“Nothing’s going to happen.”
Connor lifted a brow…and yeah, even Joel had to silently admit the words felt wrong coming out of his mouth, though he had no clue why.
His cell rang from the table, and he bit back the curse when he saw who it was.
Connor’s gaze caught the screen. “Have you spoken to her lately?”
“No. But that hasn’t stopped her from calling.”
“Maybe you should answer. Take the call and you might get a few days’ reprieve.”
Yeah, fucking right. Any peace he’d get from taking a call would last a week, tops, probably less.
The phone stopped ringing, then immediately started again.
Goddammit.
He grabbed the cell and moved to a quiet corner of Bloom to take the call. “Mom.”
There was a pause over the line. “You answered.”
“You called twice.”
“Yes, well, I want to talk to you.” There was another small pause. “It’s nice to hear your voice. How are you?”
So formal, as usual, like she was talking to a colleague. “I’m good. I’ve settled into Deep River and it’s great to be back with the guys.”
There was a small huffing sound. His mother probably thought he couldn’t hear it. “Your father and I miss you.”
No. They didn’t miss him. They missed what he could do for them. Because in the world of Martha and Grant Dawson, it was always about money and what each relationship could bring to the table. How it could help increase their wealth.
“I’m actually out right now, Mom, so I don’t have much time for small talk. Is there something you need?”
“Your father and I would like to discuss your commitment.”
His fingers tightened around the phone, a familiar pit forming in his stomach. “I nevermadeyou a commitment.”
“Joel. You know that being a Dawson comes with certain responsibilities. We let you do your military thing?—”
“My militarything? You mean working my ass off to join one of the most elite, demanding units in the world, then risking my life for years to defend my country?”
His mother sighed. “Yes, that’s what I meant. You’ve done that, now we need you here.”
“I’m not coming back. This ismylife, and the faster you and Dad accept that, the easier it will be for everyone.”
He hung up, his heart pounding, but not in fear or panic. In anger. He should be used to them by now. He’d lived his entire life putting up with their shit, but nope, they still managed to hit at his armor.
He looked back at the guys, then shifted his attention to the counter. Another woman was serving at the front, but it was Polly he couldn’t tear his gaze from. She stood a few feet back, a deep frown between her brows as she typed something into her phone.
Like his feet had a mind of their own, they crossed the café toward her.
She stepped into what looked like an office off the kitchen near the back door. The woman at the counter was too busy serving to notice him walking right into the kitchen, then into the room after Polly.
He’d barely stepped inside when she turned—then gasped as she almost collided with his chest.
“Holy shit, Joel! What are you trying to do, summon my ancestors?”
A grin curved his lips. “Just checking on you, Sunshine.”
