Page 194 of Mountain Daddy
I blink. Fast.
Luther’s features go tight, and he leans forward, putting his arms on the table. “Fuck, Ba?—”
“Don’t,” I breathe.
I’ve never been the one to command him.
But he listens.
And I press my lips together.
He brought Buddy an antler.
Because he thought he might like it.
A tear breaks free, leaving a trail of sorrow down my cheek.
Luther’s voice is low. Pained. “Do you want to talk?”
I shake my head.
And I shake my head a second time when it looks like he might ask me again. “I don’t want to talk to you. I can’t.” Another tear and then another. “Not yet.”
I discreetly brush at my cheeks with my fingertips.
“I’m sorry,” Luther whispers, and fuck, it hurts.
“Please stop,” I whisper back.
He nods.
And I lower my gaze to the table, fingertips catching more tears as they fall.
“I can drive Joe home if you want to leave.” His tone is gentle but resigned. “Or if you want me to go… Whatever you want.”
Whatever I want.
It’s never been about what I want.
That’s not how my life is.
But in this… since I have a choice. I tell him the truth. “I want to leave.”
“Okay.” He slides his arms off the table.
Holding my glasses and phone, I stand.
Luther rises across from me. “I’ll tell him you aren’t feeling well.”
A sad puff of breath escapes me.
Not feeling well.
I look up and meet his eyes.
And I remind myself that this is us now.
He’s not mine.
