“That doesn’t mean she’s home. The lights are mostly kept on, and we also have a housekeeper.”
I grab Cin’s overnight bag from the back seat. Since most of my clothes are still here I didn’t bother packing anything. I unlock the front door, ushering Cin in first.
“Darling, I’ve missed you!” My mother walks from the back of the house with a gleeful expression, enveloping me in an unyielding embrace.
Just my fucking luck.
She must be on her way out since she’s all dressed up. I clasp her arms, prying her from around my body.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” She peers at Cin. “And who is this?”
“Hi, I’m—”
I put the brakes on Cin’s introduction. “None of your business.”
“I’ve been waiting to hear back from you. I called, texted, left voicemails and messages with Ricky.”
“So?”
“At least you’re here now. You don’t know how happy I am you came to visit me.”
“I didn’t.”
Her smile vanishes. “Why did you come?”
“I owed Cole a visit.”
“That’s a huge milestone for you.”
“Have fun on your date.” I step around her.
“Let’s have breakfast in the morning.”
“We’re leaving in a few hours.”
“How about dinner? I’ll cancel my plans.”
“We ate already.”
“Please, Art, I only want to talk.”
“Can’t, I’ll be too busy fucking.”
“Art!” Cin scolds.
I walk towards my bedroom with an angry Cin in tow. She starts in on me the moment I close the door.
“How can you treat your mother that way?”
“Easy.”
“Give her a chance to redeem herself. She’s hurting just as much as you.”
“I don’t need this shit from you!” I shout.
“You need to hear this!” she shouts back. “How would you feel if your mother died tomorrow?”
“Like I was on top of the world.”
