I shrug. “If I don’t make a change, my mental health will go downhill. A chance to stand on my own two feet was one of the reasons why I chose Austin.”
She nods like she gets it.
Mom is an only child, like Dad, and both are fiercely independent. I think that’s why they accepted it when I chose not to travel home much when I was at college. Instead, they’d fly to visit me when they could afford it.
“What will you do for work?”
I twist my lips, no clue what the future holds. “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be a server in a place like this.” I smirk at her. “Or become a bank teller.”
She looks horrified. “No way. The hours suck, and the pay is even worse. You have the whole world at your feet, Billie. And you know Dad and I will help care for Blake whenever you need.”
Emotion stings my eyes, and I release Mom’s hand to take a bite of brownie, the salty-chocolate goodness helping to fix a smile on my face. “I know, and thank you. When Blake is old enough, I’m going to research nurseries, and Tucker will have to contribute his share.” I clench my jaw, determined to believe what I’m saying. “I’ll figure everything out.”
Mom still looks unsure before she finally asks, “When are you going to reach out to the landlord and pay the deposit on the apartment?”
“Right away,” I tell her. “Dad says the money is ready when I need it, and I don’t want to miss out.”
She shifts in her seat. “I’m mad at your father.”
Mom may be the kindest, sweetest woman I know, but she can also be the scariest.
I lift a brow. I know she’s already annoyed that he neglected to change the tires on his van, and the insurance is refusing to pay out on the accident which is only adding to their financial woes. That said, a part of me feels indirectly responsible for what happened. If Dad hadn’t been so distracted by the bullshit goingon in my life, he might’ve paid more attention to servicing his van. “What’s he done now?”
She clears her throat and tears at the untouched croissant in front of her. “I had no clue what he’d done with the shares or how many he actually owned, until he suddenly told me the value of what he’d cashed in. Apparently, they’d shot up in value, and he saw it as the perfect opportunity to help you and Blake out. He’d told me years ago that he stopped paying into the share scheme when he left his previous job.” Her face contorts. “I would’ve preferred to have been kept in the loop and not had a bomb dropped on me while casually making dinner.”
“A pretty nice bomb,” I reply, although I understand why she’d be irked at the secret. They’ve always had an open and honest marriage, so it was a shock for me too.
“He said that he wanted to surprise me with the additional shares he’d bought when we both eventually retired. His plan was to take me on the trip of a lifetime with some of the money.” Her eyes flick to mine. “I’m pleased we’re using the cash on something more important.”
More guilt swims through my veins, forcing me to look away for a moment. No one deserves all the things life has to offer more than my hardworking parents.
“I promise that I’ll make the most of your money,” I tell her.
When she retakes my hand, I know it’s a plea for my attention. “So long as you’re happy, Billie, then that’s payment enough for us. Anyway”—she chuckles—“when you’re a high-flying lawyer, dominating the world, you’ll be able to afford whatever you like. Including a two-week break in Mauritius for us both.”
The sudden chime of a bell ringing above the café door grips my gaze, but it’s not the sound that steals my attention. That award goes to the pink-haired beauty dressed in motorcycle leathers.
Tucking a black helmet underneath one arm, she casually strolls toward the counter, waving hi to who I assume is theowner. Every customer—male and female—in the place has their eyes on her as Mom swivels one-eighty in her chair.
“She’s … quite something,” she comments, turning back to look at me, eyes wide with awe. “Freaking stunning in fact.”
As the biker chick places her order at the counter, a sense of familiarity settles over me, almost like I’ve seen her somewhere before.
“She’s absolute goals,” I agree with Mom. “A true queen.”
Mom pushes her chair back, flicking her eyes to her granddaughter. “Well, while everyone’s busy staring at the runway model at the front, I’m heading to the bathroom.”
In my mom’s absence, I take another sip of coffee, pulling out my phone to check for messages.
Clara
I don’t know if you already found out, but I didn’t want you to hear this via anyone else.
Tucker is dating Rachael Fowler. They made it official last night on socials.
Like Blake can sense my distress, she releases a small whimper, and I set my phone on the table before lifting her, along with her pink cashmere blanket, out of the stroller and resting her against my chest.
After a couple of beats, she settles, and I pick up my phone, navigating back to the text thread with Clara.
