Page 58 of Truck Up
“Well, that was exciting!” Darlene says. I can’t see her face, but I can hear the smile in her tone. “He’s so handsome.”
“He’s scary,” Mom says from the doorway to the back room. “Lia, is this really the kind of business you want to run?”
“Yes..” I turn to her and give her a curt smile.
“Why?” She stomps her foot like a spoiled child.
“Mom!” I say way louder than I’d typically respond, but I’ve had all I can take. “Stop it with the dramatics.”
“You’ve brought trouble to our doorstep. Can’t you see that?”
“I’ve done no such thing.” I insist.
“Need I remind you of what you’ve done?”
“Nope,” I say like I don’t care what she thinks. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I care very much about what my parents think of me. Their behavior isn’t surprising, but it still hurts all the same.
She marches around the counter until she’s opposite me. “Look at me!” The demanding tone in her voice has my eyes flying to meet hers. “Please tell me this isn’t real.”
“It’s real.” My tone is mocking and disrespectful. “I love him and we’re having a baby.”
“Don’t you dare use that word.”
“Love! Love! Love!” I shout it so loud the entire block probably hears me.
“What has gotten into you?” Tears well up in her eyes and she looks like she’s about to crumble. “Your dad hasn’t slept in days. Your brothers are ready to bury that boy. And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“How about you stand by my side? I’m your daughter. You shouldn’t be confused about your role in my life.”
“You don’t get it. They want to murder that man, and I can’t say I blame them. He’s the worst of that lot.”
“No, he’s not!” I slam my order pad closed and ring up Edge’s order so I can lock up the cash he gave me in the register. “Christian is misunderstood. His actions are a derivative of years of abuse from his mother. Show some compassion.”
“Compassion?” she scoffs. “I can’t, Lia. He stole my only daughter.” Her voice cracks as she struggles to keep from breaking down. “You are the strength of our family. We will not survive this. Can’t you see that?”
“I’m tired of being everyone’s strength. For once in my life, it’d be nice to have someone hold me up for a change. Just once. Is that too much to ask?”
I grab my purse from under the counter and head for the door.
“Where are you going?” Mom calls out to me.
“Anywhere but here.” I stop next to Darlene, who has remained shockingly quiet this entire time. She gives me a sympathetic look that tells me she understands. “Will you please close up the shop today?”
“Of course, honey.” She pats my arm like she’s not sure if it’s safe to touch me. “I’ll also get started on any online orders we have.”
“You don’t have to do that. I can get them ready tomorrow.”
“Nonsense.” Her smile is soothing. It makes me want to lean into her for the hug my parents should have given me a week ago. “You go and take care of yourself. The shop will be fine.”
“Thank you.” I give her my best smile even though it’s as fake as fake can get. Nothing about this morning makes me want to smile.
Once I step outside, I take a deep breath. I instantly relax. This distance between Mom and me is exactly what I needed. It doesn’t solve my problems, but it does help me calm down.
And right now, calm sounds pretty damn good.
Chapter 12
Nothing like a good ass kicking to straighten a man out.