“He’s a good influence on your brother. I approve. He can stay.”
“Mom,” I hiss. “He’s a friend.”
“Friend?” She snorts. “Sure.”
“I’m not getting my hopes up the way you did every time a man showed you some attention.”
Gage frowns at me. “Low blow, Addy. Low blow.”
Those words lash through me worse than a whip. “Sorry, Mom.”
“It’s okay, baby girl. It can’t have been easy watching me go off the rails from the front row.”
It wasn’t. It was pretty horrible watching my mom – the only parent I had – drink and party instead of staying home to be with me. Spending all of her money on booze. Not paying the rent for our tiny apartment.
And it wasn’t only me. I thought her behavior would change once she got pregnant with Otis. She quit drinking for the entire pregnancy. But the second Otis was on formula, the pattern started all over again.
“It doesn’t give me an excuse for being a bitch.”
Mom sighs. “You know what? I’m tired of hearing that word today. Let’s agree no one in this family is a bitch and move on.”
“You forgive me?”
“I will always forgive you.”
I give her a quick hug. Tears well in my eyes. There’s no excuse for what I said. I’m lashing out at her because I’m scared of my own situation with Gage.
Gage kisses my neck. “Proud of you, songbird.”
My heart melts. Besides my mom, I can’t remember anyone ever saying they’re proud of me before. If my dad ever said it, I certainly don’t remember, considering I was two when he bolted. It feels good to hear Gage say the words. Better than it should.
I help Mom finish making the sandwiches while Gage prepares the pasta.
“Lunch is ready,” Mom hollers after Gage puts the pasta on the table.
“Wow. That is one huge mound of pasta,” she says as we gather around the table.
Gage cringes. “Sorry. Did I use too much? I’ll replace it.”
“Don’t be silly. You don’t need to replace it.”
“If he’s going to eat here more often, he’ll need to do groceries.” Penelope motions to Gage’s plate, which is brimming with pasta.
“Who said anything about him eating here more often?” I ask.
Gage presses his knee against mine under the table. “You know you want me here.”
“Addy has a crush on Gage!” Otis sings.
Gage puffs out his chest. “I am pretty irresistible.”
“You confused irresistible and incorrigible again,” I mutter.
“I can lend you my dictionary,” Penelope offers.
Gage chuckles. “I didn’t realize lunchtime was make fun of Gage time.”
“My turn!” Mila screams. “Your feet are too big.”
