Page 59 of Wild Mistake
“Oh.” I feel a little better knowing who and where he’ll be tonight. “That’s nice. I’m glad you’re hanging out together.”
“I’m gonna get a snack.” Parker turns to my mom. “Grandma, is that okay?”
“Of course.” She waves towards the door. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks!” Parker bounds off the chair and is gone with the slam of the screen door a second later.
“You hungry?” my mom asks Gabe. “Your leftovers are still in the fridge from last night.”
“Nah.” He pushes to his feet. “I’m gonna take a nap.”
Wait.He’s just going to take a nap.
“Why don’t you ride with me to Show Low? You always liked falling asleep in the car.” It’s been forever since we’ve had time just the two of us.
He looks as if I suggested he lick the bottom of a shoe. “Yeah, no thanks. It’s bad enough I have to sleep on a twin bed.” He eyes the trailer with disapproval. “And FYI, I won’t be home until late. There’s a party or something a bunch of people are going to.”
He’s going out? With people?That’s great news. It takes the sting away from his insolence.
“Who are you going out with?” I attempt to mask my excitement, but I do a poor job.
It’s a mistake. My interest shuts him down.
“Does it matter who?” He bristles.
“No.” I shake my head, backtracking. “I’m happy you are going out. I just want to know where in case there’s an emergency.”
Wrong again. His gaze is hard as it meets mine. “Whatever. I won’t go, then. Didn’t realize you don’t trust me enough to go to some lame party.”
“Gabe,” I admonish. “That’s not what I meant!” I call after him, but he’s already off the porch and halfway to our trailer. “Shit.”
“That one has a real attitude,” my mom says.
She’s right, but I refuse to acknowledge it. Not to her. “This isn’t easy for him.”
“Still.” She shakes her head and pushes to her feet. “He could use some boundaries. Or a smack upside the head.”
I am not hitting my child. Even when he’s acting like a dick.
“Any chance you want to ride to Show Low and back?” I ask my mom.
“Hell, no.” She scoffs, opening the door. “You know how my hip gets if I sit too long.” With that, she heads back inside the house.
Guess I’m driving to Show Low on my own.
I sigh, considering calling Aiden. He’d drive me. No question. But I’m not sure where exactly we stand. Not after last night. We hooked up. It was good.Really good. But what does that make us? Sure, I want him to make me come again. But if I reach out first what impression does that give?
My phone chirps from inside the pocket of my jacket.
I pull it out, hoping maybe it’s him.
It’s not.
Maeve: Book club reminder! We start drinking in an hour!
Maeve: Please tell me you’re coming!
I can’t even type a response before her next message comes through.
