Page 59 of The Players

Now, more than ever, she was determined to find that little girl. To atone for her sins, and prove to her guys she was worth loving. Also, maybe then, she could stop hating herself.

***

On her way back home, Carmen was in a much better mood. She should’ve asked for help earlier. By shoveling bad memories into a dark closet, she hadn’t done anyone a favor. The chances of finding and saving Marni were not big, but it was better than doing nothing.

Maybe you should ask Vince and Sy for help as well.

Maybe they could help you locate those nasty pictures.

Vince parked the car and she got out, contemplating her next move.

“Fuck.” He scowled at a woman standing in the apartment’s doorway. The middle-aged women looked like an older, female version of Sy. Her clothes seemed worn and her hair unkempt. Clearly, she was going through a rough patch.

There was a gaunt look in her eyes as she eyed Vince. “I want to see my son.”

Vince shook his head. “No can do. Look, you need to leave. Now.” He took out his phone and started typing.

“Please.” A tear crept into the woman’s voice and Carmen couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “It’s been years. I need to speak to him. I deserve to speak to my son.”

“Let’s not get into what you deserve,” Vince replied, his tone clipped.

“Vince.” Carmen couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “We should at least invite her in.” It seemed rude not to.

He shook his head. “When it comes to the Skarsgards, there’s certain things you need to know. Such as, never invite their mother into their home.”

“I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” Surely, Sy wasn’t going to snap seeing his mother in his home, just because he had Mommy issues. “I’m not just going to let her stand on the street. Unless you tell me I can’t invite her in because I don’t have the right?”

He pulled her close and gave her a long, deep kiss. “You can invite in anyone you want, sweetheart. Just remember that this wasyouridea. And your funeral.” He winked, then got back into the car and drove away, leaving her alone with a woman close to tears.

“Coward,” she mumbled.

Sy’s mother seemed relieved to see Vince’s taillights disappear around the corner. With a new spring to her step, she walked up to her.

“I’m Erica Skarsgard, Sy’s mother.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Skarsgard,” Carmen said while taking out her keys. “Why don’t you come inside?”

Whatever it was that had mother and son estranged, surely it could be fixed. If she deserved a second chance, why wouldn’t Sy’s mother?

CHAPTER 21

CARMEN

Sy’s mom took in the living room, her eyes slightly narrowing as it went over every nook and cranny of the place. Judging by the way she was scratching her arm every few minutes, she was clearly nervous.

“My boy has such a nice home,” she said.

Carmen couldn’t help but notice the envy in Erica’s voice. It was obvious she hadn’t been in Sy’s house before. She was curious about what had driven a wedge the size of the Grand Canyon between mother and son. Most of all though, she wanted to help Sy restore his bond with his mom. She would give anything to see her mom one more time. Surely, their differences could be resolved.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked as they walked into the kitchen.

Erica took a place on the chair across her on the kitchen island. “I’ll have what you’re having.”

“Two cappuccinos coming up then.”

Erica pulled a face. “Don’t you have something stronger?”

“I think we still have some of Sy’s favorite poison in the fridge.” When she got a blank look, she added,” Whisky.” She opened a bottle and gave it to her.

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