Page 91 of Our Blood, Our Pain

“Mom. Stop it.”

“I’ve got your room ready. You can come home and I’ll take care of you. Tim said he can help find you a job, a fresh start.”

“I have a job. And a partner.”

“You’re being stubborn and childish, Kai.”

“Childish? You’re the one who is ignoring Jules like he isn’t here, and refusing to listen because you’re not getting your own way. You wanted me to leave and start a new life, and I did.”

“He’s manipulated you, Kai. How can you not see how immoral and perverted this all is? And don’t tell me you’re safe in that job. Tim said you’re working with criminals. How can I let my son live that life? How can you let ‘him’ convince you that’s a good life?”

“For the hundredth time. I’m. An. Adult!”

“Did he tell you how they threatened us at my home? How his boss threatened to hurt Tim’s daughter?”

No he didn’t. I look over my shoulder at Jules and he just shrugs.

“That’s just how Lev is,” I say. Which is true, as I doubt it was unprovoked.

“I don’t believe this. What’s happened to you, Kai?”

“I’m awake. I’m alive and see things for what they are. I doubt Lev did that without something to provoke him, which we all know Tim has done since I got hurt.”

“Tim is a good man.”

“I’m sure he is, Mom, and I will always appreciate how he’s helped me, and I hope he makes you happy, whether you’re friends or more. But I’m happy with Jules and I’m finished having this discussion. I don’t want to lose you, Mom,” I say, and I genuinely mean it. I can accept that she doesn’t agree with me and Jules, but she doesn’t have to cut me from her life because of it.

Mom moves until she stands in front of Jules. Disdain and repulsion masks her face. I feel guilty that I’ve come between them, but I’m too selfish to dwell on it. I want him for myself.

“You got what you wanted, as always. No different from the spoiled little shit who could do no wrong.”

“Shut the fuck up, Jenny. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? I bet you had it made when I was tossed on the street, pregnant and scared.”

Jules pushes his face into Jenny’s and grabs her by the wrist.

“You know nothing. They hardly bothered with me after they kicked you out. I couldn’t look at them with how they treated you. I was abandoned by the parents I lived with and lost my big sister. You have a large ego for someone who lives under the guise of being oppressed. I was on the streets, dealing at seventeen to look after myself before my bosses offered me a home and a job, only to then have to bury both your dad and my mom without any help from you. Take your pity story and choke on it. Stop punishing your son and get over it. But you and me? We’re done.”

I’m dumbfounded. That’s the most vulnerable and open I’ve ever seen Jules. Mom never explained too much about life before me and I never asked. Jules lets go of my mom and moves to my other side and holds my hand in his. My mom follows the move and looks between us. I think she was as astounded by that declaration than I was.

“You know where I am, Kai, if you need me and when this falls apart. Love you honey,” she says, and pecks me on the cheek before walking away.

“Jules,” I start to say, but he stops me.

“No more talk about it. That chapter of my life is done and I said what needed to be said. Let’s go home.”

49

JULES

Thank fuck we’re home. Four hours on the road because of traffic was the last thing we needed, as Kai has been uncomfortable. He said he was fine, but I watched him out of the corner of my eye, wincing when he moved.

“Do you need a hand out of the car?” I ask. I should be dead on the spot with the look of annoyance on his face.

“I’m just achy. Not an invalid.”

“I see it hasn’t affected your attitude.”

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