Page 266 of Vile Boys

His father throws a single glance at my mother before turning the other direction.

“Has my mother talked with your dad at all?” I ask.

Caleb shakes his head. “I don’t know what happened between those two, but they’ve been cold to each other.”

His father clears his throat. “I can hear you.”

I blush. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he says and he turns to his son. “I’ve actually been meaning to tell you this before, but I didn’t know how. And now that your mother is gone, it feels like such a bad time, but …”

“What is it, Dad?” Caleb asks.

“Abigail and I actually broke up.”

I’m too stunned to even say a word.

Caleb frowns. “Wait, for real?”

His dad nods. “A few days ago. I realized I may have jumped into an engagement too quickly to pretend everything was fine. I just wanted to heal this broken heart.” He throws in a weak smile. “And now that your mother is gone, it truly doesn’t feel right to go back to that. I want to take the proper time to grieve.”

“But you loved her, right?” Caleb asks.

“I did … but we weren’t as compatible as I thought we were,” he says, rubbing his lips together. “I didn’t want to string her along.” He looks at me. “I’m sorry, was I the first one to tell you this? I apologize, I assumed she’d already spoken to you about it.”

Maybe she didn’t want to tell me because it hurt too bad. Shit.

“I think I’m gonna go talk to my mom. Will you be okay?” I ask Caleb.

He smiles at me. “I’m fine, go talk to her. I’ll see you later.”

I walk back to my mom who’s stirring her coffee a bit too long. I sit down beside her and grab her hand. “Hey. Caleb’s dad told me what happened between you and Jonathan.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh. Shit. I’m … I’m sorry, I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how. I feel so bad, this isn’t how I had it planned.”

“I know, Mom,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I’m not mad at you or anything. I just wanted you to know I’m here for you.”

She tips her head, smiles at me, and caresses my cheek. “You’re always so sweet. What did I ever do to deserve you?”

We hug tightly, her embrace making me feel loved. Death reminds me of what I still have left in this world, and how hard I’ll fight to keep it. And I’m sure the Tartarus boys … my boys … would do the same.

Caleb

When all theguests have finally left, I breathe a sigh of relief. My mother’s picture behind me makes me feel conscious of each thrumming of my heart.

But when Ares’s phone rings, I glare up at him. He’d never pick up a phone at a funeral, unless it was important. His face turns darker and darker with each passing second, and he walks outside.

I follow him.

He’s been my rock through all this, and even though I’m supposed to be mourning, I still want to know what’s happening to him. He won’t ever admit that he has any weaknesses, but I know better.

He’s outside, loitering around the building, and I step out to approach.

“I’m at a funeral,” Ares grits. “What do you want me to do? What, now?” He kicks some rocks. “Do you have any ide—Fine.”

He ends the call, but I can hear his phone crack in his hands.

Another screen damaged from pure rage.

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