16. Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Sutton
“ W ho was that?” Guaranteed, Nick has been dying to interrogate me about Maci since I introduced her. I barely make it back to the table before he asks.
“Maci. I introduced you.” I down the rest of my beer.
“That’s not what I asked and you know it.” He crosses his beefy arms. Even though we played baseball together, somehow he turned out looking more like a cage fighter.
“Don’t try to intimidate me. We both know you’re more golden retriever than bull.” I side-eye him. “My mom knew her grandmother who passed recently.”
His expectant face doesn’t change. When I offer nothing else, he prods me further. “Uh huh. And?”
“And I went over there to take my mom when she dropped food off. Tonight I happened to see some asshole making Maci uncomfortable and offered to dance with her.”
Nick’s eyes narrow. “You’re not telling me everything. But fine.”
Shrugging, I toss the bottles from the table into a trash can not far away. “I’m closing out my tab.”
“Alright, I’m headed out. Call me this week.” A teasing grin spreads across Nick’s face. “Unless you’re busy. ”
“Yeah, I’m expecting several calves this week.”
His face falls when I don’t take the bait. “Fine. Keep it locked up. I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
I only wave him off as I head to the bar.
When Sammi and I were teenagers, Mama would wait up for us, often sitting in her recliner with the reading lamp on, crocheting something. She always needed something to do with her hands. She’d kiss me on the cheek and head straight to bed, dropping whatever she was doing unless I had something to tell her.
Tonight, the glow of the reading lamp shines down the hallway from her chair and out the front window like a lighthouse beacon. It’s what draws me in before heading to my entrance.
“Mama? You good?” The front door closes with a snick and I make a point to soften my steps.
Her legs are curled up beneath her. “Of course, honey.” She gifts me a loving smile. “Did you have a nice time?”
I lean down and kiss the top of her head. She pats my arm.
“I did...” It’s an effort to keep the suspicion from my tone. Her question is subtle, but she’s eager to get some details. Her slippers tap softly as she follows me into the kitchen.
She leans her head against the doorframe. “Mmhmm.”
The night didn’t go as anticipated. What should’ve been a few drinks with my best friend turned into something far more significant. I down a glass of water and stare into the dark dining room. Visions of Maci wrapped in my arms fill my mind.
“Nick’s good?”
I blink. “Yeah.” She knows.
My eyes slide to her. She presses her lips together. Her expression is otherwise blank. Ironically, that’s what gives her away.
A silent shift is happening. Without question, my mom has always been the most important woman to me. The most beautiful, inside and out. I’ve always envied the steadfast love she and my dad share.
A nervous sensation springs up inside. My mom has never judged me for my mistakes in life. So why is there a tiny piece of me worried she may deem me crazy when the words in my head tumble out?
A sparkle lights her eyes, despite the low light. It hints at a held secret. Unconditional love radiates from her.
“I saw Maci tonight.”
A tiny flicker of surprise crosses her face, but it’s replaced quickly with a happy smile. “Oh? How is she?” She moves into the kitchen, leaning against the counter across from me.
“I’m gonna marry her.”
She nods knowingly and presents me with a proud smile.
My mom didn’t offer any other conversation to me. She gave my arm a gentle squeeze on her way out of the kitchen and left the reading lamp on as she headed down the hallway to bed. After a minute of quiet contemplation, I downed another glass of water and then locked the front door behind me, making my way around to my entrance.
Already, I want to talk to Maci again. I find her name in my contacts, easily. She’s listed as ‘Maci’ as if she wanted me to find her. Before texting, I rename the listing.
Me:
I assume you made it home safely.
Less than a minute passes before three bubbles appear.
Firecracker:
Who’s asking?
Me:
Your trusty dance partner.
Firecracker:
Oh, yeah. There was some random guy I danced with tonight.
I did. I’m tucked safely in bed.
Me:
Good.
Sweet dreams, Firecracker.
Firecracker:
Good night, Cowboy. TNT emoji