“But you shouldn’t have to.”
I shrug again. “It is what it is.” Wanting to steer the conversation in a different direction I say, “Tell me about Justin.”
“Ooh, yes. Tell us about Justin,” Savannah adds, waggling her eyebrows suggestively and pulling a grateful laugh from me.
Thankfully, Bella takes the bait and dives into detail about her date with Justin and as the wine finally starts to work its magic, I feel myself relaxfor the first time all day.
CHAPTER 21
KILLIAN
Mabel Fairhope eyes me strangely as she rings up my groceries. With every beep of the scanner, her eyes pop back to mine.
Narrowing my gaze, I say, “Out with it.”
Her eyes widen, mouth opening and closing in surprise.
“I know there’s something you wanna say, Mrs Fairhope.”
“Your mama was in here a few days ago. Stole some liquor.”
I sigh. “How much?”
“‘Bout fifty dollars’ worth.”
I pull out my wallet and count out the cash for my groceries along with the extra fifty and hand it to her. “I’m sorry.”
Her features soften as she pats my hand affectionately. “It’s not your fault, Killian. You’re a good boy.”
I give her a fake smile as I bag up my items, but it melts right off my face when she says, “She said some awfully spiteful things to young Miss Bennett.”
I pause. “Daisy Bennett?”
Mrs Fairhope nods, her hand clutching at her chest dramatically.
I don’t bother asking her what was said. It’ll only be a twisted version of the truth, anyway. Offering her a quick thank you, I grab my shit and stalk back to my truck.
Once inside, I pull out my phone and fire off a text to my sister.
Me:Can you send me Daisy’s number?
My knee bounces anxiously as I wait for Bella’s response. Every possible scenario that could have played out between Daisy and my mom runs through my head, and not one of them are good.
My mom has never been shy about her feelings towards Daisy. Even before the wedding, she made her dislike known.
I don’t knowwhyshe doesn’t like her. I mean, I understand why she doesn’t like hernow,but back then there was never a reason. She had no problem with Daisy when she was just Bella’s best friend. Her problem only started once she became my girlfriend.
It’s laughable, really. My mom has never given a fuck about her kids. The only thing that is important to Clara Ashby comes in the form of clear liquid held in a glass bottle.
My phone vibrates in my lap with Bella’s response, and I quickly save Daisy’s new number to my phone and fire off a text to her.
Me:Are you okay?
My hands sweat as I watch the message go from delivered to read. Three bubbles appear and disappear, and I quickly send another text.
Me:It’s Killian, by the way.
God, I sound like a fucking moron.
