Page 12 of Always Mine

I’m sure I look ridiculous. Hair a mess, sleep-rumbled clothes, and my gimp arm tucked against my chest as my other hand plants firmly on my hip. I was trying to be intimidating, but it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to because her eyes dance with humor.

After what feels like a lifetime, she finally sighs and shakes her head, putting me out of my misery.

Thank you, God.

“No, I’m definitelynothaving sex,” she tells me, and I release a relieved breath, my body relaxing with her confirmation. “Your reaction proved my whole point, though. You were doing way worse things at my age.”

I was. Way before her age, even, but she doesn’t need to know that, and I’ll deny it ‘til my dying day. So instead, I say, “I was not.”

Her she-devil smirk makes my stomach sink, knowing she’s about to say something wild. “Right... Wasn’t it you who was grounded for a week after Wyatt’s mom caught you giving him a blow—”

My feet are moving before I even register it, and my hand covers her mouth before she can finish that sentence. One, I don’t want to hear the wordsblowandjobcoming from her lips, and two, I don’t want to think about the person I gave said blow job to. Even though now I’m thinking about him anyway so it’s all pointless.

“Okay, no more. I beg you. I can’t take it.” I drop my hand, ignoring her triumphant stare. “You’re better than I ever was. Don’t be like me. It’s the same with your friends. Just because they jump off a bridge—”

“Would you?” she finishes for me. “I don’t need a lecture,Dad.” She waves me off. “Now, get dressed. We have things to do today that don’t involve you moping around here feeling sorry for yourself.”

I groan, head falling back to stare at the ceiling in annoyance. “What things?”

I don’t want to do things. I just want to eat Ma’s cooking, watch TV, and relax.

“Just get ready.” And she’s out the door, not even sparing me a second glance.

“I don’t mope,” I mumble, lip jutting out in frustration.

“You so do!”

Great! She’s got eyes and ears everywhere, just like Ma.

It’s going to be a fun few months.

Despite my unwillingness, I get ready and head downstairs. The house is quiet, with a lingering scent of bacon still in the air. My stomach grumbles, reminding me it’s been way too long since I last ate.

There’s a plate of food for me in the microwave, and I grab it, not bothering to reheat it. Taking out a fork from the drawer, I dive in, stuffing eggs, grits, and a chunk of bacon in my mouth, all in one go.

“You can sit down, you know? The plate won’t get up and walk away.” Ma startles the hell out of me when she appears out of nowhere, causing me to choke and almost lose my plate that I’m balancing in the process.

“Damn, Ma,” I cough out, putting my plate down, and then slamming my fist to my chest as I try to not die. “A little warning.” Tears are streaming down my cheeks, so I grab a paper towel from the roll to wipe them away.

She motions to her boots, brows pinched together. “The fact that you didn’t hear me walking is almost cause for concern.”

She grabs a glass from the cabinet and gets me a drink. I eagerly accept the sweet tea, forgetting about my near-death experience when the flavor coats my tongue. I down most of the glass in one go, gasping for breath once I’ve had enough. “I missed this too. Sweet tea in Cali doesn’t compare at all.”

“That’s because my tea is made with love.” She winks, refilling my glass. “Lily told me to remind you to take your medicine. She said you were hurting.”

Damn it, Lily, you rat.

“I’m fine. Just missed one dose. I already took it.”

“On an empty stomach?” Shetsks, grabbing my plate and glass from the counter. “You’re gonna tear up your stomach doing that.”

“I’m trying to prevent that from happening, but you’re taking my plate away.”

She throws me a look over her shoulder, and I shut up instantly. Grown man or not, I know better than to respond. I have no doubt she can still whoop my tail. “Come eat at the table with the manners I know I taught you.”

I follow behind her, trying not to roll my eyes. “Yes, ma’am.” I give her a little salute before plopping down in my seat.

“See, that’s better. You’re learning.” I snort at her, settling down at the table and digging back into my plate. “Lily said you have plans today?”

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