Page 34 of Four Money (Ever and Always 1)

Holly battled the odd resentment that flashed through her heart. Mom was doing absolutely fine without her around to hover and fuss.

Maybe Holly wasn’t quite as needed as she’d thought.

That should be great news, but it was hard to imagine what she might be if she wasn’t the caretaker she’d considered herself the past few years.

There were too many things racing through her head, making her wonder where her place was in the world and what she was doing with her life. What would she be if the people she thought needed her—her mom and now Trent—didn’t have a use for her anymore?

Nothing.

No one.

As she watched the two people she was closest to aside from Kari and Andi enjoying a good meal together, she got more and more on edge. Which was probably why she didn’t handle it well when the pleasantries were concluded and the conversation turned more serious.

“You know, I was really worried when Holly told me what she’d done.” Her mom smiled ruefully at them both, as if they were a real couple who’d eloped instead of co-conspirators.

“I can understand that. But we both needed something and this was the best way to get it. I promise I’m not trying to take advantage of her or anything like that.” Trent frowned, as if he was regretting that last scoop of spaghetti. Was it the food or the topic giving him heartburn?

“I can see that.” Holly’s mom grinned at him.

“Please don’t think that makes me some kind of saint or something.” Trent’s denial seemed harsh compared to the rest of their discussion. Holly knew he was thinking of his roommates and what he enjoyed doing with them. Sharing with them. She crossed her legs. “I’m not. Hell, my own father couldn’t even love me.”

“People are flawed, Trent.” Holly’s mom patted his hand. “No one’s perfect, and some less so than others. I’m sorry your dad didn’t appreciate what he had in you. I’ll never make that same mistake. I hope you know, daughter, how much you mean to me. That you would even consider doing this for me, although I was angry and scared at first, means the world. I love you.”

Holly blinked back tears as she took Mom’s other hand in hers. The three of them were linked, joined by her mother. “I love you too.”

Trent stood up abruptly, making his chair scrape on the crappy linoleum. “You know, I think I should go.”

“That’s not necessary.” Holly’s mom turned toward him, but he was already rinsing his plate and putting it in the dishwasher.

“Mrs. Hendricks, it was a pleasure to meet you, but, as usual, your daughter was right. I don’t want to spoil the time you have together, since I realize I’ve cut that short lately while we’ve been working on my project.” He turned toward Holly. “You stay. I’m going to review the engineer’s report that came back today. I’ll see you later, unless you plan to spend the night here.”

“I hadn’t, no.” Holly glanced away because it would hurt too much if she realized he was bored of her already. Completely spooked by her mom picking up on the hints of something that could be real between them. “But maybe I should.”

“Whatever you think is best.” Trent gave her a loose, one-armed hug, then kissed her cheek. “See you…soon, I guess. Goodnight, ladies. Come on, Moose. We’re going home.”

When the dog refused to budge from Holly’s mom’s side, Trent growled, in a tone she’d never heard from him before. “Now, Moose. We have to leave.”

The dog got to his feet slowly and licked Mom’s hand one last time before trotting to his owner’s side, shooting a backward glance at Holly as if to ask why she wasn’t coming too.

Before she could convince herself to go with them, Trent left, without even asking if she’d like to join him instead. Holly braced herself on the back of her chair, trying not to collapse after he’d yanked the rug out from under whatever was blossoming between them.

“Holly…”

“Yeah, Mom?” She really wasn’t in the mood to be criticized or to hearI told you so. Especially not after Trent had unwittingly stomped on her heart.

“He’s a good guy. You were smart to trust him and to do this. For me. And for us.” Mom folded her napkin neatly and laid it on her plate. “Thank you, honey. Now go catch up to him and his adorable dog before he gets too far away. I don’t want you walking all the way to his house alone in the dark and we both know you’re not staying here. You need to be there to figure out whatever just went sideways between you.”

“Don’t worry, Mom.” Holly sighed. “I won’t do anything to put your kidney transplant at risk.”

Her mother reached out, faster than Holly thought her capable of, and lightly swatted her butt as if she were still five.

“Holly Faith Hendricks, you know a damn kidney doesn’t mean anything compared to you. That man could make you happy, for many, many years, long after I’m gone.” Her mother glared at her. “So don’t screw this up…not for my benefit, but for yours. Stop him. Tell him that you care for him, flaws and all, and not for his money.”

“Mom, it hasn’t been very long. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Of course it is!” Her mother starting to rise even though it made her wheeze.

“Okay, I’m going.” Holly pressed her back, adjusting the pillow behind her like she liked it. “Calm down, please. I’ll take care of this. Don’t worry.”

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