Page 83 of Devilry

“Besides the fact that it’s weird that you ask about my sex life, you’re making it sound like I slept my way through all of Chicago.”

“Well, the number was very high, Cole. And with your sister and Trey taking years off my life with their drama, I have to pin my hopes of grandchildren on you.”

“What would I know about a child?”

“About as much as I knew when I had your ugly ass.”

I run a hand down my face, equally exasperated by the direction of this call, and relieved that she’s still around to bust my ass every now and then.

“I’m just saying, I look forward to the day you bring home your future.”

My future.

The words hit me hard, almost stealing my breath away. It’s the second time in just over half an hour I’m reminded of the restrictions, rules, and regulations I have put on me and Elijah. Introducing him to my family would be a big deal. It would mean that I was ready to let him deep into my world. Deep enough that being without him would be impossible. That being without him wouldn’t even be an option.

“How’s your hip?” I say, too frazzled to even broach the other conversation.

“It’s fine, love. A little stiff now that the weather is getting cooler, but I’ll be back up and moving faster than you know it.”

Her fighting spirit has never ceased to amaze me. There isn’t anything in the world my mother can’t overcome. “That’s what I like to hear.”

“You better be coming home for Thanksgiving. I miss you.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Mom. I miss you too.” She sighs contentedly into the phone. “Can you hand Megs the phone? I want to speak to her before I go.”

“Of course, but be easy on her.” She lowers her voice. “Whatever it is she’s going through, she’s still trying to work it out.”

“Okay, Mom.”

“Hey,” Meghann says, annoyed.

“Hey, I just—”

“I don’t know, Cole,” she interrupts. “I don’t know the answer to what’s wrong, so please stop asking me.”

“Okay,” I drag out. “Can you just promise to call me if you need me?”

“I will,” she huffs.

“Love you, Megs.”

“Love you more.”

Hanging up, I’m too wound up to not try to get to the bottom of this. Immediately I pull up Trey’s number and text him.

Me: When I come home, we need to talk.

It takes seconds for him to reply.

Trey: Are you okay?

Me: It’s not me I’m worried about.

18

Elijah

“Expecting a call?” Louis asks me after I check my phone for the hundredth time this afternoon. “Sorry,” I mutter. “I’ll put it away.”

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