Page 76 of You're All I Need

“Yes, you do, and it’s as big as a truck. You just don’t realize it because you hide it away, locked up like the princess in those Disney movies.”

“What about you?” I argue, needing to deflect.

“What about me?”

“What the hell is going on with you and Warner?”

She’s quiet for a few seconds, and I start to think she’s not going to answer. “I met with a divorce attorney this past Tuesday.”

I sit up a little straighter in my seat. “You did?”

She nods. “He’s going to challenge me on everything, but I’m ready. I can’t let him keep hurting me over and over again. I hate what he’s done to me, to our family. He’s made me a joke around town, someone everyone talks about. The marriage has been over for a while, but I was too scared.” She meets my gaze with an intensity I’ve never seen before. “I’m done, Caden. I’m pissed and ready to fight. I want my life back. I want to learn who I am without him and the hurt he’s caused for too long.”

I slip my arm around her shoulder and pull her against my side. “I’m proud of you. I know this isn’t easy, but you’ve got this. I’ll be right beside you every step of the way.”

She sighs, her eyes trailing her son as he moves down the court. A faint smile stretches across her lips. She realizes he’s about to shoot and tenses a bit. The moment Joshua sinks his shot, she hollers, “Great shot!”

“Anyway, I told my attorney what I wanted. My list is small. It consists of my SUV, any personal belongings, andthe basement furniture. Oh, and everything from Joshua’s bedroom.”

Their basement setup is their older stuff, consisting of a couch and recliner, a small kitchen table with four chairs, and a queen-sized bedroom set in the extra guest room.

“He can keep all the new stuff in the living room, dining room, and bedroom. I didn’t like most of that stuff anyway, but he insisted. He loved to spend his money, even when we didn’t need to update. The furniture in the basement was less than three years old and is in perfect condition. It’ll suit just fine at my new place.”

My heart gallops in my chest. “You already found one?”

She nods. “My boss is renting me her house, since she’s moving in with her boyfriend. It’s two bedrooms and two baths, perfect for us. It’s over on Cherry Street, by the dry cleaners.”

I give her another squeeze before releasing my hold on her. “What does Joshua say?”

“He’s so supportive and understanding. He’s been through a lot in his short sixteen years of life too. It’s time for us both to heal.”

I spot Adrienne at the doorway, waiting for a break in the action to return to her seat. “He’s a great kid. He’ll be okay, as long as he knows you are.”

“And I will be. I just have to get through the divorce first.”

The tips of my ears burn. “He’ll make it difficult. He’ll continue to be a fucker every step of the way.”

She exhales, clapping as we score two more points. “I know.”

“We’re with you, Scar. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask.” The ref blows the whistle, and I catch Adrienne, along with a few other fans, making their way back to their seats.

“I’ll need help moving,” she says.

“When you get the date, just let me know. I’ll get Jack and a few other guys to help.”

“Joshua said he’d ask friends from school and the basketball team to help too.”

Adrienne starts up the steps, a fresh bag of popcorn in her hand.

“Now that we’ve gotten my drama out of the way, I want you to promise me one thing,” Scarlet says, turning my way and meeting my gaze with fiery eyes. “Promise me you won’t push her away. Promise me you’ll at least consider opening your heart up again. You two are good for each other.”

Adrienne drops down onto the seat beside me, cutting off the conversation. “Jeez, I think every woman in the gym needed to use the restroom at the same time,” she mutters, holding her popcorn out for me to take a handful, even though I’ve already devoured a bag today.

I reach in, noting the M&M’s integrated throughout, and pop the mixture into my mouth. The problem is, I’m not thinking about the heavenly snack I’m consuming. No. Thanks to my sister, I’m reeling from her accusations of love. Because they’re just that. Bullshit accusations.

I don’t love Adrienne.

I can’t.

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