Page 45 of Memphis

It might’ve been wrong to go behind my mother’s back, but there was no way in hell I was just going to lay there and do nothing—not when my mother’s happiness was at stake. She deserved better than what Carmine was dishing out, and I was determined to see that she had it.

Two days later, I was sitting in the passenger side of my father’s truck, and we were headed to my place. I was relieved to finally be leaving that damn rehab facility, but I was also a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure I could actually pull this shit off, but I kept my doubts to myself. The last thing I needed was more help. Hell, Toni being there twenty-four-seven was more than enough.

Even with her help, I had no idea how I was going to manage—and then I saw the temporary ramp that the brothers had put up. “You put in a ramp?”

“Figured it would be easier than carrying your big ass.”

“Yeah, good point,” I chuckled.

“We did a few changes on the inside, too. Nothing drastic. Just a few things to help you get around.”

“Appreciate that.”

“Just want to make this transition as easy as possible.”

Dad parked, and after he grabbed my chair from the back, he helped me out of the truck and up to the front porch. I was eager to get inside and see all the changes Dad and the brothers had done in the house, so I wasted no time opening the door and rolling inside.

They’d outdone themselves. They’d moved the furniture around to give me more space and added grab bars around the toilet and shower, making it easier to manage there. And if that wasn’t enough, they’d moved things around on my countertops in the kitchen, making it easier for me to get my hands on the things I needed most.

They’d gone above and beyond to make sure that I was not only comfortable but could keep at least some of my independence, and that meant everything to me. “I can’t believe you did all this.”

“It wasn’t just me. The brothers helped. Toni, too.” Dad glanced around with pride. “I think you’ll be able to manage just fine.”

Before I could respond, the door opened, and Toni stepped inside. “Hello?”

“We’re in the kitchen,” Dad called out.

She came into the room carrying not only her luggage but several bags of groceries. Her long hair was braided, and she was wearing a simple pair of baggy sweats, but she looked incredible—just like she always did. She dropped her luggage at the door, then said, “Hey. I grabbed a few things for dinner.”

“I could’ve helped with that.”

“You still could.” She smiled. “There are a few more out in the car.”

“On it.”

With that, Dad headed outside, leaving Toni and me alone for the first time since I discovered she’d be staying with me. I wasn’t really sure what to say to her, so I just said the first thing that came to mind. “How were things at home?”

“They’ve been better.”

“Something wrong?”

“No, not exactly. Just busy at work, and something’s going on with my dad.”

“Anything I can do?”

“I wish, but thanks for offering.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

“For?”

“Coming here and helping me out.”

“So, you’re okay with it.”

“That’s still to be determined.”

“How about this?” She walked over and placed the groceries on the counter. “I’ve got my stuff going on and you have yours, so if there’s something you need from me, I’ll be there. Otherwise, I’ll stay out of your hair if you stay out of mine.”

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