Danger! Bad Boy(51)
“Caleb, I’ll never believe someone mistook you for a valet outside that restaurant and that’s why you and Dante went for a joyride in a one-hundred thousand dollar sports car or that someone spiked your drink at a party and that’s why you got arrested for underage drinking when you were thirteen.”
I knew she was making light of all the trouble I’d caused, purposely ignoring the worst of my transgressions.
And I loved her for it.
She hated talking about when I got arrested for putting a guy in the hospital, landing me in juvenile hall for a few days and on probation afterwards. I’d never regret it, though. If I saw a guy hurting a woman, then I’d be the one hurt him. I did it back then when Claudette’s ex showed up at her apartment to beat her. I did it again when Josh repeatedly hurt Gianna.
The fact that Claudette, my older upstairs neighbor at my mom’s place, and I were only in a casual relationship didn’t matter. I would do the same for any female. Being on probation was what held me back from hurting Josh even worse than I had.
The asshole got off lucky.
Back to the present, I told my mom, “I’m sorry for being such a pain in the past. Things are different now. I have a reason to be good.”
I could hear the smile in her voice. “Gianna?”
“Yes,” I agreed, grinning like a fool.
“Has her mom come around?”
My grin disappeared. “No, she’s still being stubborn.”
“What are you guys going to do?”
“Whatever we have to, see each other secretly for now.”
“Why your father married that woman, I’ll never understand.”
I pitied my dad, but I wasn’t sure I understood either. “He loved her, I guess. I think he still does.”
“Well, at least one thing came out of it, you met Gianna and now I can sleep at night without worrying what kind of trouble you’re getting into.”
My mind wandered to what kind of things I’d like to be doing at night with Gianna.
My mom interrupted my thoughts, “So you love her?”
“Yes.” The stupid grin was back. “I’m keeping her.”
“I’m happy for you, honey.”
“Thanks, mom. I’m happy for me too.”
“You’re welcome to bring her here anytime.”
“Thanks. I just got to dad’s. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Bye, honey.” She hung up and I threw my phone into the cup holder.
When I got home I’d fill my dad in on the situation between Gianna and me and hope I’d have his support also.
GIANNA
“Gianna, who dropped you off earlier?” my mom asked, her voice filled with distrust.
As soon as I was through the front door earlier, I’d run up the stairs to my room. Now, I was sitting and eating dinner at the dining room table with my mom and Chance. This was the room I’d first met Caleb in. I stifled a sigh and tried to hide how happy I was. I might not have been doing a very good job, which had brought out my mom’s easily suspicious nature.
Trying to act casual, I brought down the forkful of spaghetti I’d been about to eat. “My friend, Ian.”
My mom’s eyes narrowed, not satisfied with my answer. “Tell me about him.”
Not feeling one bit guilty about lying to my treacherous mother, I went right into it. “Let’s see, he’s really handsome and plays football at Denver West High School.”
I had to hold back laughter at the thought of Ian as a jock. He was so not the type. I saw him more as the head of an illegal gambling ring, taking bets behind the gym on sporting games. Although, with his swanky upbringing, I wouldn’t be surprised if he golfed or played tennis. I’d have to ask him. I rocked a tennis court.
My mom looked pleased, some of her earlier doubt gone. “Are you dating?”
I gnawed a chunk of my French bread off, trying to divert her attention. My mom hated it when I didn’t eat ladylike. Chance copied me, grunting as he tore at a piece of bread with his teeth. I gave him a wink.
“Gianna!” my mom snapped to get my attention.
My mouth full of bread, I answered truthfully, “We’re not dating.” I managed to hide my horror at the thought. I liked Ian as a friend, but now the thought of being with anyone but Caleb made me want to shudder, and not in the good way Caleb made me do it.
“Gianna, don’t talk with food in your mouth,” she scolded.
I took another bite of spaghetti. “Well, stop bugging me when I’m eating.”
Okay, lying to my mom was actually something I was enjoying. My own little revenge for all the hurt and hassle she’d put me and Caleb through.
“Is his family rich?” I hated when she asked questions like that, as if money was more important than character. I’d always suspected the main reason she let me spend so much time on the weekends with Cece was because her parents owned a restaurant and were in the process of expanding to a second location. They weren’t millionaires, but they’d totally renovated a modest home in Cherry Creek.