Page 98 of Drifting

Not wanting her to go backward, I pat her hand. “As you said before, it wasn’t all bad.”

“I can tell by your face that you’re worried about me, but don’t be.” She gives me a tired smile. “I called my sponsor and my therapist. I have an emergency session. I’ll be all right. So, what do you have planned for today?”

“In between Nick and his friends keeping their eyes on Hannah, they came up with a way to help get Cin out of that house.” I take a sip of my coffee.

“Do you think it will work?” Peter asks as he staggers into the kitchen and kisses Patty.

I shake my head. “I’m not sure, but I’ll try anything right now. I’m going to ask you a big favor, Peter.”

“If you get her out, of course she can stay here,” he says like he already had the idea. “We have the room, and she’s family. She needs help.”

I let out a breath. “Thank you, but are you sure? I mean, with everything that’s been happening with Hannah, especially last night… Cin and I have no problem getting jobs and paying you some rent.”

“I’ll talk to my daughter. I know I haven’t done right by letting her run free. That’s about to stop,” Peter says. “And don’t worry about rent. I make enough, and there’s still Emma’s life insurance money for an emergency. I want both of you to enjoy your senior year."

I walk over to him. “Can I give you a hug?”

He smiles. “Of course.”

I wrap my arms around him. “I can’t thank you enough. I struggled with dealing with what’s been happening to Cin. You’re an amazing guy to open your home to me, and everything you’re doing to help with my cousin. I thought you were awesome with how you’ve changed my mom, but this… I have no words.”

“I’m just doing what I feel is right. As for your mother, she changed me. I didn’t realize how much I was just going through the day. How much I let my kids go.” He smiles, lovingly at her. “My world was gray, and your mother added color again.”

I can only hope to find that kind of love one day.

“All right, enough of this mushy shit. I need to meet the guys.” I wipe a tear away and glance at Mom. “You got a good one there.”

She wipes away tears of her own. “I know. I thank God every day for having him in my life. Listen, I don’t know much about Nick’s friends. You’re not doing anything illegal, are you?”

I scratch the back of my head. “We won’t kidnap her or anything like that, but we’re going to threaten Uncle Brett’s garage to get him to sign the emancipation papers. I don’t think they’d really do anything. We’re just hoping the threat will be enough.”

She rests her hand on top of mine. “Please be careful. We’re not sure what’s going on with Brett, and that Brenda bitch seems unhinged.”

“I’ll be careful," I promise.

“Are you ready, Shelby? They’re here.” Nick comes into the kitchen. “Dad, I’m going to go with Shelby to her uncle’s place. Is that okay? Or do you think you might need me here?”

“No, you did enough last night.” Peter grips Nick’s shoulder. “Thanks for calling me.”

Nick hangs his head. “I wasn’t going to, originally. But when we got her home, and she got sick all over herself, Shelby said I should.”

“I know you were upset when your sister called you a traitor, but you should have called me when you found out she snuck out.” Dissatisfaction creases his brow.

Nick’s shoulders droop. “I know… I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, we’re all learning. Now, get out of here and stay safe. And call if you need us.” Peter shoos us toward the door.

I take a big gulp of coffee before setting my mug in the sink. “Thanks, Peter, for everything.”

“Be careful, you two,” he says.

Outside, a silver SUV waits in the driveway with the side door open and Mav lounging in the backseat. He wears dark sunglasses and his seat leans all the way back. Dom sits behind the steering wheel. Nick opens the front passenger door for me.

“I want Shelby back here with me,” Mav mumbles.

I smile at Nick and jump in the back. He shuts the door and climbs in up front.

“Good afternoon! How are you feeling, Mav?” I say cheerfully.

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