Page 10 of Hide My Heart
“You have an ex-girlfriend?” Mom’s mouth gapes wide. “When did this happen?”
“You know how I used to go to Coeur d’Alene in the summer and stay with Uncle Joe? I, uh, met her there.”
“What the hell is she doing here with a baby? Don’t tell me…” Mom shakes her finger. “Your baby?”
Great. Even the biker dudes at the billiard table have stopped playing and are staring my direction.
“Don’t be mad,” I mutter at my mother. “It happened.”
“What’s her name again?” Mom grabs my arm and tugs me toward the door. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“Sharon, and it’s a boy. I have a son.”
“Yippee! Did you hear that?” Mom jumps and claps. “I have a grandson. When were you going to tell me?”
“I just found out.” My tongue is so thick with lame lies by now, I wonder why it’s still functional. “She’s dropping the baby off because she’s going out of the country.”
“Out of the country?” Mom claps her hand on my shoulder. “Where is she right now? I want to talk to her.”
“She’s not here. She called a friend and is staying across the river.”
“Across the river?” Mom echoes. “Why doesn’t she stay at the Redbird? Or she can stay with us. What’s gotten into you?” She thumps my head. “Or do you not believe the baby’s yours?”
“Oh, he’s mine all right.” I puff my chest. “Looks just like me.”
“Why did you let her go?”
“She’ll be back tomorrow. Look, I didn’t want to spring it on you.”
The spectators’ eyes bounce back and forth between me and Mom like they’re watching a tennis game. I glance at the wall clock and turn to the customers. “Almost closing time. Last round is on us.”
Sure enough, they mill forward and put in their orders. Mom has no choice but to serve drinks. After we close and clean up, I drag Mom home, telling her I’ll bring the baby home early the next morning.
It’s well after two in the morning before the light finally goes out in my mother’s room.
SIX
Amber
A persistent pounding on thedoor wakes me. I rub my eyes and glance at the alarm clock. Two fifteen in the morning. Beck’s still snoozing, although it’s almost time for his next feeding.
There’s only one person who knows this room’s occupied. I tiptoe to the door and look out the peephole. It’s Nate.
He steps in as soon as I open the door and shuts it behind him. “You have to go now.”
“Now?” I can’t believe he’s kicking me out. “It’s below freezing out there. Where am I going?”
“Away. My mom found out and she wants to talk to you.”
“Shit! I thought I could trust you. I thought you’re my friend.”
“Calm down.” He reaches for me, and I find myself in his arms. He rubs my back and rocks on his heels. “I’m trying to help you.”
My breathing is uneven, but I want to stay close to him. I don’t pull away, even though my breasts leak and I’m sure Beck’s about to wake up. No one has ever hugged me besides my grandmother, and she’s thin and wiry, not a big strong man I can lean against.
“I’m going to help you,” Nate repeats and tilts my chin toward him. He hovers so close I can see the golden sparks in his brown eyes and feel his warm breath on my cheek. Is he going to kiss me? Is that what he means by helping?
Tingles dance over my shoulders and around my back. He feels so good and safe. Gentle and tender, not like the way Hunter manhandled me.
