Page 10 of One Good Crash
"I mean," he said, "you didn't care that I was almost run over."
"I did too care," my mom said. "If I didn't care, I wouldn't've screamed."
The brother said, "Dude, man up. I saw you a block away."
"Up yours," the driver muttered. And with that, he turned to go. Over his shoulder, he said to my mom, "I'm outta here. Get in. Or not. I'm done."
My mom's gaze darted between the limo driver and the brother. She took a tentative step toward the limo, but then hesitated as if feeling suddenly light-headed. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she breathed, "Oh, no."
I squeezed my eyes shut.Don't say it. Pleeeeease don't say it.
She said, "I think I'm a little tipsy." She gave a light giggle. "Too much champagne, I think."
Damn it.I opened my eyes just in time to see the limo driver pause in his tracks. He turned to face her and said with a loud sigh, "Fine. I'll help you to the car."
My mom waved him off, saying, "Notyou." She turned back to the brother and purred, "You."
He gave a low scoff. "Nice try, nut-job."
She froze. "What?"
I blurted out, "You know what?" I turned to my mom. "You really should get going."
The brother's gaze shifted from my mom to me and back again. "What are you supposed to be? Twins?"
Once again, heat flooded my face. In all the commotion, I'd practically forgotten that my mom and I were dressed in identical outfits, right down to the same style of shoes.
And yes, wedidlook alike, even aside from the clothes. It was freaky in a way. Every time I looked in the mirror, I saw my mom's face staring back at me. Maybe I should've felt lucky. My mom was undeniable beautiful. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a blessing or a curse.
I mean, what had her looks ever gotten her except heartbreak and disappointment?
The brother's question hung in the air.Werewe supposed to be twins?
My mom beamed up at the guy. "Do you want us to be?"
Mortified, I took a slow step backward and tried to fade into the darkness. Of course, this would've been a ton easier if I weren't wearing a burgundy party dress and silver shoes.
The brother looked at my mom for another long moment before turning to the first guy and saying, "So, what the hell happened to my car?"
I spoke up. "Don't blame him. It was my fault, not his."
The brother gave me a dubious look. "What, you were driving it?"
"No." I hesitated. "I was—"
"It's done," the first guy said, turning to his brother. "So forget it. You ready?"
The brother scowled. "But what about my car?"
"I called Maurice. He's on his way."
The sound of the limo's horn made us all turn to look. The driver leaned his head out of the window and called out to my mom. "Are you coming or not?"
Her gaze shifted to the brothers, and she pursed her lips. I could practically see the wheels turning. If she left now, she might never have another shot with either one of them. But the clockwasticking, and neither guy had given her any encouragement whatsoever.
Hoping to nudge her in the right direction, I said, "He sounds like he means it. And isn't Dominic waiting?"
"I guess," she muttered. "And then, with a sigh, she finally turned and began walking toward the limo. As she moved, she called out to the driver, "Youaregoing to get the door, aren't you?"
