Page 51 of All Along

We were faking it. But we’re not anymore. I want to open my mouth and scream at him. Tell him he’s wrong. But one look at the muscle pulsing in his jaw and the words get stuck in my throat. I know what his look means. It’s not good.

“She could never make him happy. Who can love a plain mouse?”

I nearly flinch at those words. How can anyone love me? My own parents don’t love me. And they’re supposed to love me unconditionally. But they’d rather tear me down than build me up and have me be happy. They want me to join them in their misery.

“Nothing to say for yourself, little mouse?” Mom teases.

I have a lot to say but I know better than to open my mouth. It’s a waste of time and energy. They won’t listen to me anyway.

“Let’s go, Geraldine.” Dad wraps a hand around Mom’s bicep and drags her away. She winces and I know he’s hurting her. He’s always hurting her. But she won’t leave him.

I watch as Dad yanks Mom down the aisle. When they turn the corner, I follow on my tiptoes to make sure they’re actually leaving.

I hide behind a cereal display and watch them walk out the exit. Mom is practically running to keep up with Dad’s long strides but he doesn’t slow down for her. He doesn’t take anyone into consideration except himself. Selfish prick.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out.Caleb calling.

Did the smuggler grapevine tell him what happened? Does he know what a wimp I am? How I become mute whenever my parents confront me?

I drop the phone back into my pocket. I can’t deal with him now. I don’t want him to realize how unlovable I truly am.

I abandon my cart where it is and rush out of the grocery store. I aim for the one place I know I’m safe. A place my parents would never dare step foot in.

I’ll hide there while I figure out what to do.

Should I break up with Caleb before he has the chance to break my heart?

Or should I enjoy him while I can? Until he realizes I’m unlovable?

Chapter 19

“This is not the time for a fucking test.” ~ Caleb

Caleb

Ifrown when my call to Maya goes to voicemail. She always answers her phone. Even when she’s in line to check out at the grocery store or in a meeting with clients. She always answers me.

Maybe she’s driving and forgot to plug in her Bluetooth? I check the clock. I’ll give her fifteen minutes and then I’ll try again.

Fourteen minutes later I’m pacing the cabin and wondering what’s wrong. I’ve called Maya’s phone three more times and all my calls have gone to voicemail.

I dial Hudson.

“Hey man,” he answers.

“Can I speak to Nova?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t reach Maya. She was going to stop by the grocery store before coming to my place but it’s been more than an hour since she messaged me.”

“Hold on. Nova is trying Maya now.”

I scowl. “Why would Maya answer Nova’s call but not mine?”

“Who knows why women do what they do? But it’s worth checking. Hold on. Nova wants to speak to you.”

“What did you do?” Nova asks.

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