Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 61082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“Take your time,” I tell her gently.
She looks over her shoulder at me. “What if Jerome asks?” she says in a weak voice. “I don’t want to tell him.”
“So don’t. He’s a child, and you are his parent. You decide what he needs to know.”
“You’re right. But…” She looks back to the front door, taking a breath. “There was a girl.” Her voice is stronger now.
“She is at Lucas’ bar until we decide what to do with her.”
“I think he controlled her as well. Actually, I know he did.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” I say.
She turns, giving me a soft smile. “You are a good man, Joey Rossi.”
Lucas laughs, making Adora crack an even bigger smile. And I don’t even want to hit him for his lack of respect because that smile made my heart skip a beat.
“So are you, Lucas,” she says, finally opening the door.
“The women I have buried probably disagree with you,” Lucas throws out.
Adora doesn’t say anything in return as she locks eyes with the front door again as if it’s going to bite her. I get out, walk around, and offer her my hand. She glances down and shakes her head before she takes the few remaining steps to the front door. She knocks, even though it’s my house and I have a key. It isn’t long until Merci pulls the door open, her worried eyes quickly taking in Adora before she reaches forward and embraces her in a big hug. Adora makes a grunting noise, and Merci lets go, pulling back.
“Shit, are you hurt?” she asks, worried.
“A little. Is he awake?”
“He is. Been asking for you all morning but is currently playing with that needy dog.”
“He’s okay, though?” Adora inquires.
“Of course. We cooked pancakes, watched some shows. We’ve had a ball. That’s a good kid you’ve got there.” Adora smiles before she steps in and heads straight for the living room where Jerome is watching television. As soon as he hears us, he turns, smiles brightly, and runs for his mother. His little arms wrap her in a hug, and she tries not to make a noise as he does it.
She bends down and kisses his cheek. “Are you ready to go home?” she asks, holding him tight.
“Is Daddy going to be there?”
I watch as her eyes go wide.
“Nope, but I can come over and bring pizzas,” I tell him.
Adora’s gaze fixes on the floor as Jerome looks at me.
“And the dog? You can bring the dog?”
“Yes, of course. If that’s okay with your mother.”
“I want to sleep and just be us two. We can order pizzas in, and Joey can visit another day with the doggy,” Adora says.
When I look up, Merci is biting her lip and looking away.
“But I like Joey,” Jerome says.
“I like you too, kid, but your mother is right. You probably need to spend some time with her, and you can look after her when she needs to rest.” Even though I want to look after her, I know she doesn’t want me there.
“Yes, like a doctor,” he says happily.
“I can drive you,” Merci offers.
Adora nods her head, accepting.
“Let me.” I reach for her, but she pulls away, so I can’t touch her.
“No, Merci can take me. Thank you, though.” She grabs Jerome’s hand. “I’ll wash your shirt and bring it back to you.”
“I can help,” I tell her, growing frustrated that she’s pushing me away like this.
“I don’t need any help, Joey. I’m fine.”
“Fine? Really? That’s what we’re going for?” I almost laugh but refrain.
Merci grabs Jerome’s hand and asks him to get his things. He runs off with her, leaving the two of us standing here.
“If I poked you right now, do you think you could stand it?”
She narrows her eyes stubbornly, and I know her answer before she opens her mouth. “Yes.”
So I reach out and poke her stomach—not hard, just enough to make a point—and she swears and moves backward at my touch.
“You aren’t fine. Stop ignoring my help.” I go to reach for her, but she steps back.
“Why?” she asks. “Why the fuck do you want to help me? You want to fuck me, but you don’t want to be with me. You want to help me, but you don’t want me?”
“I want you.” I know I do. It's always been her.
“Yeah, okay. Sure…” She doesn’t roll her eyes, but I can feel that’s what she wants to do. “I’m tired, and the last thing I want to do is stand here with you, arguing.”
“So let me take you home.” I push again.
“Are you deaf? No.”
“Why?” I ask one last time.
“Because if you come, you will stay. And my heart can’t keep playing games with you, Joey. So back the fuck off.”
I put my hands in the air. I’ll give her what she wants, for now, at least.