Page 16 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

“Maybe you should think of that the next time you call, Auden. You know that I won’t hide things from your daddy. He’s gearing up for a new campaign, and he doesn’t need bad publicity, even if you are all the way in Chicago. Don’t you ever think about your family? God, it’s a shame, letting some strange man into your home off the street and risking your son!”

I’m silently crying now, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing she’s hurt me, but each word from her lips is like another slash against my heart. Even if her words shouldn't matter, they do, and they cut so deeply. They make me second-guess myself.

Are they right? Did I do something wrong?

No, I’ve worked so hard to break their hold on me, to be the woman I am today.

“Mama, that isnottrue! He was my roommate, not a boyfriend or some strange man that I just picked off the sidewalk. You can’t actually believe that I would ever put Alex in an environment that wasn’t good for him. It hurts for you to say these things.”

Another bout of silence passes before she speaks again. “What’s the point of calling at all if you just planned to fight, Auden? Honestly, this is exhausting. I have an afternoon appointment at the charity gala today, and this conversation is stressful. Have a good day.”

Without another word, the line goes dead, and my hope goes with it.

I am royally screwed, and this conversation with Mama did nothing but make me feel even worse about myself. I should’ve known.

Standing from the curb, I try and dry my eyes. I’m sure mascara is running down my cheeks, so I head straight for the bathroom, trying to compose myself before walking back out to the bar.

Thirty minutes later, I’ve had to remake three drinks and dropped an entire bottle of top shelf liquor. I’m a mess, and my manager sees it.

“Auden, why don’t you go ahead and head home? You had a rough night last night, sweetie, go get some rest,” Lara says. Sympathy shines in her eyes, and while I appreciate it, I really need the hours.

“I…Is it possible for me to pick up any additional hours, Lara?” I ask quietly.

She walks closer and pulls me into a hug. “We can talk about it in a couple of days, Aud. I’ll have to check and see if I have anything open. Go home, rest, and try to reset. You need it.”

She’s right, but I’m still worried about missing hours.

“I’ll see if I can get you a double next week, okay? Go.”

With that, she shoos me out the door with my purse and bag in my hand. On the way home from work, I call the apartment manager and tell them about the locks, and the manager assures me that someone will be up within the next hour, and that we’ll be changing the passcode into the gates to prevent Jarrett from having access to the apartment again, which makes me feel slightly better.

As best as I can about the situation.

I wait for Alex at the front gate to get off the bus, and as soon as he sees me, his face lights up. My arms wrap around him, and I hold him tightly to me. He’s so tall now, his head reaches my shoulders, and sometimes, it feels like he’s the adult and I’m the child. He’s so wise beyond his age.

“You’re early today, and what’s up with the squishing, Mom?” His muffled voice comes from my chest.

“Can’t a mom just need a hug sometime? Missed you today, kid. I got off a little early, so I figured I’d meet you out here.” I grin, taking his backpack from him. Together, we walk through the building and to the elevator.

“I get it. Oh, guess what? My art teacher loved the drawing I submitted. She said it’s one of the best she’s seen so far this year. I can’t wait to tell Asher, he’s the one who encouraged me to turn it in, even though I was nervous that everyone would hate it. Have you talked to him?”

There’s a bright, hopeful look in his eyes, and I shake my head.

“Not since earlier. But…he is our neighbor, so you could just go over and tell him.”

“Oh yeah. I can’t believe he’s our neighbor. I didn’t even know after all this time. So cool.”

My phone rings in my back pocket, and when I pull it out, Elijah’s picture is on it.

I answer the FaceTime with a swipe, “Hey stranger, how’s Cabo?”

Elijah’s face comes into view, and I smile, a real one for the first time today. He’s looking so tan and happy that it makes me happy. He’s on his extended honeymoon with his brand-new husband and service has been spotty, so I haven’t had a chance to really talk to him. Not that I would even be bringing up what happened with Jarret because the last thing I want is for him to spend his honeymoon worrying about me.

Elijah is the first friend I ever made after coming to Chicago. He helped me find my job. He’s the reason I’ve been at the club for so long, and if anything, I owe him more than I can ever possibly repay.

“Incredible!” He squeals, turning the camera around to show me the sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. I’m insanely jealous, but even more happy for my best friend. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s him.

“I’m experiencing major FOMO right now, Eli! How’s Blake?”

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