Page 103 of Trust Me

“Just like that? You know he’s older, dad’s friend, and famous, right?”

“I’m quite aware, but Elio seems to have his head on right. Your father had a hand in raising him, so I know that to be true.”

I shake my head, unable to believe what I’m hearing right now. “He does. He’s really great, Mom. I like him a lot.”

My mother chuckles. “Yeah, I figured that if you went through all this trouble to be together. I’m also being reasonable about this because I was once in your shoes.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, tucking my feet under my butt.

“Your father is older than me. He’s not famous, but he was well-known in the athletic community at the time in our town. And he was your aunt’s best friend.”

Why did I not know this before? I feel like I’m seeing my mother in a whole new light. It doesn’t excuse the way she’s made me feel over the years, but it’s refreshing.

“Wow, we’re not so different, it seems.”

“We’re not, dear. You have my acceptance, and I’ll work on your father.” She chuckles. “How are job applications going? A coworker’s son is in your program and applied to the EY firm. They need two financial analysts. You should apply.”

My stomach sinks. I’m happy she accepts my relationship, but having her accept other life choices would be even better.

“It’s really late, Mom. Can we talk about this another day?”

“Sure, dear. Rest up, you will need it for your classes. I love you, my one and only.”

That damn term of endearment.

“I love you, too. Night.” I hang up the phone and toss it on the opposite side of the couch, startling Buttercup by accident.

“Sorry, Cups,” I murmur.

I rub my hands down my face in frustration. She said she wants me to be happy but has yet to ever ask me what would make me happy. Instead, she thrusts forward with her own agenda.

A dull ache begins to throb in my head, making me lie down on the couch. As I get comfortable, I hear Elio call my name.

“Jasmine?” he rasps, padding into the living room with nothing on but his briefs.

“I’m here, babe,” I call out softly. My headache pounds against my temple, making me wince.

Elio’s in front of me in seconds, suddenly more awake than before. “What’s wrong?”

“My mother called. She was oddly accepting of us and told me that her and my father’s situation was actually quite similar in the beginning. I was happy until she mentioned job applications for a boring desk job I don’t want. I started to think too much and now my head is throbbing.”

“Come here.” His voice is low and smooth, wrapping around me like silk. I reach my arms out to him, wrapping them around his neck as he lifts me carefully into his arms.

As he carries me back to our room, placing me in our bed, I think of how right my mother was about him. Elio takes care of me in every way possible, and I feel safe with him.

I’ve never felt as secure with anything or anyone as I do with him.

When he leaves to grab a cold cloth for my headache and a pill, I think about how I need to decide what I’m going to do by the end of this month.

Will I apply for that stupid desk job? Call that relator about the bakery? Will my father ever forgive me? Or will I push away the little family I have to be happy with my life?

So many questions, and for once, I don’t have any of the answers.

Chapter 41

Jasmine

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Elio more excited than he is right now.

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