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“Yeah, Mom?”
“Where are you?”
I have to pick past the heavy intoxication in her voice to get to the words beneath it.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, avoiding the question.
“Oh, wrong? Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s great. I’m just going through some old photos. Your dad, the first time he held you…”
Mom breaks down into tears, sobbing so forcefully it causes me pain. I can feel her agony in my body, her sobs closing my throat, and her tears stinging my cheeks.
“Mom, how much have you had to drink?”
“Too much,” she says after a pause. “Oh, God, I miss him so much.”
She breaks down again, and I know I have to be with her. If I went all the way with Jax tonight, I’d never forgive myself. It’s like the universe is reminding me that what we’re doing here is wrong, clearly and undeniably a betrayal.
“I’m coming home, Mom,” I tell her. “Please drink some water. I’ll be an hour at least. Can you do that, please? Drink some water?”
She sniffles, sounding far younger than she is. “I’ll try. Don’t be long. I want you here. I want my beautiful daughter, who looks so much like her dad.”
“I’m leaving now. I love you.”
Jax doesn’t ask what’s wrong. He heard the conversation. He’s already gesturing for the bill.
“I’m s—”
“No apologies,” he cuts in. “If your mom needs you, I’m taking you to her.”
I ignore the little shiver inside of me.
It’s a relief. I don’t have to face the impossible tonight. My man, and all the heat we would share… or not share if my virginity-based nerves have anything to do with it.
“Shall we leave a tip?” Jax asks once Lola has brought the check,stillnot recognizing me. “It’s your choice.”
“Yeah,” I tell him. “I don’t want to be petty.”
Once we’re back in the car, Jax asks me how bad it is.
“She’s drunk. She doesn’t drink a lot, but she gets wasted when she does. I hope she’s drinking lots of water. I’m going to call her again.”
Jax nods as I take out my cell. We both know Mom’s ruined this, but we also know she has every right to.
CHAPTER18
Jaxson
I’m back in my apartment.
When I dropped Zoey off at her car at the college, I asked her if she wanted me to come with her. She didn’t have to say anything. She gave me a knowing look, and I told her I’d see her soon. The last thing Mallory needs when she’s in that state is me being there. I know about her drinking, how rare it is, and how explosive when she indulges. I know it far too well.
After a workout in my home gym, I shower and sit at my laptop. Leaving my phone on the desk is a mistake, at least regarding productivity, but I don’t regret it when it lights up. Zoey has finally texted me. It’s been at least two hours since I last saw her. It feels like two years.
God, that was horrible. She was completely out of it. She’d taken all the photos from the album and spread them all over the floor. It was like one of those TV shows about detectives. She was trying to solve a case but couldn’t solve the case of Dad not being here anymore.
I’m sure your being there made everything better.
Iknowthis is the case because whenever I’m with Zoey, the world seems less dark, more hopeful, and fuller of possibilities.
