Page 70 of The Other Side of Green

Frowning, he opened it up and peered inside.

“The Lennox family have done enough damage to you, and I’m sorry.”

He peered at the rust-colored bloodstained hoodie.

“Whatever happens, and whatever Luca’s motives in all of this, at least you’ve now got this.”

He nodded, his throat bobbing and then silently, he turned for the window. “Tomorrow.”

I nodded. “Tomorrow.”

I wanted to tell him I’d love him no matter what we found out, but how could I? Instead, I watched him leave the same way he always had, but this time there wasn’t a glimmer of hope in my heart.

After he’d left, I began to pack up my belongings. This house was no longer my home. I pushed Grams’ box safely to the bottom of my duffel and promised I’d look at it soon. Today had been too raw to bring in any more heartache.

Once I’d done, I rang Luca and waited for him to answer. “Can I come to stay?”

Chapter Seventeen

Jack

“Where’ve you been? Your friends went back to the hotel.”

“Sorry, Mom.” Absentmindedly, I flung the plastic packet on the kitchen counter and gathered her into my arms. “It’s been a hell of a day.”

“What happened between you and Luca at the wake?”

“Oh, you know.”

“Well, no, because you don’t tell me anything.”

“Mom, did Dad used to cheat on you?”

Her face fell, draining of color to a pale washed ivory. “What makes you ask that?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I know he always used to treat us like hell—me especially—but I think it never crossed my mind he’d do that too.”

Mom’s eyes filled with tears. “Jack, I’m so sorry for what you went through.”

“It’s not your fault,” I grasped her hand, slipping my fingers around her wrist. “It’s all on him.”

Her cheeks stained with dots of pink, but I left it. Talking about the past would never be easy, not after what we’d survived.

And we had survived. Me by brokering and making deals, Mom by starting again and giving life a real shot.

I wouldn’t shatter her new start unless I had cold, hard facts.

Gently, I let go of her hand. “Is there any dinner left?”

“Sure. I saved you and Phillipe some food, although I think your friend Evan was keen to eat it all.”

Chuckling, I nodded. “He’s a beast.”

“How did you guys meet? He seems like a good guy. Did you meet at college?” Her eyes shone. “I still can’t believe my baby got to go to college, I’m so proud of you.”

I glowed a little under her pleasure, but then remembered how I’d got there, all those stupid games I’d played with the Collins’. I was under no misconception they were done with me yet.

First things first though. Lyra. Then Boston and whatever hell waited for me there.