Page 9 of Summer Nights

"The car broke down again."

I winced. "I hate to have to tell you but you’re going to have to get something newer.”

Mom rolled her eyes. "You know I can't afford a car right now."

"You want me to check the used lots for a good deal?"

Mom's shoulders dropped. "Can you see if they'll take the old one on a trade? I'd love to save some money."

I didn't have the heart to tell her no one would want the junker in the driveway that rarely ran. "I'll see what I can find."

Mom knew I wouldn't buy her a car or even give her money. I'd set that boundary early on. But I was good at working with people and negotiating, so I could finagle a deal for her. "You have any money for a down payment?"

Mom's lips pursed. "You know things have been tight."

"You're not seeing anyone?" I asked, knowing the drill. Sometimes she could get financial help from whomever she was seeing.

"Carl left last week. Said he couldn't live here anymore."

"You should be careful who you're bringing here to live with Duncan and Rae. They're getting older now."

Mom shrugged. "We're going to be fine. It's just tight between boyfriends. You know how it is."

It was a cycle I hoped would stop for my siblings, because I hated the roller coaster. Every once in a while, Mom had dated a guy who put food on the table and bought me new clothes. But more likely than not, he was an extra mouth to feed, and we were worse off. She was forever chasing a man who'd take care of her. But I didn't think those men existed.

My mind flashed to the moment when Cooper had asked if I was okay. It was a simple throwaway question, but I knew he meant it. I felt that concern deep in my soul. I couldn't let one man trick me into thinking I could have something more.

I took care of myself. I didn't need a man to do that for me. Especially not a Kingston.

"I'll see what I can find."

Mom reached over and squeezed my hand. "You're a good daughter."

"Thanks, Mom." I didn't feel like one when I refused to give her money. But she hadn't given me everything I needed growing up: love or support. She'd made her decisions, and I'd made mine. But I always ensured that Duncan and Rae were taken care of.

I walked into their shared room. They were getting older now and needed to have separate bedrooms. But I figured it was better for them to be together just in case Mom moved a bad guy in. I hated to think like that, but it was a reality when you dated around like she did.

"Ivy!" Rae cried when she saw me, jumping up from her bed.

I hugged her tight. "I missed you."

She smiled up at me. "It's only been a week."

Duncan hugged me, slightly more reluctant. I worried he wouldn't welcome hugs soon.

I sat on the end of Duncan's bed that was still rumpled from sleep. "How are things at school?"

"I'm in the play," Rae cried as she jumped on her bed.

"That's amazing, but no jumping on the bed," I said to her.

She landed with a flop on her butt.

"I'm graduating from elementary school," Duncan added.

I couldn't believe he was getting that old already. "Do you need money for the class trip or the end-of-year party?"

Duncan handed me the paperwork from his school folder.

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