Page 48 of Opening Strain

“Still does.”

Faith continues as if I hadn’t spoken. “Before the senior prom, Jenna was convinced Thaine… That’s it! Rhymes with rain.” She taps her brow as if to congratulate herself. “Anyway, she was positive Thaine would invite her to be his date. Only the invite never came because Michelle went over to his house and asked him first.”

I can only imagine what her invitation consisted of—probably at least a hand job. No horny seventeen-year-old would turn that down. Hell, I wouldn’t at that age. The thought of Lissa giving me one would’ve sent me over the moon.

“My Jenna was devastated. Especially when the photos came out and the couple was all over each other.”

“So Michelle stole Jenna’s boyfriend. Seems like Jenna was the one who would have the axe to grind.”

Faith takes a final sip from her drink. “I don’t know all the details, but I think Jenna might have done something, because one day, Michelle showed up with a brand new, short haircut.”

I rear back and laugh. Only Jenna. “Oh my. Remind me never to get on your daughter’s bad side.”

“Anyway,” her mother elongates the first syllable. “Soon they both went away for college. Michelle got an art scholarship, but it apparently didn’t go anywhere since she now works as a receptionist for a local doctor. She does do everything in her power, however, not to refer patients to Jenna’s clinics.”

All her trash talk about Jenna makes sense. “Guess she never got over the school rivalry.”

Jenna slips into her seat. “Everything alright here?”

“Of course, Sweet Pea.” Faith turns toward me, the last bite of her entrée on her fork. “Please finish your story, Bennett. Where is your mother now?”

I won’t give up too much information, even to such a nice lady. One who calls her daughter Sweet Pea. “She lives in New Jersey.” I stop, then add “Where I’m from.”

“I’m sure she has a great support system around her. Like I do here in Aroostook.”

“The people around here seem nice,” I deflect. Faith is so different from any of the other mothers I’ve known. To be fair, I don’t have much of a relationship with the band’s mothers, except Mother Hilliard—who’s faded into the background since Darren passed. “Present company included.”

“Why, thank you.” Her stomach gurgles, causing her hand to land on top of it. “Oh my. Please excuse me, I think it’s my turn to use the ladies.’” She gets to her feet and leaves.

“I like your mom,” I admit.

“She’s pretty awesome. I’ve been through so much with her. She always gives me the best advice.” Jenna tucks her blonde hair behindher ear. “Ma’s had it rough, though. My father split when I was only five.”

Words fail me. I reach out and clasp her hand.

She stares at our joined hands. “Thanks. I was young and don’t remember much. Kara resented me for the longest time about it, saying I broke up her family. Since she’s gotten married, I think she has a different perspective on things.” Her hand moves from mine to the salt and pepper shakers on the table.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I feel compelled to tell her.

“I know. Babies don’t solve problems underlying a marriage.”

Wow. That’s some deep shit. “Shrink?”

“Years,” she admits. She moves the remnants of her food around her plate. “Ma’s an amazing woman. I hope to be worthy of being her daughter someday.”

“You already have two physical therapy clinics under your belt. The way she talks and looks at you, I’d say you are more than worthy.”

“Thanks.”

The woman of the hour returns. “Guys, I think I’m going to head out. I ate something that didn’t quite agree with me.”

Jenna pushes away from the table. “I’ll get the car brought to the front.” She opens her purse to look for the valet ticket.

I’m about to stand when her mother says, “No. Stay. We haven’t had dessert yet, and you and I both know that’s the best part of the meal.”

“Ma, I don’t want you to go home by yourself.”

“Nonsense, I do it all the time. Can you please order me a car service?”

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