Page 145 of Call Me Mrs. Taylor

He sets his fork down. “What did she say?”

I hesitate just long enough. “I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Well, you did.” An edge creeps into his voice. “Tell me.”

I bite my lip, then reach for my phone. “I saved the messages because…honestly, I didn’t really know what to do.”

I pull up the text thread, still in disbelief that it looks so real.

I hand him my phone.

I’m not the kind of person who meddles, but I have to be honest with you. You’re not the kind of woman I wanted for my son

Does he know you’re texting me?

No. And let’s keep it that way, shall we?

Ace is a grown man

And I’m still his mother. He doesn’t see what I see. I know women like you. You get your hooks in and don’t let go

You don’t fit in with our family. You never will

You don’t know anything about me

I know you’re a liar. That’s enough.

I’m sure you have some kind of tragic past that makes you the way you are. Frankly, that’s not my problem. I just don’t want my son dragged into your mess

Ace dates women with graduate degrees and careers. Girls from good families. Lawyers. Elected officials. Doctors. Board members.

That’s what he deserves. He deserves much better than you

Please do us all a favor and stay in your own lane

I can feel Ace’s anger building. Heat rolls off him like a hard surface on a hot summer day.

I shift my weight from one hip to the other, giving him a sad, resigned sigh. “I know it looks harsh,” I say, “but I really don’t think she meant me any harm. She’s just…you know. Protective.”

“How the fuck did she even get your number?” he says, his eyes still locked on my screen.

“I don’t know.” I reach over the counter, touching his wrist gently. “Don’t be mad at her.”

He surprises me by snatching his arm away.

I wait, letting my lips part slightly like I’m shocked he’s upset. “Are you okay?”

“Hell, nah.”

“Baby. Look at me.” I lean over, putting myself at eye level with him. “We’re okay. I’m not upset. Okay? It’s fine.”

“It’s not,” he says, pushing his plate away. “I ain’t even hungry anymore.”

Boy, fuck you. It took me almost an hour to cook all this shit. Moody ass.

I still love him, though.

“I’m gonna get on the road,” he announces. “I don’t have time to think about this shit right now.”

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