Page 65 of The Infiniteness of Yesterday
“I understand,” she says, grabbing the cookies that are already done and setting the baggy on top of the lasagna, so I won’t leave without it. “But I can’t help but want to make sure you’re okay. I don’t want you to burn out. You’ve had to take on so much responsibility at such a young age.” She grabs a piece of my hair and loops it around her finger. “You’ve done far better than we could’ve ever hoped or dreamed, but sweetie, just remember your dad and I are always here. We’re always going to be your safe place to fall, okay? Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”
Tears prick my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Come here.” She pulls me into her arms and squeezes me tight.
I don’t care how old you are—nothing beats a hug from your mom.
“Thanks for this,” I say once she lets me go and I grab up the food. “I won’t have to cook tomorrow.”
“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself, sweetie. Please?”
“I will,” I promise.
“Come on, Roe. We gotta go,” I holler out for my little gremlin. “Get your shoes on.”
It takes another fifteen minutes to get in the car, because of course it does. I’m not sure how parents with multiple kids do it, because one is hard enough to corral.
We make it to the apartment at the same time as Jameson. He hops out of his car and leans against the side. His dress shirt is slightly wrinkled, and his hair is mussed like he’s tugged on the wavy strands relentlessly today.
“Jae!” Roe cries, undoing her belt and hopping out of her seat. She’s already talking his ear off by the time I extract myself from the car.
He smiles my way and my heart squeezes.
I gather up my bag and the food from my mom, but almost immediately it’s plucked from my hands.
“Hi.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips. “You look tired.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Just what every girlfriend wants to hear.”
He takes my hand, and I take Roe’s as we make our way to the stairs up to the apartment.
“My mom made lasagna if you want any,” I say once we’re in the apartment and he sets down the dish. “I’m going to go shower if that’s okay with you. I’m not feeling too great.”
He frowns in concern. His cool hand touches my forehead, and I nearly sink into his touch in relief. “You’re warm.”
“I’m just tired is all,” I argue. “Once I shower, I’ll feel better. I have to work on my paper.”
Concern brackets his mouth. “I think you should take Tylenol or something.”
“I’ll be fine,” I mumble. “You’ll see.”
CHAPTER 20
HARLOW
Igroan as I wake, my body achy and chilled. I startle when I find Jameson looking down at me.
“You’re not fine.”
Another groan leaves me in response. “Why are you still dressed? You haven’t come to bed?”
He plants his hands on his hips. “It’s morning.”
I shiver. “Oh.”
“I called Spencer,” he goes on. “I don’t have time to take Roe to school so he’s coming to get her.”
I try to sit up and shove the covers back, but I don’t have the strength. Jae gives a gentle push to my shoulders and pulls my quilt back up to my shoulders.
