The moment I stepped back into the dining area, my stomach twisted.
She was here.My mother sat at one of my tables, her fingers drumming idly against the menu. I exhaled slowly, steadying myself. She didn’tlookdrunk, but that didn’t mean much. She was a master at hiding it—a perfectly functioning alcoholic. She taught me well, after all.
“Like mother, like daughter.”
I froze mid-step. My pulse pounded in my ears as I turned, locking eyes with Alexa.
“Excuse me?” My voice was low, dangerous.
Alexa smirked, her eyes flicking toward my mother before settling back on me. “Oh, come on. She looksjustlike you. She’s already been to the bar and put in an order. I can smell desperation a mile away. Guess she’s on the prowl to get fucked—maybe she thinks if she spreads her legs like her daughter, she’ll land herself a husband, too.”
The words barely left her mouth before I lunged.
I didn’t think. Imoved. My hands gripped the bar as I hoisted myself up, ready to launch over and shut her smug little mouth myself.
But then Nick was there. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, yanking me back just as I was about to swing. My body was still tense, my blood boiling.
“Let me go,” I seethed, still thrashing against his hold. “I’ve beendyingto shut the little b?—”
Nick clamped his hand over my mouth and leaned in, hisbreath warm against my ear. “She’s not worth it, Melanie. Let it go. We don’t need to cause a scene.”
I was still panting, my body vibrating with rage, but his grip on me was firm, grounding. Slowly, he pulled his hand away, and I swallowed hard, forcing myself to breathe.
Then he leaned down to whisper in my ear, “Besides, it’s my cum dripping out of your cunt, not hers.
He was right. She wasn’t worth it. I turned back to Alexa, stepping closer—just close enough for her to hear as I whispered, “Youareright about one thing. Ididjust get fucked. But lucky for me, we were already marriedbeforehe ever made me cum.”
Her smirk faltered. Her eyes widened.
I let a slow, wicked smile spread across my face before stepping back, leaving her stunned and speechless.
Nick sighed, rubbing his temple. “Please go check on your tables.”
I smirked. “Already ahead of you, soldier. By the way, my mom’s here. Mind grabbing some water for table 47?”
Nick’s expression darkened. “Is she…?” He didn’t have to finish the sentence. I already knew what he was asking.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I hope not.”
I took another deep breath, steeling myself as I finally approached her table.
She looked me over, her lips pursing in something between disdain and amusement.
“Well, look at you.The waitress.Wow. It’s almost surreal, seeing you as the servant instead of the one being served.”
I clenched my jaw. “I don’t mind working for my money, Mom. At least I don’t have to rely on a fuckingmonster.”
Her expression darkened. “Watch your mouth, young lady.”
There it was. The sharp snap in her tone. The telltale bite of irritation. I knew then—she wasn’t sober.
She scoffed, shaking her head. “I don’t want fucking water.”
I exhaled through my nose. “I don’t think you should drink. You’re driving.”
She stared at me then. Long and hard. Like she was sizing meup. Like shehatedme. The warmth I’d felt from her, just days ago, was gone.
Finally, she relented. “Fine. Water.” But then she leaned forward, a slow smirk curling her lips. “I figured yourspecialhusband would be kind enough to bring me a drinkon the house.After all, the manager is my son-in-law, right?”
