Page 25 of Raise 'Em Up

Len walks into the room, talking to someone on the phone, and he has a smile on his face.

“Mom says we are all required to have dinner with her before she leaves,” he explains once he’s off the phone.

“Do you think rehab will stick this time around?” Colt asks him and he shrugs.

“I don’t know, but I’m hoping it will. My dad is poison, and I’m glad she’s finally making moves to separate from him. I think the final straw was whoever this girl is that he’s been cheating on her with.”

“Your dad has never been faithful,” I say with a snort, and he rolls his eyes.

“I think it has more to do with her age. My mother is a proud woman, when she’s not drunk or drugged out of her mind, and I feel that’s the biggest betrayal he could do to her.”

“Okay, this is supposed to be a celebration. Let’s break out the Xbox and get some more beers,” I crow, and they all agree.

All in all, today was a good day. The Dean is gone. Missi isn’t far behind him, and soon my girl will finally be back where she belongs. In my arms. Lord knows I could use some good sleep.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Hey.”

My mom’s head pops up from where she’s reading her book. This is the last day of our vacation time before I head back to school.

“Rylee.” Her voice is soft and a little broken, eyes filling with tears.

It’s killing me that we’re fighting. I’ve missed her so much, and not spending time with her while I’m here has hurt, but I needed that space to think.

I step further into the apartment, closing the door behind me. “I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I’m going to tell you my feelings on everything.”

She swallows and nods, lacing her hands in front of her.

“Okay.”

“I’m pissed. I’m pissed that this whole time you knew who my dad was, who my grandfather was, and you didn’t tell me. I’m pissed that you had a chance to make your life a little bit easier, by taking the help my grandfather offered, but you refused.

“I understand you're a prideful woman, but part of me feels hurt because we could have had a different life. You worked so hard, for so long, when you truly didn’t need to. You did it because you wanted to.

“You missed things because of work, knowing damn well you could have asked for time off whenever and for however long you wanted.

“I’ve listened to the voicemails you sent me. I get it. I do. But I wish you would have thought about how all of this has affected me. Because secrets only stay secrets for so long.”

“I know. And I’m so sorry. If I could go back and change everything, I would.” I hate to hear the pain in her voice, to see her cry.

“The past is the past. We can’t change it. And there’s no point letting that eat at us. What we can do is do better. To be open and honest with one another.”

“I’d like that.” She smiles.

I’m across the room in seconds, pulling her into a hug that I’ve needed for so damn long. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from crying. My mom is my best friend, and despite everything, she was still an amazing mom growing up.

We sit down on the couch and spend the next few hours talking, laughing, and then finally, crying. I tell her everything about the guys, Missi, and the Dean. She was ready to fly down there and kick the fucker’s ass.

I told her the guys have handled it, and everything will be okay.

I’m still shocked they were able to not only get him fired, but get Missi kicked off the cheer team too. To say I’m fucking thrilled is an understatement.

Now, I’m free to go back to school. And I pray to whatever God is listening that the rest of this year goes better. I just want to spend time with my guys, fall in love, and be happy. To get good grades, and do the one thing I love the most in the world: cheer.

I’ve been through enough, and now it’s time for me to get my happily ever after.

After our tearful goodbye, I grab my bags and head down to the lobby. I’m about to order an Uber to the airport when my dad stops me.

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