She jerked her head back. “No police? Then how did it get handled?”
As if he knew he was being talked about, Ocean entered the room, Trace and Shade behind him.
“And who are these fine young men?” My mother smiled as she stood up. She tilted her head to the side, her eyes landing on Shade. “Oh, I know exactly who you are. Nyx is such a lucky girl.” She looked back at me. “Your sister told me they were dating.”
“Yep, they are.” I rolled my eyes, feeling it coming in three, two?—
“So which one of you handsome men belong to my daughter?”
My eyes closed in embarrassment.
“That would be this guy right here,” Shade said, slapping Ocean on the back.
“Oh, really?” My mother replied.
I didn’t even want to look up. My body flooded with heat.
I should’ve just let her stay at my place.
Why the hell did I have her meet me here?
“And you are?” my mother held out her hand.
“I’m Ocean.”
“Ocean, huh?” She grinned. “I love that name. I bet you have my daughter?—”
As fast as I could, I snatched her hand from his, cutting her off before she could say something ridiculous. “Alright, well, I’m glad you two got to meet each other, and for the record, Ocean and I are just friends. He’s not mine and I’m not his.
“Mmhmm, Friends that have sex, I’m sure,” my mother blurted.
“Mama?”
“What? I’m just saying what I know is true. I can’t imagine you just being friends with this?—”
“Can you stop, please? And why are you acting like this? You’re supposed to be giving me a hard time about my life choices and all that.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve come to realize life is too short. I shouldn’t be giving you a hard time. You and your sister aren’t the same, and that’s okay,” she said, leaving me confused.
I frowned. “You’re not my mother. Where have you taken her?”
She laughed and tugged on my cheek. “It’s me, baby. I’m just looking at things from a different perspective these days. Maxwell makes me see things in a better light.”
I folded my arms over my chest. “Hmm...okay. I might have to meet this Maxwell guy.”
“Yes, you will. But first, let’s get back toyourman.”
“Mama, I already told you?—”
She waved me off and returned her attention to Ocean. “So, what do you do for a living?”
He smirked. “I own a club or two. One back home in Moreland, and the other one is here.”
“Oh, so you travel back and forth?”
“I do.”
“What about your family? Do they live here?”
