Page 115 of Succeeding Love

“Oh,” Jessie fidgeted on the stairs.

I already knew what she wanted. Mom did too.

“Do you want me to take you over there, baby?”

Jessie nodded shyly. “Can I?”

“Sure, sweetie,” mom smiled, but it was so sad. Too sad. Even Jessie’s face fell when she noticed.

“Mom?” Jessie looked concerned. “Are… Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” mom forced a bigger smile. “Just tired. “Go get ready. I’m going to go change, then we can head back to your dad’s. He’ll be happy to see you.” Mom then looked at me. “Do you want to come too?”

I would have normally offered to drive Jessie myself so mom could stay home. That’s what I was planning on, but something told me I needed to stay here and wait for Vin.

“Um, I can come later. I want to finish some stuff up here, if that’s okay?”

“Sure it is,” mom rubbed my cheek, then headed for the stairs.

When she was gone and we heard her door close, Jessie asked me, “Is mom really okay?”

I sighed and shook my head. “I don’t know, Jess. Just go get ready.”

She frowned, but went off to do as she was told. She grumbled about everyone being in a bad mood the entire way up the stairs. I just rolled my eyes.

Yeah. Everyone was in a fucking bad mood, and mine just got a lot fucking worse. Who the hell was Miss Velma’s friend?

I stood by the front window, watching Miss Velma and the blonde chick named Mindy for a minute until they went back into the house. I then pulled out my phone.

Mindy

Vin

“What?” My heart went still. “H-how do you know about…”

“Some blonde chick named Mindy is at your house right now talking to your mom. Who is she?”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “Uh, she’s… She’s my, uh, ex-wife. Are… Are you sure you heard the right name?”

“Yep,” Preston’s tone was dry. “I heard it from mom.”

“Shit.”

What the hell was going on? Why the fuck would Mindy be at my house right now?

“Yeah,” Preston scoffed. “Shit.”

I ran my hand over my hair, repeatedly, then turned to the saleslady who had been waiting patiently. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”

She smiled sympathetically. “Have a, uh, good rest of your day,” she said awkwardly. “Good luck,” she quietly murmured as she headed back to the counter.

I raced out the door to my car, asking Preston, “Is she still there?”

“Who? Your ex or my mom?”

I groaned. “Both I guess.”

“Well,” he hesitated. “Mom’s here for now. As for your ex, I think she went back to your house with your mom.”

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