“Well, I don’t live in a cave, Eden. I know things.”
I cross my arms and wait for this to be over with.
“It’s best for a woman to be able to walk away free and clear after a breakup.”
“I agree,” is all I say.
“Good. We’re on the same page.” Exhaling in relief, she smiles. She cups one cheek and strokes my hair with her free hand. “If you need me to pay for—”
“Mom, it’s taken care of, okay? Don’t worry about it. Did you have the same conversation with Sylvie? She needed this talk about three babies ago.”
I arch an eyebrow. Her smile dips.
“I’m talking about you, Dandy. And is Ripley joining us for dinner?” I’ve been here for an hour, and this is the first time she’s asked about him. She asked Sylvie about Levar three times since I’ve been here.
“No,” is all I say.
“Well, then.” She tries to hide it, but I know she’s relieved. “Let’s go eat.”
Now
Sylvie’s eyes flutter at the sight of my new car. I’ve had it for weeks, but she’s never seen it. I’ve been parking it behind the library instead of in the driveway. She watches while I load my bags into the back seat. I won’t say a word to her. I’ve blocked her after her insulting texts kept escalating.
“Nice car,” she taunts. I could tell her that itisnice. Much nicer than the dented, eight-year-old van she drives, but I keep my mouth shut. “When you’re not riding on that man’s motorcycle, you’re driving one of his cars?”
I don’t know why she poses it as a question, but I think I’ll answer this one.
“This is my car,” I proudly announce. “My man bought it for me.”
Her head rolls back in shock. “You mean he’s letting you use it?”
“No. I mean Ripboughtit for me. It’s in my name. Excuse me, but I’m going to go and cook my man dinner.”
She stands in front of my door, blocking me.
“That’s funny considering how you look down at me for doing the same thing.”
“I guess I’m just a big hypocrite. Another thing we have in common. Can you please move?”
“I’m not done talking.”
“I’m done listening. Stay out of my business.”
“The entire town is in your business.”
“You’re so damn boring, Sylvie. Since when have I cared about what anyone in this town thinks?”
She opens her mouth to argue, but shuts it. The familiar sound of Rip’s motorcycle gets closer. I stand there and watch as he pulls into the grocery store parking lot. It’s almost like he has a radar on me. The bike stops behind my car, blocking me in just like he blocked Cori’s car all those months ago.
He climbs out of the bike, dressed all in black and bigger than life. The helmet comes off, and he shakes his hair. He puts the helmet on his seat and approaches me. He pulls me to him and lifts me off my feet. His face is in the crook of my neck before I can wrap my legs around him.
He plants loud kisses on my neck, then he looks into my face, smiles at me, and gently kisses my lips.
“Like a drink of water after walking in the desert,” he declares, his hand landing on my ass.
“You’re early. And how did you know I was here?” He winks at me, but I’m pretty sure that man has a tracking device on thatcar. “You’re ruining my plans, King,” I chide, then I whisper in his ear, “You better take that tracker off my car.”
Grinning, he leans close to my ear. “No.” He looks into my eyes as if he’s challenging me. “What plans?”
