Page 181 of Debts and Desires
“She packed your stuff?”
“Long story,” I laughed. “I’ll tell you when I get back.” I hoped that helped ease him a little more.
“Okay,” he breathed. “Okay. Well, when you get back this way, come to the garage and get me.”
“Okay.” I gave him another long kiss. Carter gripped my waist, pulling me closer. The kiss was quickly becoming something more and if we didn’t stop, I would never get out of there. I pulled away, dragging a groan from his mouth. “I’ll take care ofthattoo when I get back.” I gave a wink.
“You’rekillin’me, Buttercup.”
After Carter helped me in my car, I was off to Mia’s.
About half way there, I called Zac on the way. I filled him in on everything, explaining that “the other bandmate” had actually been my ex, hence why the band broke up. I also told him he was the father of my child and that I’d be moving back in with him. Zac said he was going to have Justin figure out studios near Hudsonville instead and send everything over.
Then he asked, “So. Is there any chance he’d sign on with you?” Zac had asked a few times before, claiming that Carter’s voice matched mine perfectly and that it would be a sin if wenever sang together again. I couldn’t bring myself to explain it all to him then, simply giving a “maybe” answer. But now, I laughed.
“I’ll ask him.”
And I’m pretty sure I heard Zac Belmont squeal like a teenage girl.
77. A DEVIL AND AN ANGEL
March 11
Every second she was gone, my mind went wild. Would she come back? Or was she lying? I looked at the clock, doing the math in my head. She should’ve been back by now. By an hour, at least.
When I called her phone and she didn’t answer.
I knew it. I knew she was lying.
Give her a chance. She could’ve hit traffic or talked to her best friend for a while first.
I took a deep breath, deciding to close up shop to be ready for when she did get back. I’d just finished wiping my tools when I heard the tires of a vehicle on gravel. My head shot up as I smiled. That smile disappeared almost as quick as it appeared.
My father stepped out of his truck, waltzing his way to me.
“Son,” he said as a way of greeting.
“You must not want any of your fuckin’ teeth,” I gritted.
“Mind your mouth, boy, and have some respect.”
“Respect?” I cackled. “Respectfully, go fuck yourself.” His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. I wasn’t the same scared little boy he could beat up anymore. “Why are you still here?”
“Just stoppin’ in to express my deepest condolences.” My heart dropped.
Was Emmy…? She couldn’t be…. Could she? And how would he know?
“I heard from your Aunt Peggy,” he said. I hadn’t heard that name inyears.“Your mama’s dead. Well, she’s beenmissing.Officially declared her case cold and her dead today.”
That ringing sound in my ears came back, almost bringing me to my knees. It wasweirdhearing the news, and I wasn’t sure how I felt. Part of me was glad. Fuck the bitch. She knowingly left me with a monster. But the other part of me…
My sweet, sweet, Levi. I love you, so.
Leave him alone! He’s just a baby!
You were a mistake.
“Aw. Poor Leviticus still havin’ mommy issues? No wonder that pretty thing—what was her name? Emmy?” I glared. “No wonder Emmy left. Did she realize you were just like your dear old dad?”
