Page 59 of Law Maker
We drank. Mom set her goblet down and gave me the same look she used to when I was little—the one that always saw through me. “How are you? I barely see you at home.”
“I’m okay. Training’s going great, in case you wanted to know.”
She twirled her glass, expression pensive. “Of course, I want to know. It hurts me that you think I don’t care.”
A sigh escaped me. “Mom, don’t pretend you like what I do.”
She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Fine. You know I never wanted this life for you. You could’ve gotten a degree and chosen something that doesn’t put your life in danger. But you’re an adult—I can’t make you quit.”
“Yeah, too late for that. Speaking of racing, do you remember Miguel?”
Her hand reached for her wine, then stilled. A frown pinched her lips. “Your father’s friend?”
“Yes. I’ve been trying to reach him, but he ignores my emails. Any idea why?”
She folded a corner of her napkin. “How should I know? And why would you reach out? It’s been years. I don’t even know where he is now.”
“I don’t either, but we used to be close. It’s strange he just vanished.”
The server set down our plates. Mom immediately forked into hers, as if eating fast enough would keep me from asking more questions.
“Don’t you think it’s odd someone so close to Dad wouldn’t even wonder how his family is doing?” I pressed.
She tucked her hair behind her ear with another shrug. “People change. Sometimes they just move on. Maybe it’s time you did too. Your dad would’ve wanted that.”
“Guess we’ll never know what he’d want.” I picked up my fork, appetite gone.
“Don’t get defensive,” Mom said, covering my free hand with hers. “Every mother wants her child happy, and you don’t seem to be. I worry about you.”
I stabbed my pasta. “Worry about Kaia instead. She needs it way more than me. I’m fine.”
“Kaia doesn’t let her father in, let alone me.” Mom sighed. “And Russell has tried everything.”
Everything but listening to her. Being there when she needed him. She was lonely, and nobody seemed to notice—or care. Russell focused on making money while my mother dedicated herself to making him happy. Neither of them thought about anyone outside their bubble.
“Everything?” I arched a brow. Denial ran strong with both her and Russell. “When was the last time he even talked to her?”
“Asher,” she said, sighing. “Don’t meddle. Russell is her father. He knows her better than anyone. Besides. . .”
Her hesitation set me on edge. “Besides what?”
“I’m glad you’re getting along, but taking her out and bringing her home late isn’t right. She should focus on her studies. It matters to her father.”
My grip tightened around the fork. She cared about Russell’s feelings, but not Kaia’s. If I was honest, she stopped caring about mine the day Dad died.
***
Lunch with my mother didn’t mend anything—it only made it worse. I hadn’t expected her to object to me spending time with Kaia, but she clearly didn’t like it.
That night in Kaia’s room had brought us closer. I still remembered the warmth of her body against mine when I hugged her on the floor, the pull I’d fought not to kiss her. But Ale was right—I couldn’t risk hurting her. That’s why I took his advice and spent the last few days studying the offer.
It was the best I’d ever gotten, but the thought of leaving made me sick.
All those worries still weighed on me as I parked my bike in a quiet residential street where Ethan was hosting my birthday party, just like he’d promised. I tried to muster something like excitement, though I still wasn’t convinced this was a good idea.
Several cars lined the driveway of his small ranch-style house. I rang the bell, and the moment Ethan opened the door, techno music and laughter spilled out.
“Welcome, champ.” He stepped aside, gesturing me in. “Everyone’s already here. We’ve been waiting for you.”
