Page 60 of Burn It Down

She shoves my shoulder. “You and the teacher.” She’s excited, and I laugh, shaking my head again.

“Yes. That a problem?” I know it’s not especially, looking at the grin on her face right now.

“Hell no. I think it’s great. My brother is finally dating someone who makes him happy. What else could I ask for?”

“You just met him. How do you know he makes me happy?”

Her finger pokes into my cheek, and I swat her away. “Our brother is currently in the hospital right now, and this smile has been glued to your face all day. Your normally very grumpy face.”

“I don’t have a grumpy face,” I complain, and she just cackles, sitting back against the couch now. Looking very pleased with herself. “It doesn’t bother you that he’s a guy?” I ask carefully, and she turns her head to look at me, annoyance written all over her features.

“Are you insane? I couldn’t give a shit about what gender you’re dating. As long as you’re happy. And you’re so happy, it’s gross.”

I smile at that, unable to deny it. “I am. But we aren’t dating.”

She snorts at that. “Yeah, he was with you for the first emergency today. You two are a couple. Congratulations.”

I laugh, but it does make something settle deep inside me to think of us that way. “The town...”

“The town can suck a dick if they can’t support you.” She wags her eyebrows at me. “They might even like it.”

I snort, the laugh so deep, it makes my stomach hurt. “Jesus, Tori.”

She places a hand on my shoulder. “You deserve to be happy, and so does your hot as hell teacher.” She fans her face. “I thought about leaving my husband when I saw him. Phew.”

If she were Bowen, I’d punch her—but I can’t bring myself to hit a girl—no matter how sexist that may be. “Fuck off.”

She just tosses her head back and cackles. “Are you really worried about the town? Because I can find a teacher and firefighter job for you both in Oregon. Hell, I’ll even let you bring Bowen.”

“Ha,” I say, laughing a little. “It’s different here, but I know he’s supposed to be here. And so am I.”

She nods her head absently. “Be the example then. Show them what they’re missing with their bigotry. Love hard, Kade, and don’t let anyone make you feel ashamed for it.”

I hug her to my side. “Missed you.”

“I’m only a plane ride away.”

“I’m glad.”

She snuggles into me. “Mom looked good.”

I sigh at that, not really sure how I feel about my mother after today. There was no sign at all that she was sneaking away to drink or had had any alcohol for a while. “You think you’ll ever be able to forgive her?” I ask.

Her shoulder lifts slightly. “I don’t hate her. Forgiving her though?” She looks up at me. “I’m not sure.”

“Same.”

“It did seem like she’s trying though.”

“Yeah. It did.”

Maybe I can give her another chance.

I mean, I know I’ve messed up a lot in my life. Let Elijah down. But I also know I’ll never stop trying to make sure I’m the best parent he can have.

Maybe my mom deserves that chance too.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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