Chapter 6
T he next night, I phoned my parents. Dialing the two numbers made me wince. I wondered how many weeks it would take until I got used to calling them separately.
“Are you holding up okay, sweetie?” my mom wanted to know. “I know you probably have all your needs taken care of, and I’m sure you’re doing well at work, but my sister and her family—“
“They’re crazy.” Sitting on the plush carpet, I leaned my head against the carved bed frame. “I don’t know how they couldn’t be.”
“Rose was always crazy,” my mother said dismissively. “Money’s just given her more of an outlet. I don’t know that she’s ever loved Richard, or even Will, but she certainly loves her lifestyle. Has she had any procedures done since you arrived?”
“She looks great, Mom.” Not the right thing to say, but I was too tired to care. There was a short silence.
“And how’s work?”
“Long days. Lots of challenges.”
“I’m sure. But this is an amazing opportunity, Andie.” My mom sounded like she’d repeated that phrase to herself, a lot. “The way they’ve stepped in— Your uncle has connections beyond what I can even imagine. I don’t want to imagine. In fact, the less I think about Richard and what he does with his time and influence, the better.”
“So let’s not think about it.” I ran my fingers through my long hair, twisting the red strands.
“I hope Will, at least, has been welcoming.”
I closed my eyes. That deep voice murmured in my ear, taunting me: Do you know what it’s like to just give in to pleasure? Do you know what it’s like to get exactly what you want? Don’t you want to come, Andie?
“Andie?” My mother’s voice, now.
“Welcoming.” I cleared my throat. “You could say that.”
“I’m so glad.” Relief filled my mother’s voice. “That boy is beyond spoiled. I doubt he’s ever heard the word ‘no.’ But I remember you getting along when you were kids.”
Right. At my house, we’d climbed trees. At his house, I’d gasped at all the toys, overwhelmed, while he looked amused and even curious about my reaction. We’d gotten along fine on family visits, as long as I’d overlooked Will’s calm, total assurance that everything would go his way.
“He’s working most of the time.” I drummed my fingers on my bare knee. Seeing those unsettling green eyes, hearing those soft crude whispers, made my fingers itch to slide up my leg and into my wet panties. I stroked my thigh, shivering, then squeezed the smooth flesh to keep my hand from going further. “Or partying. I have no idea. I hardly ever see him.”
“Working at Richard’s firm, with a job all lined up after graduation.” My mother sighed. “Andie. Your aunt, uncle, and cousin live very differently than we do. Please, I beg you, don’t get caught up in it.”
And who the hell was “we”? My parents and I didn’t make a family anymore. I’d moved out; my dad had moved out. I wasn’t sure where home was, these days.
“I won’t ever.” I kissed the phone, like I always did when Mom and I talked. “Love you, Mom.”