Page 103 of Finding Us
I’m such an amateur.I didn’t even think about how I was going to transport everything home.
“We came on my bike.”
Connor rolls his eyes. “Lucky Jacinta and I brought our cars.”
When everything is loaded, I shake Connor’s hand and thank him before he climbs in his vehicle. Jacinta gives Blake a hug, telling him she’ll see him on Monday. I’d like a hug too, but I’m pretty sure I’m not going to get one.
“Thank you for everything you did today, you made a little boy very happy,” I say. “I owe you big time for this.”
“You owe me nothing,” she replies, raising her chin. That movement always follows with sass, and she doesn’t disappoint. “I did it for Blake, not you.”
To anyone else those words would sound harsh … nasty even, but her fight—as opposed to her silence—actually gives me hope. This back-and-forth has always been like foreplay for us. I arch an eyebrow, rubbing my hands together.
Bring it on, Red.
The thrill of the chase will be worth it in the end, and when I get her in my bed again, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her there this time.
Chapter28
Jacinta
I’m a bundle of nerves when Monday morning rolls around. Instead of going to Mason’s apartment to collect Blake for school, he’s going to bring him here on his way to work.
Apart from a quick text last night, saying he’ll be dropping him off around 7.30 am, I haven’t heard from Mason since we left Timezone, which I’m thankful for. Avoidance is best. Saturday was so hard, and if it wasn’t for Blake, I would’ve ditched the party altogether. Being around Mason, or having any kind of contact with him, while I’m trying to unpack all these feelings swirling around inside hasn’t helped. It’s only confused me more.
Do I miss him with every fibre of my being? Absolutely. Am I able to move past his violent outburst? I’m not so sure. It goes against everything I believe in. I know he hit the wall and not me, but it was a side of him I’d never seen before. A side I didn’t like one bit. That one action transported me back to my old life, growing up with my abusive father—a place I swore I’d never find myself again.
Did my father start off this way before progressing? I have no clue. It’s a topic I doubt I’ll ever broach with my mum. She’s happy in her new life, so drudging up her past and forcing her to relive that nightmare is something I don’t want for her … for either of us.
I feel like I’m at a crossroads. Do I trust that this is as far as he’ll ever take it? Or do I run like hell while I still have the chance? Either way, it’s a decision I don’t intend to take lightly.
After brushing my teeth, I run my fingers through my hair. I left it down today. The scratches on my face have now scabbed over, and the sight of them makes me sick to my stomach. It’s a reminder of everything that went wrong that day. The domino effect that led me to where I am now.
Rummaging through my make-up bag, I take out my mascara and lip gloss. I don’t bother with foundation; it doesn’t cover the marks on my face very well anyway. I don’t need to worry about being interrogated by the parents at school this morning, because that already happened at the party.
My stomach churns when the knock on the door finally comes. Connor has already left; he has court today and needed to leave early. If he was here, I’d ask him to answer it. I know that’s the coward’s way, but I feel weak around Mason and too easily drawn in by his good looks and charisma. Even though I’m seriously contemplating walking away, he still makes me feel giddy inside whenever I see him.
Hence why my bitchy side keeps rearing its ugly head … she’s my defensive armour. It’s always worked as a deterrent in the past, but not with Wolf and his beasty tendencies. It’s almost like that side of me is an aphrodisiac for him.
I run my shaky hands down the front of my tights as I approach the door, sucking in a deep breath as I reach for the knob. The moment I open it, Blake jumps forward, wrapping his arms around my middle, but my focus is on his dad. Our eyes are locked, and those all too familiar butterflies in my stomach—that only he can bring—take flight. It’s funny what a difference a few days can make. This time last week I would’ve been leaping into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world, but now, I’m not sure how to act around him.
“Hey,” he utters with a look that says so much.I miss you … please come back to me … I’m sorry.It’s enough to cause a lump in my throat.
Be strong, Jacinta,I remind myself. “Has he eaten? Do I need to pack a lunch for him?”
He exhales a long breath, and the sadness that washes over him hurts my heart. “No. He’s eaten, and I’ve packed his lunch. The girls at Bridge made him some sandwiches last night.”
“Okay. We’ll be coming straight back here after school, so you don’t need to worry.”
His lips thin. “I’m not worried, Red. I know you’ll look after him.”
Blake’s arms are still wrapped around me. “Say goodbye to your dad.”
This whole situation feels awkward and bizarre … like we share custody and we’re doing a weird and uncomfortable swap over.
“Bye, Dad.”
It’s only then that Mason’s attention is torn away from me. “Bye, buddy,” he says, forcing out a smile. “I’ll see you tonight.”
