Page 151 of The Broken Note

Rick shakes his head. “She didn’t.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because,” he licks his lips, “for the past few days, she’s been crashing at my place.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

CADENCE

I stalk into Rick’s cramped apartment, grab my mother by the wrist and yank her up all before she even recognizes that it’s me.

“Cadey, what a—what a wonderful surprise…”

“We’re leaving,” I growl. “Where’s her stuff?”

“She didn’t have much.”

“I borrowed his girlfriend’s clothes.” Mom smirks. “She’s a little on the thick side so the clothes don’t fit right, but we have to do what we have to do.”

Rick’s eyes harden.

“Shut up, mom,” I snap.

She slurs, “Watch your tone, young lady. I’m still your mother.”

“My mother? Aren’t you ashamed to call yourself that?”

Mom tilts her head, eyes innocent as can be.

Inside my chest, I’m screaming bloody murder. “We’re leaving, Rick. Whatever clothes mom used, burn it. Tell your girlfriend I’ll pay for new ones.”

“Cadey, slow down,” mom whines.

A shadow fills the door while I’m pulling mom to the exit.

It’s Hunter.

His soulful brown eyes fall on me and my breath hitches in my throat.

“Cadence?”

I don’t have time for an awkward reunion right now. Stepping past him, I drag mom behind me. She bats her eyelashes at Hunter when she passes him by, and slides a veiny finger down his forearm.

“Ooh. Muscles,” she whispers.

I give her a big yank and drag her down the stairs.

“Cadence, wait!” Rick’s footsteps thunder behind me. “Let me help you.”

“Yes, Ricky-baby.” Mom pats his cheek. “You should help your mommy.”

Rick’s jaw works. He looks like he’s being tortured.

How did he put up with mom for this long? Why would he put up with her at all?

I jerk mom’s arm hard. My eyes on Rick, I grind out, “We’re leaving. Don’t follow me.”

Rick remains standing on the stairs, looking at us and not coming any closer. Why would anyone want to come close to this mess? If I had a choice, I’d run away too. Run so far that no one could catch me.

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