Page 27 of Talk About… Rivalry

I’d never heard ‘friend’ used so many times as a curse.

While they were distracted with their posturing, I rolled my eyes and pushed the cart straight to the checkout. Thankfully, this was the last section I needed.

Shockingly, nobody followed me as the cashier scanned my items. It was loaded in my car and I was driving past the front doors when they finally hurried out as if they were looking for me.

I didn’t even bother to give them a second glance as I drove off.

This was the last thing I needed today.

I couldn’t believe Leo fucking Valor was back in Rockwood Valley.

It was ridiculous.

For him, it was, apparently, a fun competition, a way to prove that he was as great as he thought he was.

For me, it was him rubbing my shortcomings in my face when I was already broken hearted and vulnerable that made it so much worse. I was just good at hiding it because my dad couldn’t be bothered to deal with my breakdowns or emotions.

Anytime I’d start to cry he would just blink at me and walk away, making it clear that I needed to pick my own self up off the ground every time.

Avery and Mama Whitaker were the only ones who ever hugged me after that. If it wasn’t for them, I’d be one of those hot mess, touch starved omegas who didn’t know how to react to physical contact.

Who was I kidding? Iwasone of those omegas. I had abandonment and trust issues, something my therapist and I had talked about extensively when I used to see her.

Mental note, start scheduling appointments again. I fucking need them.

Over the years, I contemplated looking my mother up and handling that part of my past, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

I was afraid it would make everything worse. Terrified that she would take one look at me and tell me that she regretted nothing when she left me behind.

Fuck, I had to get myself together before I walked into the Whitakers’ house. Mama Whitaker would take one look at me and see right through the shaky mask I had on right now.

Just like I knew she would, the moment I gathered up my groceries and carried them into the kitchen, Mama Whitaker was there with two cups of coffee. Her smile fell the moment she took in my face.

She didn’t hesitate to help me put the groceries down before pulling me into a hug and holding me tight. There were no questions asked, at least not yet as she rocked me back and forth.

Sometimes it felt like her hugs put me back together again, but also gutted me at the same time. This was one of those times.

Ugh, why was I so emotional right now?!

“You know I love you, right?” she asked gently, giving me an extra squeeze before letting go.

“I love you, too, Mama,” I said, letting out a breath. “It’s just been a crazy few days.”

“Well, it looks like we’ve got plenty of time ahead of us, don’t we?”

Even if I always told her I didn’t need help, she couldn’t help herself, she’d always pitched in.

“Sunday prep day,” Charlie sang out as he came in. “Oh shit, am I interrupting something?” His wince was almost comical.

“No, just me being a hot mess as per usual,” I mumbled, giving him a half-smile.

“Need me to handle the grilling?” he asked.

“That would be amazing,” Mama Whitaker answered for me. She gave him a smile that lit up her whole face. It was nice to see her happy.

Not wanting to ruin their moment with my own problems, I busied myself emptying all the bags, popping the cold ingredients in the fridge and laying out the stuff all over the countertops.

Before getting started I hurried back outside to my car where I kept the containers I’d cleaned out and dried from the week before.

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