, leaving Mav and me frozen in place.

After a moment, he speaks. “Is it weird that I’m the tiniest bit hot for your mom right now?”

“I don’t even know what just happened.” I stare at her retreating form, blinking in disbelief.

“Um, your mom just unleashed some serious badass bitch energy. That’s what just happened. By the way, Daph’s mom fucking sucks.”

“Yeah, she does.” I nod in agreement. “Come on, let’s get this shit over with.”

CHAPTER 53

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