I snort then release a cackle-like laugh. “Right.” I roll my eyes. “You’d better stop talking, Mom.”
“That’s your mother?”
“Yes.” I point at Gisele. “And that’s my psycho sister. I’ve got a no-contact order against her.”
“Right,” says cop number one. “Ambulance is on the way. As soon as they’re checked out, we need to start from the beginning.”
“Right.” Damn, this is going to be a long night.
Chapter Nineteen
“I may never getover watching my mom get handcuffed.”
I’m in bed with Billy after a very long night first with the police, then at the emergency room. Billy’s wounds were superficial, but Gisele’s required surgery. Unfortunately for her, they took Mom into the station while they transported Gizzy to the hospital.
“Your dad was pretty upset.”
“I feel sorry for him. I know he loves my mom, but things have gotten strained. I blame myself.”
“Nope. You’re not doing that. This is all on Gisele. She’s done all of this herself. You’re the victim. In a sense, so is your mom.”
“I can see that.” I sigh. “Dad is going to try to bail Mom out, but he isn’t going to help Gisele out of this one.”
“Thank fuck for that,” scoffs Billy. “Your mom needs help too, you know?”
“A mother’s love….” It’s all I can think to say.
“That’s not it. Sure, she loves her children, that’s obvious, but it’s moved into the mental health realm now.”
“I guess.” I’m resting my head on Billy’s side with no wounds, and I’m running my palm up and down his flat stomach. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I’m glad I’m okay too, but next time, call the cops then stay out.”
“Next time?” I laugh. “I hope there’s no next time. I’m not made for this kind of drama.”
“Hey.” He looks down at me. Running his fingers through my hair, he asks, “Why’d you come home? I thought you were sleeping over.”
“Two reasons. One, I wanted to sleep in your bed with you, and two, she got back together with the asshole.”
“Reason one is my favorite. I’ve already gotten used to you in my bed. It was lonely without you.”
I wrap my arm over him and give him a gentle squeeze. A tear makes its way from my eyes to my cheek. “Me too.” I sniffle. “I love you, Billy. Seeing you in danger—” I sniffle again. “—it scared me more than I can say. My life flashed before me, and the idea of you not being in it, it hurt so much.” I’m crying. It can’t be helped.
“I know. I feel the same about you. I can’t believe we found each other. It’s been pretty fucked up since then, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Well, I’d probably change the knife-wielding part.”
“I’d definitely change that part. But if it meant we wouldn’t be here now, I’d leave everything just the way it is.”
“Me too.” Yawning into his chest, I can’t help noticing the sun coming up through the blinds. It’s a good thing it’s Saturday. We get to snuggle just like this for as long as we want. Maybe forever. Yeah, forever sounds nice.
“What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”
Wow, I haven’t given one thought to another holiday. The last one, Christmas, was a doozy. “I usually sit on my sofa and watch movies.”
“Do you want to do that this year or would you rather go to a big, fancy party?”
When I hear the words “big” and “fancy” I immediately know I don’t have anything to wear. That green dress I wore to the French place is my nicest dress. “Where is this party and how fancy?”
