Page 136 of Broken Grump

“I’m so happy you finally saw the right path,” my mother comments under her breath.

“Uh-huh.” I scratch my signature on the appropriate line and pretend she doesn’t exist.

“Have you decided which charity you want to go with?” Steven asks after collecting all the paperwork.

“I have.” I sit back and cross my arms. “It’s called Shoulder to Shoulder. They help children throughout Honduras who are living in poverty receive proper nutrition, healthcare, schooling, you name it.”

I can practically see my mother rolling her eyes. She’s never been one for helping others, and I’m sure she’d rather see that money padding her own savings account.But too damn bad.It’s my money to do with what I’d like. And I think Abuelo would be happy with my choice—especially since one of the cities the organization services is his hometown.

“Are you sure about all of that?” she asks, eyeing me up and down. “You could always use the cash to update your wardrobe, Adriana.”

Oh, Mother.She has no idea how much easier she’s making my already painless decision to write her out of mine and Luna’s lives forever.

With an arched eyebrow, I say, “I never want to see you again, Rosalinda.”

She gasps, her mouth open wide. “I beg your pardon—”

“You heard me.” I stand up before she has the chance to. “Now, get the fuck out.” I hope the words sting as much as they did coming out of Hayden’s mouth when he kicked me out of his place.

“I don’t believe this.”

“Believe it. Now, out! And don’t think about ever coming over to our place either.”

Then, she starts the fake waterworks. “You’d really deny me access to my grandchild?”

Oh, please.She’s never paid Luna any mind.

“I think it’s best for us to conclude this,” Steven insists.

“I’ve never been so insulted in my entire life,” I can hear my mother yelling as she’s being escorted out.

“Well, that was certainly eventful,” Steven says, wiping his hands together after coming back in.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry you had to witness that.”

He chuckles. “No, it’s fine. Can I be frank about something?”

“Sure.” I don’t see why not.

“I can’t stand that woman.”

Now I laugh. “I guess that makes two of us.”

***

Later on in the day, we drive together to Randall’s office. It’s finally time for us to sign the paperwork that will put the property we’ve fought so hard for in our names.

Once we get inside, Hayden is already there, looking as dapper as ever in a dark gray suit.

“Addie,” he says with a charming grin.

“Hello, Hayden.” Ever since the other night, our relationship has kind of been up in the air, but at least we’re cordial with each other. That’s a huge improvement from the hatred I felt for him not so long ago.

“Please sit,” Randall suggests.

Ever the gentlemen, Steven takes out my chair and scoots it back in with me. Then, he sits down right next to me.

In the room are also other suited men that I don’t recognize. But I assume they are other lawyers.

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