Let’s pray JJ has a good backup story of where he was last night.
CHAPTER 39
IVY THOMPSON
Later that evening, I head downstairs to find my mother cooking dinner. I stand beside her while I peel a pot of potatoes.
“So, how have you been since being home?” she asks curiously.
I hum as I run my thumb across the skin with the peeler. “It was a challenge at first, but I’m alright now.”
“I heard about Ben, and his release is soon.” Her voice dips.
“Me too,” I whisper.
I haven’t thought about it for a few days, but when I do, realisation slams into me once again.
What if I see him?
What if he tries to contact me?
We live in the same town. Something is bound to happen.
“I’m sorry we weren’t here when you came back.” She steps closer to me, and I stare up at her dark blue eyes. “My baby.” She frowns before kissing my head. “I didn’t realise you’d be coming back for summer so soon. I wish we were here to welcome you home with warm hugs.”
The corners of my mouth tug. “Finn was here,” I say before turning back to my peeling. “And JJ. I’ve had Daisy, too, and even Isaac. It hasn’t been as lonely as I thought it would be.”
“I’m proud of you, Ivy,” she says, and my eyes build with pressure. “So proud. We both are.”
I drop the peeler into the pot. “Don’t make me cry.”
“Oh, baby.” She wraps her arms around me completely, then kisses me again. “We’re always here for you; you know that, right? If you ever need anything.”
“I know,” I sniffle into her shoulder. “I know, Mum.”
The front door opens, and my mother lets go of me. I peer over my shoulder to find Finn and JJ strolling inside. “Oh, right on time,” my mother calls out. “You guys can help with dinner.”
Finn groans, turns around, and walks back to the door, but JJ grabs him and pushes him in the direction of the kitchen. “Don’t be an ass,” JJ grumbles.
I blink at him and feel my face flush when he smiles in my direction. “Chop these for me, love?” she directs Finn as she points to a bunch of vegetables on the chopping board.
“Yes, Mum,” he sighs, although it sounds like he’d rather bash his head into a wall.
I’m still focusing on JJ as he walks behind me. His fingers delicately brush the backs of my bare thighs, and I tingle all over, goosebumps rising on my skin. My lips part, and he shoots me a wink.
My core clenches at the subtle action, but it affects my body in ways I can’t explain.
“JJ,” my mum says, and he snaps his eyes away from me instantly. “You can be in charge of the cooking.”
He nods once. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Please,” she laughs loudly. “Call me Andrea, don’t make me feel any older than I already am.”
JJ plants himself behind me and starts up the pan with a slab of butter. I feel his eyes flick down to my face as I continue peeling the potatoes.
As we prepare dinner and plate up, we sit around the table and eat. “So there is a fair at the beach on Saturday,” Finn comments as he stuffs his face full of food.
My mother rolls her eyes. “Close your mouth when you eat, Finn,” she huffs. “You’re not five, and we don’t want to see it.”
