Page 104 of Fourth Point Of Contact

That name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place her. “Okay…”

“And she said how fun it would be to get together for dinner sometime.” She turned suddenly on her heel and headed inside, leaving the story there.

“And?” I snapped, chasing her down as much as I could on crutches.

“And I said that I already had all this food and it would be a waste if I made so much and it didn’t get eaten.” She turned, her fingers twisting nervously together as I glared at her.

“You didn’t.”

“I—”

“Why would you invite them here? It’s my fucking house!”

“Language!” she chastised again, tears brimming her eyes. “I know it’s your house, but it’s big and it’s empty. I just thought it would be nice to have some company.”

“You should have asked first.”

“Well, I didn’t, and now they’re on the way over.”

She scurried into the kitchen, making herself busy so she didn’t have to discuss this further.

“Mom, you can’t keep doing this shit.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You know exactly what you’re doing. You’re trying to manipulate me.”

Her gaze snapped up to meet mine and anger flushed her face. “I’m not manipulating you. I simply wanted to enjoy a meal with another family.”

“And set me up with their daughter in the meantime.”

“Look, they have a lovely daughter, Joelle, and I just thought?—”

“You just thought you would fucking interfere in my life and decide I needed a new bride. And any ‘ol bride will do, right?”

I knew the look that crept across my mother’s face. I had pushed too far, and now she was pissed. Which was fucking hilarious since this was my house. But still, she was being intrusive to the point that I wanted to kick her out, and I would never do that because she was my mother.

“Now, you listen here, young man. You may be grown up, but I am still your mother?—”

“You’re still my mother and you’re acting like you have any control over my life.”

“I’m trying to make sure you’re happy.”

“By invading my privacy? By coming here uninvited and pushing your way into my business?”

Her lips pursed as she ducked her head. “I didn’t realize you didn’t want me here.”

Fuck, now I’d done it. “Mom?—”

She tossed down the rag she was holding and scurried toward her room.

“Mom—”

I hobbled over to her room and watched as she grabbed her bag and started packing her things. Tears streamed down her face as she sniffled, trying not to break down. I was such a shit son.

“Mom, please stop.”

“I didn’t mean to ruin everything. I just wanted to help.”

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