Page 50 of Her Nightshade

“Trying to,” Callan replied with a laugh, glancing at Sloane as he wrapped his arm around her. “I mean, we kinda did it together.”

“It’s all ready,” Sloane said, glancing towards the kitchen. “We can eat in there,” she suggested to Callan.

He nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

I followed them into the kitchen and to the small round table beside the island, where bowls of sautéed vegetables, avocado, tortillas, and tofu scramble were laid out.

“Tofu tacos,” Sloane announced brightly as she sat down. “A staple around here.”

I smiled but I sighed as I took my seat, the weight of the inevitable conversation pressing against my chest. The small talk was light; we talked about the nursery Sloane mentioned, her classes, little projects around the house, wedding planning. But I could feel the lingering tension beneath it all.

When there was a momentary pause between conversation, Callan broke the silence. “How’s Charlie?” he asked, his tone casual but tainted with bitterness.

“He’s good,” I said, nodding as I avoided his gaze. “He’s at a meeting right now. He’s sorry he couldn’t make it.”

Callan gave a stifled laugh. “Yeah, sure.”

“What?” I snapped.

Sloane and Callan exchanged a look before Sloane finally spoke. “We’re just a little worried, Mom. Like I said…he’s really intense.”

“Intense?” Callan interjected. “That’s one way to describe him.”

My irritation flared. “I don’t understand why you two are having such a hard time accepting this. Shouldn’t you be happy that I’m with someone who clearly loves me and isn’t afraid to show it? Shouldn’t my happiness matter?” My voice grew louder. “So what if he’s intense? So what if he’s passionate and has made mistakes in his past? I think you know a thing or two about that, Callan,” I snapped, the words cutting before I could stop them.

Callan’s jaw tightened as he looked down at his plate, his silence heavy.

“Mom,” Sloane said, her tone sharp, almost scolding.

I exhaled heavily. “I’m sorry, Callan. I just…”

I trailed off, the regret settling in my chest. Deep down, I knew they were right to be worried. I had seen the red flags since the beginning and had chosen to ignore them. Icontinuedto ignore them because I loved him. I truly was happy with Charlie, even if it felt like I was losing a part of myself—someone I wasn’t sure I liked but was learning to live with.

“You’re right, Mom,” Sloane said softly. “We’ve all made our mistakes. Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing, but…” She hesitated. “Just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“That’s not going to happen, Sloane,” I replied firmly, though even I knew it wasn’t true. Hurt seemed inevitable for both Charlie and me, but it didn’t matter—not right now.

Callan pushed his chair back abruptly, standing. “I need to use the restroom,” he said quietly before he left the room.

I tilted my head toward Sloane, exasperated. “¿Qué coño?” I asked under my breath.

Sloane shook her head with a small sigh, her expression tired. “I can’t change his mind about him, Mom. I’m sure he’ll come around, though,” she said with a shrug.

I bit my lower lip, nodding. The conversation was pressing too heavily on me and I desperately wanted to move past it. “Show me all your new plants.”

Sloane’s face lit up at the change in subject and she led me to the living room, pointing out her latest additions with enthusiasm. Thirty minutes later, after discussing plant care tips and laughing about her growing “jungle,” Callan still hadn’t returned. His absence hung in the back of my mind but I decided not to press it.

When it was time to leave, Charlie texted that he was waiting in the car. I gave Sloane a tight squeeze at the door. “Te amo, baby,” I said softly.

“I love you too, Mom,” she replied warmly.

In the car, I found Charlie scrolling through his phone. He glanced up with a grin. “Ready?”

I nodded, settling into the seat as the car pulled away.

We didn’t talk much during the drive to LAX. Charlie held onto my leg possessively, as if he needed to declare me as his, even when no one was looking. I stared out the window, letting the city blur past while my thoughts churned. There was no escaping the weight of the conversation with Sloane and Callan or the lingering doubts it stirred. But for now, I pushed it aside. All that mattered was getting back to New York and holding onto the fragile calm Charlie and I had managed to find amidst the chaos. The chaoswecreated.

* * *

---