Page 25 of Play Maker

My mouth opened and closed a couple of times as I uttered a series of nonsensical noises. I’d napped after getting back from my run with Adam, then come over here to see if Mom wanted to get a late lunch before she headed to Dallas. How long had she been planning this? More importantly, why didn’t she tell me?

Mom patted my arm, waiting patiently for my brain to catch up to her second bout of big news this month. “I know this is sudden, but my instincts say it’s the right move—the right time. I can get the studio started early since Rob’s assistant, Laura, offered to help run the business side.”

I tried really hard not to hate Laura in that moment. Mom needed a business manager, and I wasn’t available. I didn’t want to stand in the way of her dreams, but the solution hurt. Was I so easily replaced?

“Where will we live?” I finally stammered out.

A smile lit her features. “With Rob and Shad. We decided it would be easier on wedding planning if I just moved in now, and he’s happy to give you a room too until you’re ready to blaze your own trail. Shad offered to take you to school and back since he’ll be there for the summer anyway. The commute isn’t too far, and I know the business department offers online hybrid options for your Fall classes. You probably wouldn’t have to be on campus at all until you graduate, and if you do, Shad said he’d take care of you.”

She squeezed me into her side, pride rolling off every syllable, but my stomach seized at the thought of living in the same house with Shad, who’d texted me several times since our run-in at the ABC yesterday. Nothing too obviously offensive, but with clear sexual innuendo if I looked for it. Sometimes also if I didn’t look for it.

I shuddered. I’d thought Adam’s pouting when I refused to join him at Johnny’s tonight would be the high point of the drama today. If I’d known it was only going to get worse, I might not have sent Adam away so fast.

Mom leaned down to get a better look at my face and a furrow formed between her brows. “You don’t seem as excited about this as I thought you’d be. No more afternoons spent at the store when you should be studying or spending time with your friends.” She clasped my hand gingerly between hers. “I want you to enjoy your last year of college. Selling the building will help you do that.”

I took a deep breath and forced my mind to engage. “How will I pay for my living expenses?”

She smiled. “I’m giving you some of the money from the sale. Rob helped me set up a trust, so it’ll last all year.”

Of course he did. Free lodging, a consistent ride, some spending money—I’d bet none of these generous gifts came without stipulations.

“What do I have to do?”

“Well, he asked that you take the color out of your hair and let his personal shopper pick out some pieces for you.”

I glanced at her flowy skirt and tank top, then at my own running gear. “What’s wrong with the clothes I have now?”

“Nothing, sweetie, but there’s a certain image he wants to present to his business partners, and we’ll be seeing them often. He just wants you to be prepared. You’ll have final say in anything you wear.”

I nodded, not at all surprised. Rob was vocal about my shortcomings, at least when Mom wasn’t around. Phantom walls squeezed my shoulders as I imagined living with Rob and his idealized vision of a family. Molded into a presentable stepdaughter and paraded around like a prize dog.

Mom loved him, but that version of the future seemed horrible. Even if I was willing, I wasn’t sure I was capable.

What was my alternative though? Without the building—the shop, our apartments—I had nowhere to live and no money coming in. Mom was right. Under normal circumstances, I should love the opportunity to focus on myself for a while without worrying about how I’d pay for my books next semester.

But with Rob andShad? No.

“How long do we have?”

“The contract is already signed. Closing is in two weeks.”

Two weeks. My chest tightened, but I straightened my shoulders. I had two weeks to find an alternative because I was definitely not on the market for Rob’s brand of helpful critiques or Shad’s daily sexual harassment. I also wasn’t going to ruin this for her by making it about me. She’d always put me first, created a safe, stable, happy life when the rest of the world sucked, and I’d sure as hell make her the priority now.

Mom bounced a little in her seat, and her grin widened. “I’m so happy, Blue. The studio already has a waitlist for the classes, and I can see the future we wanted right in front of us.”

The futureshewanted, with Rob’s assistant instead of me. I tried to exorcize the ungrateful thought, but it refused to budge. We’d made plans together—start a yoga studio where she’d teach while I ran the office. People weren’t my forte, but I understood numbers. She was the reason I was getting a business degree.

I didn’t dream of that future the way she did though. For the most part, I didn’t think about whatIwanted at all, other than stability and maybe the chance to see Adam naked.

The last thought drew my mind to a screeching halt. No. I wouldnotbe seeing Adam naked because we were friends without benefits. A status I’d insisted on in a knee-jerk reaction to my visceral attraction to him and my loyalty to Eva.

My mind was starting to spin out of control, and I could feel the icy touch of panic at the edges of my thoughts. I needed to leave before I said something I’d regret.

“I’m glad, Mom. Are you okay here? I’m supposed to meet a friend later, and I really need a shower first.” I squeezed Mom’s hand, hoping she wouldn’t push me to start packing now.

“Of course, baby. I’m almost done anyway.” She sent me her bestmomlook. “You should start too. I put some boxes for you in the back room of the shop.”

So much for escaping. “I’ll start tomorrow. Do you still want me to open or are we done with that completely?”

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