Page 96 of Games We Play
God! Did Leah really have to deal with this? Karlie meant well, but she was a teenager. The fuck did she know about serious, adult relationships? The girl barely dated. Somehow, she ended up being the first Vaughn woman to make it to high school still a virgin. A great relief to Janet and Leah, but still a miracle, given how their personalities tended to go.
“There was nothing to talk about. You have to know when to cut toxic people out, okay? I listened to my instincts when they told me to run.”
“Uh huh.”
“Look, you’re being idealistic, there’s nothing about Sloan that…”
“She bought you a freakin’ bakery, Leah!” Karlie’s arms flailed above her head. As her hair gradually dried, curls returned, bouncing against her elbows and shoulders. “Right here in this neighborhood! It was like she didn’t want you to have to leave your stupid comfort zone! Besides!” Those reddened cheeks looked so much like Leah’s when she had enough. “I’m going to college next year. What are you waiting for? I’m not here for you to watch over anymore. Do something with your freakin’ life!”
Leah couldn’t help but giggle. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m coming up with excuses to ignore the next phase of my life.”
“I don’t know what she did to piss you off so much, but could you at least talk to her? I understand if she’s so ‘toxic’ that you don’t want her money near your business, but I bet you a million bucks that she’s still got it bad for you.”
“What makes you think that? Don’t say because she bought me a bakery.”
“Because I saw her today. She came by here to talk to Mom when you were at work. She looked like she wanted tokillMom when she started going on about how irresponsible you are. Nobody who is indifferent about you would dare go up against Mom if it came down to it.”
Leah considered her next words carefully. She had to, now that it was confirmed that Sloan had stopped by the Vaughn household. “There are people in this world you have to watch out for, because they look like they can give you everything you’ve ever wanted, but you have to keep in mind what it isyouwant.” She hadn’t intended for her relationship with Sloan to be a morality tale for her daughter, but here they were. That was the lot of Leah’s life. “I was swayed by Margaret because of what she represented. In the end, though, some things are best left to fantasy. Especially when you have responsibilities at home to keep in mind.”
“You mean me…”
“Ever since you were born, all I’ve wanted was to give you a good life. That’s what every mother wants. Staying close to home wasn’t simply a way to save money, you know. I wanted to be there for you, even if you only knew me as your big sister.”
“You don’t have to do that now. I’m an adult, like you.”
You have no idea what being an adult is.Being an adult meant making tough decisions that might mean more heartbreak, but were still better than the alternative. The safer bet. The best way to protect the ones somebody loved. “I’m never going to stop being your mother deep down. I’m always going to worry, and I’m always going to want to spoil you.”
“Bet you could spoil me better if you dated a billionaire.”
“Whose side are you on, exactly?”
“Yours, if you can believe it.” Karlie rolled back on her crossed legs. Her shirt-dress rolled up her torso. Sometimes, Leah truly could not believe that her little, adolescent body could create a grown girl like Karlie.I used to count her toes and play with the little hairs on her head.It was the only way to make sure she came out right. Leah had already fucked up so much in her own life. She wouldn’t have been able to live with herself if Karlie came out wrong. “C’mon, Leah. You should give her another chance.”
Leah finished her tea and handed it back to her daughter. “I need to get some sleep. Thanks for the tea, sunshine. Maybe I didn’t totally screw you up, after all.”
Karlie left with a kiss to her cheek and a huff in her throat.
Leah turned off her light and lay back, hoping that the warm tea would lead her to the world of dreams. Instead, she stared at the blackened space before her, remembering the hotter nights with Sloan… and that time they looked at old Instagram photos of coquettishly decorated pastries.Valentine’s Day.When Leah had never been more excited. How quickly things dismantled after that.
She’s getting a divorce… is she doing that for me?No, Sloan wasn’t the type of person to change her life for other people. More likely, she realized it was time to move on. Like Leah needed to move on with her life.
A new job… a new love…
Her phone was in her hand before she realized what she was doing. The number was dialed. The screen lit up and announced it was making the connection.
“Good evening, Leah.”
She froze beneath her covers, though her body warmed to hear that sensual side to Sloan’s voice. “I didn’t wake you, did I?” Where was she? Still in Portland? Staying in the hotel room where they first spent the night together?
“No. I just got back and was settling in.”
“In Chicago?”
“Yes. Although this won’t be my home for much longer, I think. I’m looking to rent a separate apartment while the divorce finishes up.” Sloan sucked in her breath. “Anyway, enough about me. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Leah ran her fingers through her tangling hair. “I wanted to talk to you about the bakery thing.”
“Oh? Did you change your mind?”
