Page 177 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

I only did it to be close to Eli.

Nate isn’t stupid. He knew the deal and never called me out on it.

I guess it’s because he didn’t ever see Eli as a threat.

I wish everyone in my family shared that opinion.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case, hence the reason why I lied to my parents about where I’m going tonight.

Where I go pretty much every night.

I rub the back of my neck. The guilt knots at the base of my spine, tense and tight and always present. I don’t understand why they just can’t accept Eli, why they have to be such snobs about the fact that they want better for their only daughter. Yeah, he doesn’t have much, but he’s brilliant and funny and loving.

At the end of the day, aren’t those things way more important than money or status?

A light knock at the door makes me jump, and I let out a breath when I see my mother’s head pop into my room. I suck in a breath, prepared with my story. I really hate how uncomfortable things have gotten with us since Eli appeared on the scene. We used to be so close that I’d tell her everything. But lately, I keep everything short, sweet, and surface-level only. We don’t have those heart-to-heart talks I loved so much where we’d sip tea and giggle for hours anymore. I miss that. I miss hanging around with my dad at his golf club, playing nine holes and then going to lunch so he can coach me on everything wrong with my swing.

And trust me, there’s plenty wrong with it. But still, he was always so patient, determined to get me on the WPGA tour.

That is, before Eli came into the picture.

Things shifted when we started seeing each other. I know how they feel about him, but they’re going to have to learn to accept him.

Not that I plan to have that debate tonight.

Tonight is going to be the most amazing night of my life, and I don’t want anything to overshadow it.

Mom’s eyes narrow when she sees me. “Interesting outfit, Jae. Where exactly are you and Maria headed tonight?”

“Oh, we’re just going to a party. One of the guys from school. It’s not a big deal. We won’t be out late, I promise.” I talk fast, hoping she doesn’t ask too many more questions and hurries the hell out of here. I told Eli to be here by seven and it’s almost that now!

She nods, pursing her lips.

“Why haven’t you guys left yet? You were supposed to be at the benefit already, weren’t you? Are you excited? It’s such an honor for you both!” I keep up the flow of chatter hoping that if she can’t get a word in edgewise, she won’t ask me any more questions that she really doesn’t want to hear the answers to, anyway.

“Yes,” she says slowly. “It is an honor, one that your father and I really expected you and your brother to be present for.” Mom looks at me with a disapproving expression on her face. “I think your father is really disappointed that you aren’t joining us. It’s supposed to be a family event.”

“I didn’t realize…” I furrow my brow in confusion. “Mom, why wouldn’t you say something about it to us? We just assumed it was something you were going to celebrate together.”

Mom lets out a sigh. “You know, Jae, sometimes it would be nice for us not to have to coerce you both into doing something. Sometimes it would be nice for you to just offer on your own.”

“Oh, um…” My eyes flicker over to the clock. Two minutes to seven. And Eli is never late. “I’m sorry. I guess I just didn’t, ah, think about it.”

She nods again, her eyes traveling over my outfit one more time. “I just hope there isn’t another reason why you’re staying back tonight, Jae.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” I say, hoping like hell that the look on my face actually reflects true confusion.

Mom sighs. “I know we haven’t exactly seen eye to eye about this whole Eli business, sweetie, but I’d hate for you to use that as a reason for hanging back tonight. You know we only want the best for you. And lately, things have been so tense between us. I feel like we’re drifting apart, and I don’t want this to come between us.” She reaches out and takes my hands in hers. “I love you, honey. I will always love you. I just want you to be happy.”

“I know, Mom,” I whisper. “And I know you’d never want to hurt me.”

I just wish I could be honest with you. But I can’t. I know better even if you don’t.

She smiles. “Have fun with Maria.”

I force a return smile. “I will.”

Mom turns to leave and my eyes dart around my room for my phone. I can stop Eli before he gets here. He won’t know they’re still here because my father always parks his prized BMW 7 series in the garage.

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