Page 54 of Undeniable
“That was such an awesome game,” Bailey gushed for the tenth time.
Like during the pep rally, the atmosphere had crackled with electricity, and my heart had been in my throat the entire game.
“I can’t wait to meet Lucas,” Kaylee said excitedly as she held my hand.
When she’d heard Bailey and me discussing the game, Kaylee had begged us to come. She’d also overheard Bailey and I talking about Lucas, so I had no choice but to tell my sister that I actually liked a guy. “It’s about time,” she’d said.
I squeezed her hand. “You’ll like him.” I had no doubt she would be smitten with him. “I’m happy you came.”
She glanced up at me with wide brown eyes. “Me too. I think I want to be a cheerleader one day.”
Kaylee had been riveted to her seat the entire game. I was stoked to see her excited about something. I couldn’t remember the last time she and I did anything that had us smiling and cheering. In fact, we hardly did anything together, but I wanted to change that.
Kaylee tugged on my hand. “Your phone is ringing.”
I giggled. “I still can’t hear well after that game.” I fished my cell out of my back pocket to find the Lakemont County Jail’s name on my screen. “Bails, I need to take this. Kaylee, stay with Bailey. I’ll be right back.”
I walked toward the parking lot of vehicles as I accepted the call.
“Mazzie,” Mom said with excitement in her voice. “How are you, honey? How’s Kaylee?”
I found a quiet spot near a red SUV parked along the first row, facing the stadium. “Kaylee is good. I’m sorry we haven’t visited you. I got a new job, and with school, it’s been nuts.” My guilt came through loud and clear.
“I don’t want you and Kaylee to see me in here, especially your sister. I’ve put you girls through hell, and I can’t keep doing that. When I get out, things will be different, Mazzie.” Every inflection in her tone was confident and clear. Dare I say she sounded as though she’d had a wakeup call.
I wanted to believe her. I would like nothing more to have a mother who put Kaylee and me before herself. But I couldn’t count how many times she’d told me in life-changing situations that things would be different.
“Mom, you’ve given Kaylee and me false hopes for far too long.”
“I know my actions will speak the loudest. Anyway, I have some promising news. My lawyer, Brent Furlong, is talking to the DA’s office. He thinks that since this is my first offense and no one was hurt in the accident that he might be able to cut a deal where I won’t have to do any more jail time.” Hope weaved through her words.
Since the judge had denied her bail, I couldn’t wrap my head around a plea deal working to her advantage. But I couldn’t rain on her parade.
I watched the crowd in the distance grow. “What about Kaylee and CPS?”
“That’s the other reason I called.” She sighed. “Mr. Furlong is working with CPS. They might want to see Kaylee’s home environment, but as long as she’s with the Armstrongs, they won’t take her.”
Until I knew for sure that CPS would not become a problem for Kaylee, it was too soon to trust the government system. However, for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was the only one championing for Kaylee.
“That’s promising news,” I said.
Mom sniffled. “Please be patient with me. I want to be a better mother.”
I swallowed down my emotions, both the anger and the heartache. “There is nothing I would like more than for you to be a better mother.” I softened my tone. “Kaylee needs you, and I do too. But mean what you say. If the cards fall in your favor, then show us.”
“I promise that I will. One more thing, then I have to go. People are waiting for the phone. The rent is coming up. Before Nick left, he gave me money. It’s in my bedroom where I normally keep my cash.” She whispered the last line. “It won’t cover the total amount, but it’s close. Can you make sure we don’t miss the payment?”
Don’t I always? was on the tip of my tongue, but I decided I couldn’t keep being a witch to her. After all, she wasn’t drunk and seemed to be more clearheaded than ever before.
“Meyers, hurry up,” someone near her complained.
“I love you, Mazzie. Give Kaylee a hug and kiss for me.” Her voice hitched as she hung up.
That high I’d been on was completely gone. I returned to Bailey and Kaylee, who were standing along the outer perimeter of the fence.
“I’ll be right back,” Bailey said. “I see one of my study partners. I need to talk to her quickly.”
As she darted off, Kaylee craned her neck up at me. “What’s wrong? Was that about Mom?”
