“Benjamin.”
I ignored her.
“You are not too old for a spankin’. Now either you get in that shower, or I’m bringin’ the hose in on you. Your choice.”
I contemplated whether she was bluffing or not before deciding she definitely wasn’t.
“Benj—”
“I’m goin’, Ma. Jesus.” I grumbled as I pushed myself up.
“Without the attitude would’ve been nice. Now get movin’.”
Her palm delivered a warning smack to my butt as I walked past, and I moved faster to get away from her. At least she wouldn’t follow me into the shower. Probably.
I’d never admit it to her, but the showerdidhelp me feel a little better. So did putting on fresh clothes for the first time in days. That meant I had to go back downstairs and talk to her, though.
I still hadn’t told anyone about H. Even if it was over, I wouldn’t tell his secrets. Didn’t even have anything to do with the rules of the club. He just clearly didn’t want anyone to know.
Ma had turned all the lights on and had already cleared away the food bags and wrappers. I found her in the kitchen, going through my pantry.
“What are you doin’, Ma?” I sighed.
“What’s it look like? I’m goin’ to cook you some real food.”
“I already ate.”
She huffed and continued rummaging. I sat on one of the mismatched stools at my kitchen counter, already dreading the conversation I knew was coming.
She waited until I was spooning the first mouthful of mac and cheese before she spoke up. “Why didn’t you tell me you were seein’ someone, Bear Bear?”
I took my time, chewing far longer than I needed to before answering. “What makes you think I was seein’ someone?” I mumbled, keeping my eyes down on the food in front of me.
“Please,” she huffed. “I’m your mother. I know what you look like when you’re in love… and when you’re heartbroken.”
I pushed the pasta around on the plate. It tasted good. Ma’s food always did, but I’d lost my appetite. “It’s complicated.”
“Try me.”
“I… can’t tell you.”
“Nonsense.” A small but strong hand grasped my face and forced me to look at her. “There’s nothin’ on this damn earth that you can’t tell your mother. Now, I know I’m not the best with talkin’ feelin’s. Your Pa was always better at that with you. But you’re my son, and I love you. And I know you’ll feel lighter if you share it with me, so I can tell you that you’re my beautiful, big-hearted boy, and that you’ll get through this pain like you’ve gotten through all the others.”
My eyes heated. “It’s different this time, Ma.”
“So tell me.”
“I… I really thought… this might have been it. He was perfect for me.”
“Oh, my sweet boy. Anyone who doesn’t treasure you could never be perfect.”
I shook my head, because she didn’t understand. She couldn’t.
“Besides,” she continued. “No one’s perfect. Not even me.”
I huffed.
“Now, tell me what happened.”
