I check the time on my watch, annoyed that this conversation has dragged on for this long already.
“Because from what I hear, they’re not good people.”
I bark out a sardonic laugh, shaking my head. “Not good people?”
“Did you know her mom is in prison?”
Jaw clenched, I rub my eyes with my thumb and index finger. I like to think I’m a fairly patient person, but my mother manages to bring out my veryimpatient side every time. “Yes, I’m aware.”
“I hope you’re being careful.”
“Mom,” I grit out. “I’m seeing her.”
“Seeing her?” she parrots, her tone high, like she’s genuinely confused.
“Halle, the woman who’s staying with me. We’re… dating.”
That word, dating, doesn’t even come close to encompassing what we have. Though I’ve only known her for afew months, it was obvious right away that this connection was different. More. When you know, you know. That’s the saying, right? Maybe it would sound absurd to others, but I’d marry her tomorrow if I didn’t think it would scare her off.
“Caleb Henry Thorne. Surely, I didn’t hear you right.”
I grunt. “You heard me just fine, Mom.”
“Oh, good heavens.” I can imagine what she looks like right now, clutching her literal pearls. “You sure know how to pick them.”
She means it as an insult, but I’m not bothered by the implication.
“I do, thank you. I gotta go. This conversation isn’t getting us anywhere.”
“You’re such a disappointment at times. A smart, brilliant boy. Talented, a good job?—”
“You’re a disappointment too, Mom. Bye.” With that, I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket. My heart pounds, my blood pressure at an unhealthy level, I’m sure. For several minutes, I walk the halls, working the annoyance out of my system.
Though I’ve calmed quite a bit by the time I return to the waiting room, Halle studies my face, gaze narrowed, like she can see right through me. “Is everything okay?”
I scrub a hand over my stubbled jaw and drop into the chair beside her. “Just decompressing from a call from my dear ole mom. She’s got a talent for ruining my day.”
She takes my hand, her palm cool thanks to the blasting AC. I understand why they keep it so cold, but the temperature is damn near arctic during the winter months.
“I’m sorry.”
I lift a shoulder. “It’s just how she is.” It’s not an excuse, just a fact. “I’m used to it.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
No, I really don’t, but Halle should know. “I told her we’re together.”
Nose crinkling, she deflates a little. “I take it that didn’t go over well.”
“No.” I rub my free hand on my knee. “She… she doesn’t handle change well. Honestly, no woman could ever live up to her impossible standards, so when you finally meet her, please know that her judgment has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do withher.”
Her frown deepens. “I’m sorry it’s like that for you.”
“It could be worse.” It’s the same excuse I always use when it comes to the woman who raised me.
“Yeah,” Quinn snorts from Halle’s other side. “Your mom could be in prison.”
Halle giggles, and despite my best effort, I laugh too. His comment brings some much-needed levity to the situation.
