Page 31 of Ever's Last
“I know. I just don’t want to see you hurt. He’s done it once.” I’m not sure what that means. I mean, we were never anything.
“I know.”
“No, there’s so much you don’t know,” my dad says.
“Vague. Tell me. What don’t I know?”
“Ask Memphis.”
There’s a look of anger and sadness in my dad’s eyes.
I look out the window and see Memphis talking to the sheriff. Wonder what that’s about.
He turns and gives me a small smile before leaving with the three women on his date.
I want him to hurry. I think it’s time to finally talk about that night. And I want that tea.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Memphis
Isaw Skye’s face the minute the sheriff pulled up. And yes, it’s time. Time for everything to come out. I just hope there isn’t much blowback. I told the sheriff that I would give my statement after I talked to Ever.
The girls ask questions on the way over about my family and my mother. I answer some and ignore others.
My mother is a spitfire. She doesn’t take anyone’s shit and she will tell you like it is. I leave that part out.
“Wow, she’s pretty,” Natalie remarks. My mom is gorgeous. Short, green eyes, and she’s curvy, as the guys would say. Some of the guys at the gym talk about trying to sleep with my mother, but I tune them out. If they tried to hit on her, she would carve them up for lunch. You don’t mess with Momma Bernie.
“Memphis.” My mom hugs me as soon as I exit the van.
“Mom, I’m sorry,” I say as she slaps me. I said she tells it how it is and it’s coming, the lecture. I’m about to hear all about myself and how I’ve disappointed her.
“That’s for losing touch with your roots. You were raised better, boy.”
“I know. I’m trying.”
“I know. Sal and I talked. And Shane. Beau wants you to call him before you leave town.” That’s about Skye, because that’s how we do.
“And who are these lovely women?” My mom knows how to turn up the charm.
“My dates for the day, Diana, Desiree, and Natalie.”
I’ve already talked to Diana and Desiree. They are the ones getting eliminated, and after I explained my plan to win Ever’s heart, they agreed. I was shocked but grateful.
The girls were polite and sweet. Natalie asked for a gallon of tea to take home with her. I appreciated how they treated my mom.
“Memphis, it’s time to let two of these women go,” Carlton interrupts the afternoon.
Both women nod at me and I say the two names. There’s no crying, no slapping. I give both of them hugs and tell them to leave their numbers so I can give them to potential clients. It pays to know people.
“Natalie, let’s go home.”
She smiles and slides into the van. As soon as the cameras are off, she lets loose on me.
“You have to get rid of that woman.” She’s talking about Skye. I really wish I knew what happened in five years that has made her so miserable.
“I know.”
