“She’s a nice girl.” My mother stood from the couch. “Not a smart one or she wouldn’t be dating that football player.”
Here we go.
“What are you doing here, Mom?” I sighed.
“Marcelo had business in San Antonio. I thought we could clear the air while he was at his dinner.” She plucked at the collar of her blouse. “Since you haven’t been answering my calls.”
“Because I didn’t want to talk to you.” I walked to the island and picked up our empty wineglasses.
“Trinity. I already explained to you the situation. Should I have told you? Yes. But there is nothing we can do about it now.”
“Nothing we can do about it? How about an apology? Better yet, maybe you should be the one to pay my student loans back,” I snapped.
Her eyes widened, but her facial expression never changed.Reasonable amount of Botox, my ass.
“I’m sorry.” She huffed. “You happy?”
That was the most insincere apology I’d ever heard. But did I really expect anything else?
“You know what.” I wiped my hands on a towel before pinching the bridge of my nose. “I think it’s best if you leave.”
“Leave?” She gasped. “I traveled all day to get here and you’re just going to treat me this way?”
Is she for freaking real?
“Please, you didn’t come here for me. You came with Marcelo for a free trip and to be nosey about me and Dad.”
Her eyes hardened before the usual waterworks came. “I knew you were choosing him!”
“I’m not choosing anyone, Mom. I’m doing what I can to protect my peace.” I pointed to my chest. “My entire life, I’ve allowed you and him to dictate my peace. My joy.” I stomped to the door. “Not anymore. If you need an Uber, I can call one.”
She followed with angry steps, her heels clicking on the wood floor.
“I can call my own.” Her fingers flew over the screen of her phone in brisk swipes.
I gripped the handle, swinging the front door open. A gasp slipped past my lips when Preston stood in the frame, his hand lifted to knock.
He frowned when he saw my mother behind me.
“Hey…”
“Hey.” I glanced back at my mom, who had halted her movements. “Mom, this is…Pre—Coach Rusk.” I motioned my hand to him. “This is Mona, my mother.”
I could see the question in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a strained smile. “Nice to meet you, Mona.” He held out his hand.
She stepped forward to shake it, her eyes scanning down his body. Jealousy shot through me. He wasn’t hers to ogle.
“He lives across the street. He’s the offensive coordinator for the team,” I added quickly.
“I know who he is.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’ve seen you on social media with Rodney.”
“You follow Dad’s social media?” I muttered. “I’m surprised he accepted your request.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not stupid, Trinity. I have a fake account.”
My jaw dropped at her admission.
She eyed Preston again, then moved her inquisitive gaze back to me. “Looks like your friend Landry isn’t the only one who isn’t smart.”
