Page 29 of Make Me Trust Again
I can see her brain work, the sass fighting with the logical side of her that knows that I’m right, and this is her best option.
“Fine.”
The weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying on my shoulders loosens.
Her eyes narrow. “But I’m paying rent.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
ROSE
“I don’t understand why you need to go. You know that we love having you and Kyle here.”
Closing the trunk of my Range Rover, I turn to my parents, who are watching me with matching worried expressions.
“I know, Mom. And I genuinely appreciate all you’ve done for Kyle and me, but we need to continue living our lives, and that means finding our own place to live.”
“But it’s not like you’re buying your own house. You’ll be renting some kind ofcottagefrom the Williamses. Did you even see the place?”
The way she says cottage, you’d think we’re going to be living in a barn or some kind of shed.
“No, I didn’t see it, but Rebecca reassured me it’s fine. Better than the other place I’ve been looking at.”
“What if it’s in bad shape?” Mom insists, her brows pulling together in a deep scowl. “Not to mention the fact that the boy’s been hiding in his house since he moved back home. I’ve seen him around town a handful of times in the last couple of years, always scowling and walking with that beast.” She shakes herhead, her lips twist in a frown. “He’s troubled; I’m telling you. I’m not sure that’s the right environment for Kyle.”
I want to laugh. Only my mother would refer to Chase Williams as aboy.There isn’t anything boyish about him. There never has been. Even when we were kids, he was too big, so much older than his age.
“Harriet…” Dad wraps his arm around her and pulls her into his side, but she glares at him over her shoulder.
“You know I’m right, Jamie. And, you never know, maybe she and John will manage to get over their differences and get back tog?—”
I bite back a groan.
“John and I aren’t getting back together, Mom.” I stop her before she can even finish.
I don’t want to give her any hope that that’s a possibility. Not that she believes me when I say it, but I’m determined to repeat it as many times as necessary. One day, it might actually stick. I hope that me taking this step will prompt it because I’m tired of repeating myself.
“You can’t know that for sure, Rose. If you actually gave him a shot…”
I sigh in defeat. Or maybe not.
“I’m not getting into this discussion again, Mom. John and I are done; I really hope you realize that and soon. I need to go; I want us settled in today because tomorrow we have a full day of work in front of us.”
“Fine, but you have to come to dinner this weekend.”
The dinner she invited John to. Yeah, I think not.
“We’ll see how everything goes.”
She opens her mouth, and I can see the protest on the tip of her tongue, but before she can say anything, I pull her into my arms. “I love you, Mom.”
It takes her a few seconds, but finally, she relaxes and returns my embrace. “I love you, too, baby. I’m just worried and want you happy.”
“I know that.”
And I do. I truly believe that she wants what’s best for me, and that’s the only reason I’m still here, making an effort.
“Are you still down for watching Kyle on the days I work over the summer break?” I ask, taking a step back.
