Page 17 of Just Married

As soon as our dance is over, Peyton disappears withTammy.

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Ihaven’t seenPeyton since our dance and I know she’s avoiding me. I’m frustrated that she ran, but I can understand. She’s overwhelmed and scared about what happens next. She doesn’t believe that we can build a relationship. She’s ready to give up before we’ve even gotten a chance, but I’m not about to let thathappen.

“Kingston, what are you doing hiding out over here?” my motherasks.

I lean forward and kiss her cheek. “I’m nothiding.”

She makes a disapproving sound—the same sound she makes any time one of her boys is being an idiot. I know the sound well. I also know the sound precedes a lecture. I look around for a way out, but I’mstuck.

“You can’t lie to me,” she chides. “Just like you can’t hide from me. Moms see everything. Now you tell me what is going on with you andPeyton.”

I barely resist the urge to roll my eyes like a temperamental teen. I should have known that this confrontation was coming. She’s not lying when she says she sees everything. That old saying about having eyes in the back of your head is true with her. We were never allowed to get away with anything as boys. Why this would be any different, I don’tknow.

“Nothing is going on with Peyton.” The words fall flat even to my ownears.

Shaking her head, she responds exactly as I expected. “You’re full of shit, Kingston JefforyBarrett.”

At that I smile, mom always has a way of cutting straight to the quick. How do I tell my mom that I fucked up epically with a woman she considers her own flesh and blood? The disappointment will be worse than any anger she could possibly throw my way. I debate on what I should tell her and what I should keep to myself. I must take too long because mom crosses her arms over her chest and gives methe look. You know the one—the spill-now-or-you’ll-rue-the-day-you-were-bornlook.

“We eloped after the rehearsaldinner.”

I decide to just start with the worst because I’m in for a world of hurt either way. I brace myself for a deluge, but she’s oddly silent. She’s simply staring at me. Maybe she’s dumbfounded, or she could be trying to come up with the most creative way to beat me senseless. I’m floored when she throws her arms around me and squeezes metightly.

“Thank God!” she says with enthusiasm. “I wondered when you kids were going to get your heads out of your asses. You’ve been in love with that girl since high school and she’s been head over heels for you just aslong.”

I gently push her away, shocked at herreaction.

“Mom, she doesn’t want to be married tome.”

She snorts indelicately. “Of course she does, don’t be anidiot.”

“Seriously, she wants an annulment,” I say morosely. “She was drunk and vulnerable…” I trail off, hating the truth of that statement. I feel like a grade-Adick.

“Well, you’ll just have to change her mind then won’tyou?”

I spy Tammy entering the room without Peyton. She rushes over to Jillian and Theo, talking in rushed whispers. Theo shoots me a sympathetic look and I know that whatever Tammy is telling them isn’t goodnews.

I give my mom a kiss on her cheek and excuse myself without explanation. Tammy looks up as I approach, and to say her look is scathing would be an understatement. I’ve thoroughly pissed her off. I like that she’s so protective of Peyton, but that’s not going to do me anyfavors.

“Where’s Peyton?” I ask, cutting straight to thechase.

When Tammy just gives me the evil eye, Theo speaks up. “She’s goinghome.”

“What do you mean she’s goinghome?”

Tammy rolls her eyes. “She wants to get as far away from you as she can,asshole.”

“Tammy,” Jillian says shocked at hervehemence.

“I’m sorry, bro,” Theo tries to play the mediator. “I’m sure she just needs somespace.”

I pull out my phone and dial her number. It rings straight through to voicemail. “Peyton, sweetheart. Call me,please.”

“When is herflight?”

Tammy smirks. “About five minutesago.”

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