Page 67 of Study Buddies

“Of course.” Macon was about a three-hour drive. Once you got out of the mountains, it was easy.

“Good. I’m really looking forward to seeing you, sweetie. And so is Doug.”

My stomach dropped almost before I could process the words. “Doug?”

“Yes, he asked about you.”

“A-are you back together?”

“Yes!” Mom said as if it was the best news. “And I know what you’re thinking but honestly, Tor, it’s different this time. He’s changed.”

“Men like him don’t change.”

“Oh, but he has. He missed me, so he really put in the work. He brought me flowers, and he took me to that Greek restaurant, the one you like, and he?—”

“Mom, please think about this.” I rested my elbow on the table and propped my head up with my hand. “He’s always nice in the beginning. You know that. But then it gets bad.”

“It’s not like that this time. He’s changed! I wish you could believe me, honey.”

“I wish I could, too.”

“Please, say you’re happy for me.”

I rubbed my eye with the heel of my hand. “I can’t tell you that, Mom.”

“Please?”

“I want you to be happy.” That was the best I could do, but she didn’t seem to notice how I’d changed up the words.

“Thank you! Doug will be so pleased to know you’re happy for us.”

“No, Mom, that’s not what I?—”

“Just wait until Thanksgiving, and you’ll see.”

A headache was rapidly forming. “Just… take care of yourself, okay?”

She sounded surprised. “I’ve got Doug now. He’ll take care of me. That’s a good thing, sweetie.”

“Mom, please just?—”

“I have to go make his lunch. Good luck with your classes, sweetie.”

“Wait, Mom?—”

But she was gone.

Shit.

How many times was she going to let that awful man back into her life? And how many times was I going to have to pick up the pieces in the end?

I still had my phone to my ear, and I shakily set it down. Then a tall glass of ice water appeared beside it. I looked up to see Mia’s blue eyes full of sympathy. “Thanks.”

The cold water soothed the dryness in my throat.

“Do you want to talk?” Mia asked gently.

This woman didn’t even know me, but she was being very kind. Jayden had good taste in friends.

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