Alpha Male Romance(34)

I closed my eyes.

At least, I'd have a little bit of peace and quiet before he came or called. I'd enjoy it while I could because I knew he'd never just let it be, no matter how much I wanted it.





Chapter Five





Nori





I usually prided myself on being a fairly even-headed person. I rarely lost my temper, rarely even got annoyed enough for anyone to notice. The nurses and doctors at the San Antonio Medical Center counted on me to be able to deal with problematic patients without reacting. I counted on myself for that too. And to deal with my parents with infinite patience.

Except all of that was slipping. I'd worked four ten-hour shifts since Sunday, and even exhausted, I hadn't been able to sleep well at all when I'd gotten home. In fact, the last good night of sleep I had was at Tanner's house, right after we'd broken up. We'd taken my things back to my apartment, then packed the things he kept at my place. It was all done without any drama. We'd said our goodbyes then and promised to still keep in touch.

That was the last drama-free day I'd had. Now, I was half-way through the week and all I wanted to do was call Tanner and ask him if our change of relationship allowed for him to still offer me some stress relief when I needed it.

I wouldn't do it, not when things had ended so well between us, but I'd spent the last four years knowing I could go to him and hand over control. Knowing that he'd take care of me. Now, however, I had to take care of myself. I wasn't going to use him for sex. I wasn't that sort of woman, even if he would be okay with it.

I kicked off my shoes as soon as I stepped inside, then started stripping off my clothes as I headed for the bathroom. I was more frustrated and tired than hungry since I'd gotten something to eat at work. Right now, I wanted nothing more than a hot bath where I could forget about everything.

I used my favorite lavender-scented bubble bath and let the tub run while I set out towels and then poured myself half a glass of wine. I didn't indulge often, but after the past couple days, I felt like I needed all the help I could get.

I sighed as I sank into the tub, letting the bubbles and water cover me. I leaned back and closed my eyes, trying to empty my mind.

Easier said than done.

To no surprise, the conversations with my parents were at the forefront of my mind. After my discussion with Mom on Saturday as I was leaving the hospital, things had only gotten worse. My words hadn't reassured her enough. She'd decided to go by the bar, see if he was drinking there. Of course he was and she'd tried to get him to leave. He'd refused and there'd been a fight right there. They'd both gotten kicked out, but things hadn't ended there. They'd argued in the parking lot when she tried to stop him from driving. Finally, the bartender had called a cab, and Dad had been driven home.

Of course, all of this was on a very long voicemail she'd left for me while I was busy saying my goodbyes to Tanner. So between putting away all of my things and getting ready for work on Sunday, I'd had the pleasure of calling my mother back and listening to her repeat all of it. With a bonus. She added in how Dad still wasn't returning her calls and he wouldn't let her in when she went by to see if he was okay.

Sadly, things continued going downhill since then. Usually, the two of them were amicable, if annoyed at each other. They rarely interacted. I was always the go-between, delivering Mom's messages to Dad, taking care of him on her behalf. Once in a while, however, I couldn’t get there fast enough or even I couldn't stop the pressure that had built between the two of them.

This week was one of those times.

I'd spent time between my long shifts fielding calls from both my parents. Dad telling me to tell Mom to back off. That they weren't married anymore. He was an adult. He could do what he wanted.

That was true, but Mom countered by citing his behavior, particularly his drinking. She claimed that he’d end up hurting himself; told me to tell him that he would do more damage to the family than he already had.

Both of them made good points, but they were both my parents. And I loved them equally. Even though I sometimes hated them too.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, then opened my eyes and reached for my glass of wine. This shouldn't be how things went. They were parents, and I was only twenty-four. They were supposed to be my rocks. The people I leaned on when I needed counsel and comfort. I shouldn't have to be the go-between. I shouldn't have to be the adult for them.

I sighed and scrubbed my hand over my face. My throat felt tight and my eyes burned. My emotions had gone through the wringer lately. I tried blaming it on lack of sleep. Breaking up with Tanner. Even my parents. All of those things were part of it, but if I were completely honest, I would have to admit that it actually started earlier than that.