Page 52 of Reckless Temptation

The next day, I woke up so glad it was the weekend. I wouldn’t bother going on campus. I had nothing to do but wait for the last remnants of this storm to pass over so I could get in the pool.

Swimming was all I could look forward to in terms of venting this frustration that had settled in me. Perhaps moving my body and burning my muscles would tire me out to rest, because the turmoil that stayed within me had me suffering from a shitty, restless night of sleep.

I had to move. I had to let out some of this anger and antsy feelings of being more stuck than before.

On my way to the pool, though, I spotted my mom sitting at the island in the kitchen.

With her head down, her face toward her phone, she kept glancing up and jerking around as if she worried someone could see her on the device.

As if she was concerned that someone would catch her in the act of looking at something not meant for anyone else’s eyes.

Or talking to someone she shouldn’t.

Goddammit.

On its own, her behavior wasn’t necessarily weird or strange. Now that I was aware she was cheating on George, though, I was instantly suspicious of her. I automatically assumed she was sneaking around.

In the aftermath of having sex with Sabrina, I craved solitude and the peace to get my footing again. That sassy, stubborn good girl of mine had messed me up, making me want her even more now and unsure how I could make it happen.

But I couldn’t ignore this opportunity to talk to my mom. It was just the two of us in the house. No one was around. She wouldn’t be going to the gym or library now. And I had no classes. No excuses could be used as a reason not to confront her.

I strode into the kitchen quietly. “Hi, Mom.”

Just like I thought she might, she jumped up and squeaked in surprise. “Nick.” She closed her eyes as she pressed her hand to her chest. “You scared me.”

Because you were worried someone would see you on your phone, huh?

“What were you so engrossed with?” I asked instead of replying to what she’d said.

She frowned. “I’m not…” She shook her head as she furrowed her brow. “I’m just scrolling on my feed.”

“Really?” I scoffed.

“Yes, really.” She frowned. “Why are you sneaking around and scaring me like that? Jeez.”

“You’re one to talk about sneaking around.” I couldn’t help my terse tone. I was sick of this tug-o-war around her, wanting to be upfront and confront her but also nervous that it would worsen her mental health. Depression was a tricky monster to contend with. Her tendency to slip into denial was worse.

“What?” She stood, not wanting to stick around for this conversation already.

“You’ve been sneaking around. Right?”

“Nick, what’s the matter with you?” She scowled as she backed up.

“You’ve been acting weird lately. Like you’re hiding something. Like you’re?—”

“Nick.” She repeated it firmer. “You’re acting out of line here.”

“Am I?” I tilted my head to the side, hating that she’d be this cagey with me. “Or are you hiding something?”

“I’m not—” She gritted her teeth and shook her head again, clearly angry. “Nick, you need to mind your own business.”

She won’t admit if she’s hiding anything.The way she didn’t outright deny it was telling.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I’m… I’m doing my best. I’m trying my best to just be happy so everyone else can be happy.”

Her words struck me in the heart. That admission was a direct stab, making me cringe.

But you’re not. Youaren’thappy.

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