Total pages in book: 241
Estimated words: 234779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1174(@200wpm)___ 939(@250wpm)___ 783(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 234779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1174(@200wpm)___ 939(@250wpm)___ 783(@300wpm)
On the way home, Mom teases me about having a nicer car than her, but I can tell that whatever reservations she has about Hunter, she can’t deny that he must be pretty serious about me if he actually bought me a car.
I’m glad she’s feeling a little friendlier toward him, because I have to follow that up with the news that I’ve quit my job.
Her expression freezes. “You… quit your job? I thought you liked your job.”
“I did,” I say cautiously.
“Hunter didn’t?” she guesses.
“He suggested maybe I could work reception at the gym once it’s open,” I tell her.
Her facial expression doesn’t change.
“If I want to,” I add with less certainty. “I don’t have to work at all while I’m still in school. He said if I want to, I can just enjoy this last year at home with you.”
Mom sighs, looking like she knows what she’s about to say won’t be received well and she doesn’t want to say it, but she has to. “That’s really controlling behavior, Riley.”
“It’s not like that,” I tell her.
“If it looks like that and sounds like that…”
Conflict keeps my lips sealed shut for a moment longer than it should. I want to run to Hunter’s defense, but the only way to do that is to cast Sherlock in a villainous light once more.
I guess it doesn’t matter. Mom will never meet him. Hunter is the one I need her to like.
I’m still reluctant, but I chase the words out of my mouth. “He’s not without his reasons. Remember Sherlock?”
Her brow furrows slightly and she nods.
“Well, before everything happened with him, Hunter brought Sherlock up to the diner one night when I was working. I don’t think it’s a big deal, he’s probably being overprotective about it, but Hunter doesn’t like the idea of Sherlock knowing where I work. Where I close late at night sometimes. Where… he could maybe show up and get me alone.”
Mom’s frown deepens. “Should we be worried about this guy? Is he dangerous?”
“No. I don’t think so. I don’t even think it was necessary to stop working at the diner, it’s just something Hunter insisted on out of an abundance of caution.”
Mom is still frowning, so I keep talking.
“It’s not a jealousy thing,” I rush to assure her. “It is a safety thing, but Sherlock’s not dangerous. I mean, not really. It’s hard to explain. He’s slippery. I don’t know what it is about him, but he’ll have you doing things you’d never ordinarily do before you even realize it’s happening. He’s just… he’s tricky, and persuasive, and… when you’re with him, everything seems fine until it isn’t—then all of a sudden you’re in trouble, but you don’t even really know how you got there...”
Since I’m struggling with how to explain Sherlock, Mom interrupts. “I think I get it.” Her smile is a little pained, but she tries. “Hunter might be onto something. And you know what? I need to learn to butt out a little bit. You’re growing up, it’s up to you what you want your relationship with Hunter to look like. As long as you’re comfortable with it, you have my full support.”
Her words fill me with relief. “Thanks, Mom.”
This time when she smiles, it’s a little bittersweet, but no longer pained. “Anytime, kiddo.”
Chapter Fifty Nine
Riley
Before I know it, it’s Friday, and the week appears to be coming to a peaceful end.
Since Hunter has claimed my Friday nights for the foreseeable future, I pack a small bag and prepare for another relaxing, romantic night with him. I figure we’ll make dinner together, maybe dance in his kitchen while dinner cooks. Afterward, maybe we’ll watch a movie, or go to bed early and keep each other up half the night.
All of my lovely Friday night visions come to a crashing halt when Hunter informs me he’s having a party. A small one, he assures me, but he wants to have one last get-together while it’s still warm enough for a bonfire.
I don’t enjoy spending time with his friends, but since Valerie won’t be there, I suck it up.
One party won’t kill me.
Well, the last one nearly did, but I’m sure this one will be fine.
Until he tells me Sherlock is coming.
On one hand, I’m glad Hunter isn’t holding a grudge and they’re still friendly. I wouldn’t like to live in a world where they were enemies.
On the other hand… well, last time I was with both of them at a party, it was a pretty weird night for me.
I tell myself there’s no reason to be anxious about this one. I’m Hunter’s now, so he has no reason to act like a jealous idiot, and Sherlock has no reason to cause trouble.
I’m still a little worried about it.
When the dreaded night finally arrives, it’s weird for a lot of reasons.