Page 48 of Tainted Rose

Isabella laughs along with me. “That’s kind of an old-fashioned word—hanky-panky. It’s all that came to mind, and I didn’t know how to put it any more delicately.”

“I’m so sorry. It struck me as funny. I will absolutely be on my best behavior. No hanky-panky.” I bite my lip. “If I promise there will be none of that, is it terrible for me to ask if it’s okay that I stay in his room with him? I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, but after seeing him like that today …” Unexpectedly, tears spring to my eyes, unbidden. Shocked by my own reaction, my mouth opens and closes, and all of a sudden, Isabella has taken me into her arms.

“Oh, sweetie. He’s fine. He’s going to be okay. I asked you to come stay here tonight as much for you as I did for him. Maybe more for you.”

I burst into tears. I’ve tried to be strong all day for Xander, and the minute his mother’s arms encircle me, and she whispers those comforting words, I lose it. I shudder and shake in her arms.

“I-I’m so sorry. I guess it’s all catching up to me. I’m so embarrassed. And I— You—”

“Don’t apologize. Shh.” She glances over at June. “Could you put on some tea for her? Maybe some chamomile?”

My words stutter out. “You-you’re his mother, and I guess it hit me that if my mother were still alive, I probably would have lost it a lot sooner than this because she’d have been there to comfort me. I didn’t used to always have to be so strong.” I glance over at June, and she’s looking at me with wet eyes. What a convoluted mess.

When I finally calm, Isabella ushers me into a seat at the table, and June slides a mug of tea in front of me. They both sit with me, and from the way they watch me, I’d say they’re assessing my mental stability. If this isn’t awkward, I don’t know what is.

“I’m really fine.” I sip at the tea, finding comfort in its warmth.

June clicks her tongue. “Yes. And plenty strong. But even the strongest of us break sometimes.”

“If you ever want to talk, honey, we’re here.” Isabella pats my hand with a soft smile. “You know what? I know you want to get upstairs to see Xander. I imagine it will reassure you.”

“I think you’re right.” I just want to forget today ever happened.

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