Page 136 of Revival

“Take me home, Spence.”

31

Cortney

The first thingI do at home is start the kettle on the stove and change into my black satin pajamas. Mom gave them to me for my birthday last year. One of her nonnegotiable life rules is that every girl should treat themselves to underwear and pajamas. She always said it’s important that you feel good with what’s under your clothes and that you feel comfortable when you’re out of them.

Out of everything she’s taught me, this is one thing I’ll always cherish. She isn’t wrong on either account.

Thinking of her prompts me to pick up my phone and tap the contact at the top of my call list. It rings once before she answers.

“Hello, honey.”

“Hi, Momma.” I walk to the kitchen to fix myself a cup of tea. The drama tonight has left my soul a little weary and my bones cold.

“Are you doing okay? I heard about what happened.”

“Which one of my gossiping brothers filled you in?”

Her light laugh injects me with warmth. “Jack. I was watching their kids tonight. Whitney went over to Bree’s, and the boys were watching baseball at Lee’s house when they got your texts.”

“Ah.” I pour my cup and take it with me to the couch.

Outside the front window, I watch Lee and Spencer talk. The two have their arms crossed, nodding and occasionally waving a hand around.

“Let me have it, honey.” Mom’s voice is soft and kind.

Tears immediately rush to my eyes. “I’m just really sad. We lost so much time.”

“I know. I’m furious for what that… that…prickdid to the both of you.”

The sound that leaves my mouth is a cross between a snort and a sob. “Did you just call him a bad name?” In all my life, I think I’ve only heard her swear twice.

“Well, what else am I supposed to call him? He broke up my children. Yes, children, because those Stone boys are as much as my kids as the rest of you are.”

“Momma,” I say softly. I use the hem of my shirt to dab my eyes.

“It’s going to be okay, honey.”

I watch my brother and Spencer shake hands. “I know. I love him.”

“Of course you do.”

“How would you know?”

“I saw the two of you canoodling at the baseball game. I’m old, not blind.”

“He came with me on my honeymoon,” I admit. “I didn’t invite him. Sebastian donated his half of the trip behind my back, and I guess Spencer really needed a vacation.”

“I knew you came back from that trip glowing, and it wasn’t just from the sun.”

“Mom!”

“What? I was happy for you. Nothing wrong with a little beach fling to mend a broken heart.” A smile warms her voice.

My sigh is soft and content. “I think that fling might be my forever.”

“I’m happy for you, sweetheart.”

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