Page 271 of Dark Love

Mom, you make my life hard sometimes. “I can’t play games with something that’s not mine. Your husband is correct. I’m in love with someone else.”

“But your mother thinks you love my son.”

It’s not a question… more like an accusation.

“As a mother, I’ll offer a word of advice. Tell her the truth. She’ll still love you.”

That isn’t in question. My mother will always love me. But she’ll never understand me falling for Vex. How could she? Mom hasn’t even jaywalked. There’s no way she’d accept me marrying a morally gray man.

***

As fast as people started flowing in, they disappeared and with them all evidence that any party happened; The dishes are washed, the trash has been taken away,the tables and chairs are gone, and the leftovers have been donated somewhere. Neither Mom nor I had to lift a single finger to make any of that happen.

These are the kind of friends anyone would like to have.

“Did you have a nice time?” Dad asks as he walks into the living room where I’m sprawled across the couch.

“I did.”

“We made a good choice picking this neighborhood. You’ll be safe here.” He leans down and kisses my forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning. Love you, Dahlia.”

“Love you, Dad. Sleep well.”

“Tell your mother to hurry up to bed. We need to drive home early tomorrow to avoid the traffic.”

“Will do.” Not that Mom will listen. She does what she wants.

Just like I do.

I pull my phone out of my pocket to check for messages from Vex, but there are none.

He knows you have a lot going on. The radio silence means nothing.

Where is Mom? The backyard emptied out long ago.

The front door opens, and Mom walks in, locking it behind her.

“Dad went to bed.”

“Of course he did. Your father needs his beauty sleep, or he becomes a grouch.” She flops down on the couch across from me. “Did you have a nice time at your party?”

“I did.” It’s kind of cute that both Dad and Mom asked the same question.

“I’m proud of you for wearing that dress. It wasn’t easy, but you did it.”

The dress. It’s been hours since I thought about what I was wearing. “Little steps make big steps easier.”

My mom smiles. “Are you saying this one was easy?”

“No. I was mad at you for even suggesting it.” More like demanding it. “But I’m glad you did.”

“Mother always knows best.” She winks at me.

We both know that’s not always true, but she does always have my best interest at heart.

“Did you make any friends today?”

Ignoring the loaded question is a finely honed skill. “I did. Not only did I get invited to a baseball game—”

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