Page 2 of Score on You

I release my grip on the precious cash and slump into her hold. “Thank you. I’ll spend it wisely.”

“Use it to get where you need to go.” She straightens from our embrace to cup my cheek. “Fly free and far. For me, okay? Do what I can’t.”

“But you can be free too. Come with me,” I plead.

More tears spill down her splotchy cheeks. “No, I must stay. This is where I belong.”

“He’ll never forgive you.” My stomach knots at the thought of his punishment.

The blame will fall on her alone in my absence. His wrath has the reputation of being brutal, which I can personally testify as truth. Mother is committing a grave offense against her husband by allowing me to leave. Worse yet, she hatched this plan. This is her selfless gift to me. More valuable than a million dollars. I could never muster up the courage to run. Not until she lit the spark that inspired my flight from the nest.

If Father discovers that she’s behind this deception…

I feel my belly clench harder at the threat of his retaliation. My pulse accelerates as I grasp onto her hands. “He’ll know—”

She squeezes my fingers that are locked between hers. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

Heat flares in my eyes and I blink at the sting. “But—”

“Go. Before it’s too late.”

The clock on the wall ticks in mocking. I glare as more precious seconds vanish. “How will I get in touch with you? A simple note to confirm my safety isn’t enough.”

Her throat works with a thick swallow. “It’s probably best if you don’t contact me.”

“Mother—”

“Please go, Calliope. I want better for you. Do this for both of us.Find whatever calms that restless spirit and allow it to soothe your soul. You’ve always been too curious to stay penned in this fence.”

I sniffle, attempting in vain to mask how much this farewell hurts. “What if I fail?”

She exhales, the sound heavy. “That’s part of any adventure worth having. You’ll try again and figure it out.”

“But I’m scared. Where do I begin?” The possibilities seem endless after a life trapped in Father’s confinement.

“Walk out of this house and don’t look back.”

I nod, but my heart feels heavy and ready to burst. The beating organ pounds harder as my departure quickly approaches. “Do you honestly believe I can do this?”

The question is for me as much as my mother. This is the first real decision I’ve ever made in my life. I can’t survive on stifled breaths a minute longer. The eggshells I’ve been walking on are smashed into unrecognizable pieces. If I stay another day, I might be stuck for good. That’s the risk I’m not willing to take.

Her grin is soft. “You’ll get the answers you’re searching for. I’m certain of that if nothing else. You’re strong and brave. More than I’ll ever be.”

“Thank you,” I manage to croak.

Mother gathers me in her arms for a hug that’s too final. “Cherish every step of the journey, Calliope Rose. You’ll know where you’re meant to be when the moment arrives.”

I slide the freshly poured beer across the bar top. Amber liquid sloshes over the rim from the motion. The customer doesn’t fuss about me spilling his booze.

Hell, he’d probably lap the excess off the counter if I turned my back. Although the thirsty gleam in his eyes suggests that he might lick the mess off the glossy wood with me watching. The patrons at Roostersare classy as fuck like that.

He tosses me a crumpled bill to cover his tab. “Thanks, boss.”

I almost smirk at the title. “Be back with your change.”

The customer waves me off, reaching for his tall glass like the contents are liquid gold. “Keep it.”

Before I consider a response, the guy is suckling at his Surly and forgetting about me entirely. I turn away with a snort and scan the other regulars in my section at the rail.Full drinks and lopsided smiles greet me. With them satisfied, my gaze moves to Garrett and the performance he’s serving the Friday night crowd.

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