Page 68 of Joyride
Sketch envelops her with his good arm, giving her as much of a bear hug as he can.
“It’s so good to have all my boys under the same roof again,” she says, pulling away from him. “Y’all need to come home more.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry, Ma. I have someone I’d like you to meet.” He moves to my side. “This is my girlfriend, Wren.”
“Oh, my goodness. Well, aren’t you a pretty thing.” She takes my hands in hers, looking me over. “It’s so nice to meet you, Wren.” She wraps me in a hug.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” I smile at her.
“You know, my Logan has never brought a girl home before.”
“Ma,” Sketch warns.
“Hush you,” she tells him. She turns back to me. “Would you like to help me get super started?”
“I’d love to,” I tell her.
“Stealin’ my woman.” Sketch shakes his head and gives us both a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll go catch up with the guys.”
We head into the kitchen while Sketch goes to the living room.
“I’ll let you peel and cut the potatoes while I get the meatloaf started,” Maggie says to me.
“You got it.” I gather everything I need to peel the potatoes and get started.
“So, how did you and Logan meet?”
“He’s actually my brother’s best friend,” I tell her.
“How does he feel about you two being together?”
“He thinks we’re perfect for each other.” I giggle. “Plus, he can’t really say much, because he’s dating my best friend.”
“I can tell by the way Logan looks at you that you’re the one for him. He looks at you the same way my Charlie used to look at me.” She smiles to herself. Maggie opens a package of hamburger. The smell makes my stomach churn.
“Are you okay, dear? You don’t look so well,” she tells me.
“I think I need some fresh air. Excuse me.” I walk back outside. Maggie follows me a couple minutes later.
“Pardon me for asking, but are you pregnant?”
I give her a terrified glance. “I-I’m not pregnant.”
“I don’t mean any offense, honey. I was pregnant once in my younger days— I lost the baby, but raw meat made me nauseous, too.”
It would explain a lot if I am. Could Zack have gotten me pregnant when he raped me? I need to get a testsoon.
“I’m sorry if I upset you.” Maggie pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Oh, no. You didn’t. I hadn’t given any thought to that being a possibility. If I am, it wasn’t planned by any means,” I admit.
“Everything happens for a reason. You stay out here, I’ll get you some 7UP, and I’ll get one of the boys to finish the potatoes.”
“Thank you, Ms. Maggie.”
“You can thank me by calling me Mama instead that Miss nonsense.” She laughs, walking back inside. As soon as I’m alone, I’m instantly overwhelmed with a flood of emotions. Sketch and I have had sex multiple times, so itcouldbe his. The only problem is, we’ve used protection every time. At least, Ithinkwe have. But when Zack raped me, he didn’t bother stopping for a condom. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes. The back door opens and someone walks out. I wipe at my eyes, fighting the tears.
“There you are. What are you doing out here,” Cheshire asks.
