Page 49 of Tangled Rose

Chapter 25

This is just another one of those shitty days. That’s what I keep telling myself as I wait for Max. It’s not the first one; I’ve had plenty with my mother. I’m sure it won’t be the last one, either.

I breathe out a sigh of relief when I spot his X5 and all but dive into the plush seat and slam the door shut, leaving Rosehaven Academy behind for the moment. “I hate to say it again, but get me the fuck out of here. Please.”

He gives a slightly amused snort, but then his brows draw together as he catches my expression and winces. “That bad, huh?”

“Uh, yeah. My mother unexpectedly showed up at the gymnastics meeting. Let’s just say she left everyone with quite an impression.”

“Shit. Do you want to ta—”

“No. You’re sweet, but talking about her will only make me feel worse.” I wait a beat then side-eye him. “My mother is not a nice person, Max. She’s kind of awful.”

He presses his lips together and keeps his eyes on the road, as if he realizes I probably wouldn’t react well to the pity I’d see in his eyes. “If you ever need an ear, I’m here.” He reaches over and squeezes my hand for a second. “There are a lot of people around here that like the girl they’re getting to know, Lyla. Lean on any of us if you need to. Or all of us.” He makes the turn into the Danbrooks’ driveway, eventually stopping at the house.

I glance at him, but don’t respond. My emotions are riding way too close to the surface.

“I mean it, Lyla. You deserve this chance here, even if it comes with some different academy-style BS. Know what I mean?”

“I do. Believe me. I get it. And I definitely appreciate the Danbrooks and the shot I’ve been given here. Probably more than anyone realizes. Honestly, I hope I never have to explain myself.”

“You’re freaking me out, Tiger.”

I swallow, squeezing the door handle and popping the door open. “Probably warranted. It’s okay, I’m fine for now. Thanks for the ride.”

I retreat, unable to handle any more of his kindness or concern.

* * *

Inside, Darla cocks her head when she sees the glum look on my face and insists on making me a snack. “Honey, you look like you could use a little something. Did you eat at lunch?”

I don’t even remember if I did. “I did. I think. But maybe you’re right. I could eat something.”

She nods. “I thought so.”

With the thought that maybe it will make me forget about my mother’s ridiculousness at the meeting, I blurt out, “Do you mind if I sit here across from you and work on my homework?”

“Not at all. Go right ahead.”

It’s no more than three minutes later that she sets a plate of crackers, sliced cheese and grapes in front of me.

I smile in appreciation, digging in. “Thank you.”

A while later, while picking a cracker crumb from my skirt, it hits me that I have a stack of dirty clothes piling up, and not much left in my dresser drawers or closet. Looking up from my work, I ask, “Darla, when is it that Greta does laundry?”

“Oh, that’s not until Saturday. She’ll pop by your room around ten that morning to collect whatever you need taken care of, including your uniforms. Those get sent out for dry cleaning.”

I grit my teeth for a second, then hide my dismay by popping a grape into my mouth. “Okay. Thank you.”

Darla goes back to dinner prep, humming to herself while I steadily plow through all the makeup work I’ve been assigned and the entire plate of food.

That’s where Beau finds me when he, Micah, and Griffin roll in after practice.

Micah and Griffin disappear upstairs but Beau comes into the kitchen, pulls out a stool and sits down next to me. “Max warned me that something was up.”

My eyes flick up to see that Darla is trying her best not to appear interested. “Dammit, I didn’t think he’d say anything.” I didn’t make him promise me, though, so…

“He understands you’ll probably punch him the next time you see him, but he doesn’t care.” He clears his throat, lightly brushing a few stray strands of hair back from my face. “He said something happened at that meeting. And it had something to do with your mother.”

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