“Morning, Sunshine,” Mom called from the living room as I passed to the kitchen.
“How did you let me drink so much, Mom?”
“You’re not my responsibility anymore. You’re a grown woman. Plus, you were with your friends having a wonderful time. No mothering was needed. I only made sure you got home.”
I pressed my palms into my eyes. “I regret everything.”
She came up behind me, pulled a mug down from the cupboard, and fixed me a cup of coffee exactly how I liked it. It was easy for her, considering I took my coffee just as she took hers. Two peas in a pod.
After my mom and dad divorced, she and I grew close. We were more like best friends than mother and daughter. She trusted me and was tough when needed, but most of the time, we always had each other’s backs. When I’d had my first sip of alcohol, she’d been the one to make sure I was okay. When I went through my first heartbreak, Mom got me out of bed in the morning.
“Want me to whip up some breakfast?” she asked, holding back the smirk that was so close to gracing her lips.
I grimaced, my stomach turning with the thought. “Naw. I’m good.”
We entered the living room, and after I made myself comfortable on the couch, I picked up my phone again and found another text.
Elijah
I’m going into the office. Don’t call now. I’ll talk to you later.
Why couldn’t he just be nice? There were more amicable ways to say something like that. Like tell me he was busy when I called. But no, he had to go and get all aggressive.
I shook my head and pulled up my message thread with Blake.
I’m up now. How much did we drink?
She responded almost immediately.
Blake
I wondered the same thing. I’m glad you’re up, though, because I’m on my way to you equipped with the nectar of the Gods.
“Hey, Mom,” I said with a laugh. “Blake’s coming over.”
“Okay, sweetie.”
Anxiously awaiting your arrival.
Good, because I’m here.
I jumped off the couch and greeted her as soon as she stepped onto the porch, throwing my arms around her.
“Can you at least let me walk into the house and set down our goodies before throwing yourself at me?”
“I prefer to keep you on your toes.” I grabbed one of the coffees in her hand and the Starbucks bag. “What else did you get?”
“Oh, the usual assortment of stuff. A cinnamon roll, blueberry muffin, strawberry cheesecake muffin, and a slice of marble loaf.”
“I see. Trying to butter me up so I spill all my secrets.”
Blake grinned. “Exactly.”
“It’s good to see you again, Blake. I sure do miss having you girls around the house.” My mom pulled her into a hug.
“I agree, Ms. Copeland. Let’s kidnap Cadence and never let her go back to Charleston.”
“Let’s talk about me like I’m not even here.” I crossed my arms over my chest, dramatically.
