Page 68 of Make Me Trust Again
We both know the drill on how to handle Mom the best when she gets like this. I listen to her chat away as we enter the living room. The nurses spot us immediately. The older one nods at me, following behind me as I lead Mom to her room and put her to bed.
“You should try and get some rest.”
“I am tired,” Mom agrees, her slender fingers wrapping around mine. “Will you be here when I wake up?”
“Of course,” I lie. “Now sleep. It will all be okay.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ROSE
The doorbell rings, and I can feel my stomach roll with nerves as the sound echoes inside the small space. Sucking in a long breath, I place the folded shirt onto the couch and push down the bile that’s rising up my throat, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
You can do this, Rose.You need to do this. For Kyle.
I peek into his room, but his back is to me, so I flick the light switch a few times, drawing his attention just as the doorbell rings once again.
Kyle looks over his shoulder, all serious, a look of uncertainty on his face.
Although I don’t feel it, I force down my own nerves and plaster a smile on my face.“Your dad is here. Gr?—”
Another chime of the doorbell.
“Is he serious right now?” I mutter under my breath as I look over my shoulder and yell, “I’m coming!” I shift my attention back to Kyle.“Time to go.”
Sullenly, he grabs his backpack and slides it onto his shoulder. I place my hand on his back as we make our way to the front door, just as there isanotherring of the doorbell.
“Is that really necessary?” I hiss through gritted teeth as I pull open the door and come face to face with my ex, who’s flashing me a smug grin.
“I didn’t know if you changed your mind. Maybe decided to go back on our agreement?”
And have him use that to take Kyle away from me? I think not.
“My car is right there.”
“I didn’t see it.”
Yeah, right.
John’s eyes narrow. “No guard dog today?”
I press my lips into a tight line.
Don’t take his bait. He’s just trying to get a reaction out of you. Don’t fall to his level.
I chant those words in my mind as I crouch down in front of Kyle, who’s intently watching our interaction.
A strand of hair falls onto his face, so I push it back.
“Do you have everything you need?”
Kyle nods, his gaze darting over my shoulder for a moment.Do I have to go?
The question, the uneasiness on his face, feels like a kick to the gut. I hate this. I hate that I have to send my son to his father, who makes him uncomfortable. I hate the fact that being with John unsettled him. A son shouldn’t have to be worried about spending time with his dad, for God’s sake!
But this isn’t about me, is it? This is about Kyle, so I swallow hard and force out a smile.Yes. You’ll get to hang out with your dad. That will be fun.
Kyle’s lips press into a tight line.But he never hung out with me before.
