by Layla Frost
I blinked quickly, fighting against my stinging eyes. My voice was quiet. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“You were successful. Especially when you started going out with friends, and then Kase. Seeing you happy and letting go took away some of my own guilt. It also made me realize I needed to do the same thing.”
“Of course, because I’m a genius like that.” Ignoring her dramatic eye roll, I looked out at Hadley digging like a dog in the sand with Boba. “Does Freckle Face know?”
Mom nodded. “I talked to her today. She was sworn to secrecy, which is why she barely said hello to you. Well, that and dogs, sandcastles, and toads are a lot more interesting than us.”
“What’s she think?”
“Surprisingly, she’s not heartbroken. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s gone for work so much already or maybe it hasn’t sunk it. She just shrugged and said, ‘His name didn’t even start with an H.’”
I couldn’t help but laugh. It was such a Hadley thing to say.
“Love you, sweet girl,” Mom said.
“Love you, too.”
A mischievous smile spread across her face. “I also love any future grandbabies that wanna call me Nana.”
Jolting up, I dashed for the house, yelling, “And I’d love another margarita with extra tequila and a crushed up birth control pill rim!”
*******
Pulling on one of Kase’s hoodies, I stepped out onto the deck, keeping the door open behind me on the off chance that Hadley woke up. I doubted she would.
Mom and I spent the afternoon talking. We moved on from the divorce conversation quickly. It wasn’t because she hadn’t wanted to talk about it, she just hadn’t needed to. She was sure and content in her decision. Instead, we’d focused on the house and what personal touches I could put on it.
I had no doubt she was filing the information away for future gift ideas.
While we chatted, Hadley and the dogs had worked to expend every bit of energy they had. Unsurprisingly, Chewy had been the first to fall, coming to spread out at my feet after only a short period of time. When Boba called it quits, I’d set Hadley up on the couch with some cartoons.
She’d crashed within minutes.
Mom had left shortly after, leaving Hadley here for a sleepover. I worried about her going home to an empty house, but it became clear that her time was going to be spent soaking in the tub, having a quiet dinner, and watching her shows. It wouldn’t be spent weeping in her Wheaties, drunk dialing David, or angrily burning his possessions.
She was sad, yes. But not heartbroken.
I was still worried.
Deep in thought, I hadn’t realized anyone was there until a strong arm wrapped around my waist. I stiffened before leaning back into the tall, hard body.
“You good, ipo?” Kase asked, his voice a low.
“Yeah, just didn’t know you were home. The dogs usually make more noise.”
He chuckled. “Hadley must have worn ‘em out. They barely even lifted their heads.” He pulled me tighter to him. “How’d it go?”
“Honestly, insanely good. Hadley isn’t upset, but she might not understand it. I’m not especially distraught about David, just concerned about Mom.”
“Then what’re you doing outside, staring out into the horizon like you’re posing for the cover of a Lifetime movie?”
Laughing, I covered his arms with mine. “Just enjoying the view. The sky looks clearer out here. Brighter stars, too.” I pointed to one.
Dipping his head, Kase trailed his lips up my neck. “That’s my favorite,” he whispered. Assuming he was teasing, I started to roll my eyes until he continued. “Every night when I’m heading home to you, I see that star and know I’m getting closer.”
Closing my eyes, I leaned back and felt more of the weight lifting off of me. “I love you.”
“I know.”
I grinned. “Thanks, Solo.”
“If you’re Leia, does that mean we’re doing the gold bikini fantasy?”
“That depends.”
“On?” Kase asked, unzipping the hoodie I wore.
“Do you think you can find it in your size?”
Burying his head in my neck, he burst out laughing. “Glad you’re okay, ipo.”
Tilting my head to the side, I looked back at him. “Do you think Mom’s just playing it off like it’s no biggie? Maybe she’s heartbroken but doesn’t want to freak me out. I worry she’s pushing herself and is going to have a flare up and—”
“Chill, ipo,” he said, his tone infuriatingly calm. It worked, though, cutting off my panic before it could bloom. “She’s bummed, but she’s solid in her decision.”
“Speaking of,” I started, twisting in his arms so I faced him. “How long have you known about said decision?”
“Not long.” He raised one shoulder in a shrug. “Last week when we were packing before you got there.”
My brows lowered in confusion. “Why’d she tell you first?”
“She needed help getting some of his stuff out. Plus, I really did paint Hadley’s toy room.”
“You got all that done in a few hours?”
“The guys helped. Changed the locks, rearranged some furniture, and got all his shit out onto the street in time for him to pick it up.”
“The locks?”
“Jake’s idea. He caught David throwing boxes around the garage when he was sorting through shit. It rubbed him wrong. You know how Jake is, it’s just a precaution.”
I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “You saw David?”
He nodded. “Now him? He’s taking it hard. Looked like hell as he packed up a small moving van. Worse after…”
“What?” I pushed, a sinking feeling in my gut.
“Uhh, Xavier, Eli, and Key may have given him the impression they were your ma’s new boy toys.”
I laughed and grimaced at the same time, not wanting to even joke about my mom and my friends. Or any guy, really. “How exactly did they give him that impression?”
“By saying they were her new live-in lovers.”
“Oh God,” I groaned, shuddering. “Please don’t say that word. Especially when referring to my mom.”
Kase worked to keep a straight face. “What word? You mean lovers? What’s wrong with the word lovers? Moist lovers.” He drew out the word, adding a brow wiggle.
“You’re literally the worst right now.”
“Even though I brought you home pizza?”
Putting my hands on his chest, I lifted on my tip toes and kissed his bearded jaw. “That depends on what kind.”
“Black olives, mushrooms, and onions.” I opened my mouth but he continued. “And, yeah, the red onions went on raw after the pizza cooked.”
My mouth watered. “Fine, you’re no longer the worst.”
Letting me go, he stepped aside so I could enter the kitchen. “Raw onions on pizza? Is there any food you eat normally?”
“Nope, not really. Weird tastes way better.”
“Don’t I know it,” he muttered.
“What was that?”
His smile was filled with amusement. “I said, I love you.”
Heading in to wake Hadley, I looked over my shoulder at him. “I know.”
*******
Kase
Kids were fuckin’ exhausting.
Extra strength hoover vacuum to my already limited energy supply, flat-out exhausting.
They were also fuckin’ awesome.
And though I wasn’t about to risk a Harlow freak-out by telling her, I couldn’t wait to have our own.
Hadley had woken up to eat pizza and was wide awake until after eleven when she’d crashed mid-sentence. It was obviously a family trait because Harlow was out less than a minute after her head hit the pillow.
I thought the late night would translate to sleeping in, but instead we were up at six.
Six.
On a Sunday.
After pancakes, a failed se
arch mission for toads, and Frisbee with the dogs, we were taking Hadley home.
But not before Harlow and I both got some needed caffeine.
Opening the door to the coffee shop, the smell of heaven greeted me. Okay, Harlow’s citrus scent and sweet pussy were the smell of heaven. But fresh ground beans were a close as fuck second.
I wonder if I can get a triple shot espresso IV drip.
“Joss!” Hadley squealed running toward where a stressed looking brunette sat alone at a table. “I mean, Miss Lennon.”
“It’s summer vacation, Hads. You can call me Joss again.”
“Yippee,” she cheered, throwing herself into the woman’s side.
Hugging Hadley closer, some of the tension eased off her face. She looked up at Harlow. “Hey, doll. Sorry I haven’t been back in touch.”
Harlow shook her head. “No worries.” Her eyes darted around the cluttered table stacked with job applications, help wanted ads, and realtor listings and laws. “How are things?” She scrunched up her blushing face. “Sorry, that was a stupid question.”
The brunette laughed. “No, you’re good. Most people avoid even asking. Things are good. Better than I thought they’d be, actually.” She tapped a stack of paper and sighed. “It’d be perfect if I could find a job that worked around my teaching schedule.”
“What do you know about cookies?” I blurted out, her startled eyes shooting to me. “Sorry.” I held out my hand. “Kase.”
Her smile was warm and friendly. “I figured,” she said, feeding my already ridiculous ego by letting me know Harlow had mentioned me. She took my outstretched hand. “Joss. I’m an old classmate of Harlow’s.”
“And my teacher last year!” Hadley put in, sitting down and making herself comfortable.
“Yeah, and that.” She smiled at Hads before returning her attention to me. “You were saying something about baking?”
I glanced at Harlow who gave a tiny nod, letting me know I wasn’t about to invite an ax murderer to breakfast. “Our friend owns a bakery and is hiring. The schedule is flexible, but pretty early.”
Hope filled her expression. “I can do early. Not like I sleep in as it is.” She swung her attention to Harlow. “What do you think?”
“Piper’s awesome and her bakery is always slammed, but her store hours are when you’re at school. Can you bake?”
Joss’ face started to fall, making me feel like a giant fuckin’ dick for offering her hope just to snatch it away. “I can follow recipes, but I can’t—”
“That’s perfect!” Harlow’s face lit up as she snatched a piece of paper and a pen. Scrawling quickly, she handed it to Joss. “Here’s the address. Go. I’ll text her that you’re on your way.”
Jumping up, Joss started packing before looking down at her jeans and tee. “Wait, I’m not really dressed for an interview.”
“You’re fine, trust me.”
Dropping a quick kiss to the top of Harlow’s head, I left them to chat while I ordered our coffees.
From what I remembered, Hadley’s teacher had been left high and dry by her fiancé.
Taking a sip of my black coffee, I looked back to where Harlow and Joss talked at speeds only they could comprehend. Excitement was clear on both of their faces.
Based on Joss’ attitude, I was willing to bet Pipe would hire her as soon as she walked through the door. And, based on her being pretty with the sweet-wholesome-teacher thing, I was also willing to bet her dickhole ex’s loss was about to be someone else’s gain.
My money was on Xavier.
Or maybe Eli.
Either way, shit was looking up all around.
I’m a genius.
*******
Harlow
My heels clicked on the kitchen floor as I paced back and forth, my phone pressed to my ear.
“How’d you know I was just thinking about you?” Kase asked when he answered, his gravelly tone letting me know exactly what kind of thoughts he’d been having.
My steps faltered, my own voice lowering to a rasp. “What about?”
“Things I’m not gonna get into at this sausage party. I’ll tell you later when I’ve got your hot as fuck dress around your waist, your long ass legs wrapped tight around me, and your sweet taste on my tongue.”
Reaching out, I clutched the edge of the counter in an effort to not melt to the ground in a pool of lust. Clearing my throat, I pushed away all of the naughty things I really wanted to say, and instead asked, “How’d you know I’m wearing a dress?”
“‘Cause I know you. Which means my dick and I have been tortured thinking about hot as fuck dresses and heels.”
I looked down at my blue, high-neck bandage dress. Ending well above my knees, it was so tight I could almost see my hardened nipples. Since it was also completely backless, ‘hot as fuck’ was an apt description.
My shiny black pumps had four inch heels, adding both to the length of my legs and the likelihood we weren’t going anywhere.
Maybe I’ll serve him dinner at the kitchen island tonight.
Oh yeah, and I’ve decided to start calling myself dinner.
“Harlow?”
“Hmm?” I mumbled, pulling my mind slightly out of the gutter.
“You called me.”
“Oh. Right.” Giving myself a firm shake, I grabbed my faux leather coat and pulled it on, wanting to keep the backless part of the dress a surprise.
As much as I wanted naked dinner time, I was hungry. And since Kase had gotten reservations at a steakhouse that I’d been food porn lusting over after seeing it on the cooking channel, I wasn’t about to taunt the beast.
Not until later, at least.
He chuckled, thankfully amused and not annoyed with me. “Why’d you call?”
“I’ve got good news.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m totally moved in.”
“Kinda noticed that a couple weeks ago when I moved you in. And isn’t that why we’re going out?” He paused for a second before continuing. “To celebrate the fact my arms are finally healed from lugging around all those giant ass purses.”
“Ha. Ha,” I deadpanned. “I’m saying I unpacked the last of the boxes today. Some stuff is in the attic, but other than that, I’m in.”
“No shit?” His happiness came through loud and clear.
“Not a box in sight.” I bounced on my toes, my booty shaking in a low-key version of a happy dance. “That’s not actually technically true, ‘cause the collapsed boxes are with the recycling. But you get the point.”
“Yeah, I get it.”
I resumed my pacing. “Anyway, that was all. I was too excited to wait.”
His voice was warm. “Glad you called. I’m going with Key to drop off a car then I’ll be on my way. See you in about an hour.”
“Drive safe. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“And I’m fond of you, too, Harlow!” Key yelled in the background.
Laughing as they bickered, I ended the call. I let the dogs out back, moving out of the way as they hauled ass. Watching from the doorway, I was goofing on my phone when it began ringing.
I growled my annoyance when nothing showed up on the screen. As I contemplated whether to answer it, the noise abruptly stopped, only to start again a few seconds later.
Giving in to my curiosity, I touched the screen. “Hello?” I heard nothing but dead air. “Hello?”
When no one responded I hung up, only for it to ring again a minute later.
I picked up. “Listen, dickmunch—”
“Harlow? Hey, can you hear me? It’s David.”
“Yeah, I’m here,” I said, keeping my response guarded. I was pretty sure things were amicable between him and Mom, but I had no clue why else he’d call.
“Sorry, I was having trouble getting the call to connect. I’m in a parking garage and…” There was a muffled break in the connection before I could hear him again. “It doesn’t matter. Mass Gen hospital, Harlow.” The s
tatic came through again. “Your mom.”
“What about her?” I frantically got the dogs inside and locked the door.
More static. Or maybe it was just the blood roaring in my ears.
His voice sounded muffled, other voices and traffic interfering. “They said you better come quick.”
“Who said that?” I asked even as I grabbed my bag and keys, already heading for the door. “What’s going on?”
The phone disconnected, leaving me with no answers and sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. My skin was covered in a layer of sweat, making me feel clammy. I gripped my keys with shaking fingers while I rushed to dial the phone with my other hand.
The call connected to Kase, but rang and rang. No longer able to wait, I climbed into my car and shot him a text.
Me: Something happened with Mom. On my way to the hospital. Call me.
Tossing my stuff on the seat, I started driving. My mind ran wild, wondering if she’d been hiding things from me. She’d seemed so good, but maybe she’d been pushing herself too hard, trying to force it out of the misplaced guilt she’d felt for me.
She’d had relapses. Her thigh and hip were basically always bruised, a side effect of jabbing herself with a needle.
There were weeks when she barely slept thanks to steroids. Even when she did her best to control the mood swings, she was on edge for fear of biting someone’s head off.
On the other side, there were times when all she could do was sleep, and even then she was exhausted.
But she’d been better.
Or so I thought.
“She’s okay,” I whispered to myself, banging the edge of my steering wheel as if that would magically make the other cars get the fuck out of my way. “Everything is okay, and she’s fine. She probably just had a little relapse. She’s healthy.” I repeated the affirmation in the silent car, the words sounding forced and hollow.