Page 32 of That's Too Pucking Bad

“Can you do me a favor? Can you go check on my mom? She sounded a little off earlier, and I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

“Of course, babe. I’ll head over now.”

“Thanks, I’ll be home soon.” I hesitate. “Colin?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Remy. We’ll talk when I get to your mom’s, okay?”

I hang up, feeling a little more at ease, but there’s still that nagging worry sitting in my chest. I tuck my phone back into my bag and make my way to the next class, already counting down the minutes until I can leave.

By the time I get out of class, my phone buzzes with a text from Colin.

Colin: Your mom’s fine, she’s just sleeping. I’ll make us dinner. Anything you want?

I bite my lip. Guilt creeps up, making my fingers pause before typing.

Remy: You don’t have to cook. I can pick up pizza on the way over.

Colin: Nonsense. I’ll cook.

I smile at the phone, appreciating Colin’s effort to take care of everything. He really is the perfect boyfriend. I put the phone back in my bag, trying not to dwell on the fact that the perfect boyfriend shouldn’t feel like a burden sometimes.

When I walk into my mom’s house, the smell of grilled sandwiches fills the air, and there’s Colin in the kitchen, wearing one of those ridiculous aprons he insists makes him a better cook.

“Hey,” he greets me with a smile, leaning in for a kiss.

I kiss him back, feeling the weight of the day start to lift just a little.

“How’s my mom?” I ask, heading straight for her room.

“Still asleep,” he says. “But she looks fine. Just tired.”

I peek into her room, and sure enough, she’s curled up in bed, looking peaceful. I feel a small wave of relief wash over me.

Back in the kitchen, Colin slides a sandwich onto a plate and hands it to me. “Turkey and avocado. You’re welcome.”

“You’re too good to me,” I say, taking a bite. It’s delicious, as always.

He sits down across from me, chewing thoughtfully for a second before speaking. “Can we talk about the other night?”

I freeze for a second, swallowing hard before nodding. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Colin. I just—school’s been really stressful, and I guess it’s getting to me.”

He reaches out, cupping my cheek. “Remy, you can talk to me about anything. I’m always here for you, okay?”

I give him a weak smile. “I know. I just... I didn’t want to worry you.”

“That’s ridiculous. You never have to worry about that,” he says softly, and for a second, I almost believe it.

Almost.

Then my phone starts buzzing, and the brief moment of peace is shattered. I pull it out, glancing at the screen.

Your favorite dick is calling.

Panic hits me fast. I hit the button to silence the call, but my hands are shaky. The phone buzzes again. Another call. I hang up, trying to act like it’s no big deal, but my heart’s racing.

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