Page 68 of Messy Strokes (Wrecked Roommates)

“Yup. I didn’t tell them anything because I didn’t know what you wanted me to say, but it’s why I’m calling now. I want to know if I’m allowed to give them your new number so you can tell them about Penny yourself and maybe…go out to dinner or something while they’re in town?”

My head hangs as I massage my temple in hopes of staving off a damn headache. “You’ve got to be kidding me, right?”

“They’re worried about you.”

“Bullshit. If they were worried about me, they would’ve offered to help me when I showed up on their doorstep pregnant and alone.”

“You think they don’t regret it, Mads? Look. They jumped on the nearest plane and rushed to see you. Their action has to count for something, doesn’t it?”

This can’t be happening.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” I mutter.

“They sounded sorry when I spoke with them.”

“How nice, Dove,” I quip, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

“They wanted to talk to you so they could apologize, but they can’t without your new number, and I don’t feel like it’s my place to be the go-between, which is why I’m calling to see if I’m allowed to give them your new number so you can talk to them yourself. That way, you can decide whatever the heck you want to do. But I wanted to ask for your permission first, so you wouldn’t think I was going behind your back or anything, even though I think flying on a plane to come see you when your phone was disconnected is very telling.”

My head had started to pound as soon as Dove mentioned my mom and dad.

But the worst part? She makes a good point.

For years, I always considered Dove to be my parents’ little minion. But when I showed up pregnant and alone, she was the only person who came to my rescue and stood by me. She’s the only person who’s ever had my back. The only person I can rely on.

Milo’s face filters through my mind, but I shove it back.

Nope.

Not going there.

Not right now.

“So?” Dove prods. “Do I have your permission?”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “I haven’t decided yet.”

She laughs. “Come on, Mads. They’re our parents.”

“They’re also toxic.”

“And they’re worried about you.”

“Bullshit,” I repeat.

“Mads––”

“They aren’t allowed to worry about me. Not when they turned me away.”

Her silence speaks louder than words as Gibson’s voice filters through the other end. “Let her think about it, Dovey.”

“Fine,” she answers him before she speaks a little clearer into her phone. “Just let me know. And soon because I’m pretty sure they’re going to start visiting all the local hospitals until they find you. How’s everything else going? Good?”

“Yeah. I’m about to feed Penny, so…”

“I’ll let you go. Love you, Mads,” Dove murmurs.

“Love you too.”

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