Page 140 of In The Game

She cuts her eyes at me. “You think because you get to play house and have whatever you want, that you can live like this forever? You can’t. You’re no exception. I don’t know what put this idea in your head that you’re better than the rest of us, but you’re not. Barrett Conway might be a dumb jock, but he’ll figure it out eventually and then you’ll wish you listened to me.”

Figure out what?

The door to the mudroom slams. “Ral!”

My shoulders relax. “He’s in his bedroom,” I call back. Please get Arthur out of here.This conversation is already getting too heated, and it’s probably going to escalate before she leaves.

Barrett walks in with Rhys on his heels. “Top of the stairs, left hallway, first door on the right,” he instructs.

Two seconds later, I hear Rhys taking the stairs two at a time. Thankfully, Arthur has been around Rhys and Micky Kucera enough at this point that he won’t be alarmed by seeing him. A minute later, Rhys hustles down the stairs. He’s busy telling Arthur all about the desserts that Micky has whipped up and how she needs a taste tester.

Barrett tosses him the keys to the BMW, where we keep the booster.

I give Arthur a hug and speak close to his face, murmuring so she can’t hear. “Be good for the Kuceras. I’ll see you in a little bit. Afterward, we’ll go out for ice cream!”

“Cookie Monster kind?”

“You bet. I love you!” I squeeze him extra tight. Barrett hugs him, and when he glances back at me, he nods and mouths,I’m here.

I’m relieved Rhys is taking Arthur away from here. Whatever happens now, I know he’s safe—though I’m not loving that Barrett is about to get a front-row seat into my fucked-up upbringing. The front door slams, and we turn to our unwelcome guest.

Now she decides to sit at the kitchen table.

“Hi, Barrett! It seems my daughter doesn’t have any manners. I’m her mom, Darlene.”

He sits down across from her. “I know who you are.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “Oh, good, then we’re all acquainted.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and choose the chair next to Barrett. “Mom, I think it’s time you leave.”

“I’m not here for you, Raleigh. I have business with Barrett.”

He scoffs. “What business could we possibly have?” Takes the words right out of my mouth.

“I thought you should hear the truth about Arthur. You have no proof he’s your child. Raleigh doesn’t know who Arthur’s father is. She’s like her mama that way.” Her scratchy laugh makes me cringe.

“Oh my God, I’m not you. Barrett is Arthur’s father. Nice try.”

He jerks his head back and laughs. “What are you talking about? Arthur’s mine.”

“You and I both know Raleigh’s past. The likelihood is slim.”

Barrett puts his hand on my thigh, but the way he’s looking at my mother—he’s about to rip her apart.

“Just for fun, let’s say you were right. Do you think I would love either of them any less? You’re wasting your time trying to plant seeds of doubt. I know he’s mine.”

While he finishes his speech, I stand up and walk over to my purse and slap the paternity test results down on the table for her. This is not how I wanted to surprise Barrett, I hate her on a whole new level now for ruining this moment of ours.

“You’re disgusting. It’s his kid. What else do you want?” I’m seething.

“Don’t give me attitude! I’m trying to help you!” she snaps at me, and Barrett stands up. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved him more than I do right now.

“What part of that was helping me? The calling me a whore part or telling him that his son isn’t his?”

“Well now that you have proof, then he owes you. How many years didn’t he pay you child support? Not a fucking penny. This man abandoned you! He owes you for all those years you—”

“Oh! So now—” I start. I reach for Barrett’s hand under the table. She’s hit him right where all his guilt lies. How dare she.

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