Page 91 of Never and Always
Something inside me warmed. “Okay, maybe you did.” Not when I’d slipped on the floor, but he’d certainly saved me since.
When I glanced over, I saw Gram and Mom were lapping this up, hope in their eyes. Unease prickled at me. I didn’t want them to get the wrong idea. I cleared my throat and nudged Everett. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to see the back of me when I finally finish up at the Langston Windward.”
His smile flattened. “I guess.”
Mom and Gram’s smiles disappeared.
“I’d better clear up.” Mom rose and started stacking dirty plates.
I started to rise as well. “I’ll help.”
“No, Piper. You keep Gram and Everett company.” She bustled around and then into the kitchen.
Finally, Mom returned with a plate of cookies. “I didn’t have time to make dessert, so we’ll have to make do with store-bought cookies. I’ll just go and get Mom’s tea.” She headed back to the kitchen.
That’s when Everett leaned in. He lowered his voice. “You need to tell them about Chance.”
“No.” I tried to keep my voice down. Gram’s eyes were closed and she looked relaxed. “Gram just got out of the hospital.”
“What if he turns up here? That would be a bigger shock. And we both know it will be even worse if Rocha’s men come sniffing around.”
I felt the color slide from my cheeks.
“Babe.” He tucked some of my hair behind my ear. “They deserve to know.”
“Piper Marie, what’s going on?”
Mom’s voice was sharp. Her gaze locked on me as she walked back into the room holding a cup of tea. Gram’s eyes were open now and she was watching me.
“Piper?” Mom prompted, setting the cup down.
“It’s about your son,” Everett said.
I shot him a dirty look.
“What about Chance?” My mom dropped heavily into a chair. “He hasn’t been answering any of my messages.”
“I’m handling it,” I told them. “I don’t want you or Gram to worry.”
“Piper, I’m an adult,” my mom said.
“And so am I,” Gram added tartly.
“Gram doesn’t need the stress. Neither of you do.”
My mom leaned over and cupped my cheek. “My lovely girl, I leaned on you far too much when you were younger. You were always so responsible. Too responsible. And you work too hard.”
“Mom…”
“Tell me.”
I let out a breath. “He’s in debt. Gambling debt.”
Neither of them looked shocked. Mom sat back in her hair, and Gram looked disappointed.
“Big debt, Mom. Something he can’t hustle his way out of. And some not-so-nice guys are after him.”
“Lord.” Gram shook her head. “That boy.”
