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Corey and Caleb ruined how I felt about living alone. They could appear any moment to torment me and there was nothing I could do to stop them.
Brian’s gesture to adopt me was exceptionally thoughtful and kind, but it painted a darker mark on my back, one that attracted Noah’s wrath worse than before.
I still couldn’t forget the way he’d taken me that night. Fear and desire warred within me every time I thought about him.
Something was becoming clearer the longer I stayed close to Noah, Corey, and Caleb. My desires were as fucked up as theirs. Why else would I yearn for their touch so badly? They scared me, but I still hungered to have them inside me.
I didn’t bother about boys before. Girls like me who had to worry about money twenty-four-seven rarely had any brain space left to spare. School and work kept me so busy, I skated through the four years of college without worrying about being single.
Now, Brian was going to buy me a brand-new laptop and Mom was taking me to shop for a gown. I didn’t even go to prom in my senior year because I didn’t want to waste money on a dress.
I couldn’t believe Brian had been with us through all those years. He could’ve helped us out but I guessed Mom was too strict. She didn’t want to take his money.
Maybe, that was the reason he loved her so much. She’d been a constant companion to him without asking anything in return.
Noah, Corey, and Caleb didn’t see the time they spent together. If they did, they’d be convinced Mom loved their dad for who he was, not for his money.
I wished Mom could leave me out of everything. That was the only way to get them to see I didn’t care to snatch their money.
Losing Mom would break me. I was already dealing with the grief of knowing how little time she had to live. Still, I believed I could survive alone. I didn’t need Brian after she was gone.
I’d survive how I always did. Working hard didn’t scare me and a college degree with good recommendations would secure me a job after graduation.
I’ve got to make her see that I don’t need anyone to take care of me, I decided.
Only distancing myself from the Amhurst brothers would let me finish the rest of the semester peacefully.
My phone buzzed in the pocket of my jeans. Taking it out, I saw Mom was calling me.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey, honey,” Mom said in a cheerful voice. “I’m here to pick you up.”
“Coming, Mom.”
Grabbing my backpack, I locked the apartment and headed down to meet her.
A sleek Mercedes was parked outside the gates. Mom peered through the car’s window, gesturing me over.
Anxiety swirled inside me as I headed over to climb inside the luxurious car. Brian was generous enough to send Mom in a car but I felt uncomfortable.
“Are you excited?” Mom asked when I settled down beside her.
“Sure,” I said in a depressed tone. Mom didn’t notice or rather chose not to.
For the day, she chose a beautiful crimson coat. Elegant white lace collars of her dress were visible just underneath it. Her hair looked too shiny and thick, and it was a moment before I realized she was wearing a wig.
My empty stomach swirled with anxiety, making me feel sick at the thought of my mom losing all her beautiful, long hair.
The valet drove the car down the street, letting us talk between ourselves.
“We’re having brunch first,” said Mom. “Brian took me to this fancy restaurant the other day and it’s simply the best. We’re eating there first and then we’ll go shopping.”
“I don’t mind going to Sam’s Diner,” I said.
Mom gave me a look. “We go there all the time. I want you to try something new.” Her expression turned grim. “I know you’re having to adjust to a lot of things but stop being so rude and stubborn. Brian feels hurt when you act this way.”
“I like Brian,” I said. “You know that. It’s just that I don’t want to be included in every single celebration. There’s no need for me to be at the party tomorrow.”
