Page 59 of Cold As Ice

“It’s fine. Like I said, I’ll figure it out.”

From Mom’s tone, it was apparent they had already made their decision.

He gave me an apologetic smile before coming to kiss my cheek. “If it wasn’t Derek and Marie—”

“It’s fine, Dad. You deserve a break.” I backed away and wrapped my arms around my chest, waiting for them to leave.

Mom didn’t comment, but then I didn’t expect her to.

“Thanks for watching Immy tonight,” I said, filling the awkward silence.

“Good night.” She gave me a cursory smile, and I hated it—the icy void between us.

She loved me and Imogen. I didn’t doubt that. But she had never forgiven me for messing up my life in the name of young love.

“Night, Dad. Mom.”

“Night, sweetheart.” Dad held the door, and she slipped out. “If you need some money to cover—”

“I got it, Dad. It’s fine.”

“You don’t always need to be so self-sufficient, you know. It’s okay to lean on your old man every once in a while.”

“Thanks, Dad. You should probably go before she comes looking for you.”

“Your mother loves you, Madison. I know she doesn’t always—”

“Greg?” Her voice drifted down the hall.

“Go,” I said, ushering him out of my apartment. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He gave me a kiss on the cheek and hurried out after my mother. I closed the door and slid the chain into place, letting out a heavy sigh.

Tonight had been… Well, it had been mightily confusing.

I hadn’t expected Austin to show up. And I definitely hadn’t expected him to want to make amends.

It didn’t make any sense.

He’d learned the truth.

He knew I couldn’t keep up with anything more than casual.

Yet, he’d still insisted on getting me to agree to see him again.

Friends.

Did he really want to be just friends?

Frustrated with myself, Austin, and my parents, I padded down the hall and checked in on Imogen. She was fast asleep, clutching Mr. Hopsy like her little life depended on it.

Pulling her door closed, I headed into my room and stripped out of my dirty uniform. I snatched my oversized t-shirt off the back of the chair and yanked it on, before loosening my hair out of its messy bun.

Usually, I showered after a shift at the bar, but I was tired and cranky, and I just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep.

But the second I was comfortable, my cell bleeped.

Austin: I just got home.

---