Styx (Walk Of Shame 2nd Generation #2)(37)

Instantly, I assume the worst and thoughts of me kicking that son of a bitch’s ass take over.

I barely even park my bike, before I jump off and run over to her, grabbing her face to look for bruises. “What did that asshole do now? Did he hurt you again?”

She laughs and grabs my hands, pulling them away from her face. “Sit down for a minute. Don’t let yourself get so worked up, baby. I’m fine.” Sternly, she points to the empty space next to her. “Sit and relax.”

I release a breath and take a seat, fucking relieved that I won’t have to kill that bastard today. He’s lucky . . . for now. “Are you really okay? Don’t lie to me. Don’t ever lie to me to protect him. Got it?”

Smiling, she leans in close and rests her head against my shoulder. “I’m fine. I just missed my baby boy. You haven’t been by to see me in almost three weeks. I wanted to make sure you were okay. Are you?”

I feel like shit, the instant she points out my neglect for the last few weeks, but she knows more than anyone why I haven’t gone inside to see her. I’m usually sleeping or at the gym when he’s gone at work and when he’s there it always turns into a fight and I’m to that point where I know I won’t be able to control myself when it comes to him.

“I’m fine. You’re more than welcome at my house, mom and you know it. I’m always here for you, but I can’t look at that piece of shit. I’ll kill him if I see any more bruises on you. I can’t do it anymore. We’ve put up with his shit for too long. I just wish you could see that. He’s not worth your time and effort.”

She lets out a small sigh and holds onto my arm as if she doesn’t want to let go. “You’re the best son any mother could ask for, but I just need you to come over once in a while and see me. We all need to move on from the past. Please . . . just do this for me. Your father has been going to counseling and he isn’t the same he was six months ago. If we treat him like he is, then he might as well still be. Right?”

I close my eyes and pinch the top of my nose. She’s asking a lot of me with this. I’ll never forget or forgive the shit he’s put us through. I can’t.

How can you just sit in a room with a monster and pretend that he isn’t the evil that ruined everything you loved growing up?

I can’t answer that, but for my mother, I’ll do anything, no matter how much it hurts me.

“When do you want me over? I’ll do dinner, but I can’t do a poker night where he’s drinking all night and acting a fool. I’ll be gone before that. It’ll only stress me out and have me hounding his ass to make sure he doesn’t get out of control.”

“Tomorrow night. I’ll cook your favorite meal and your father will be on his best behavior. I promise. He already knows I’m here asking you and he’s promised to behave and not give you a hard time.”

I sit for a few seconds, considering her offer, when my phone vibrates in my pocket. The idea that it could be Meadow, has me reaching in my pocket for it and unlocking the screen.

My mom looks down at my phone and smiles. “Who’s Meadow? Do you have a girlfriend that you’re keeping from me? Styx.” She playfully pushes my shoulder and laughs.

My heart speeds up with excitement as I scan over the message. I can barely hide the smile that takes over as my mother watches my face as I read the message.

It’s probably been forever since my mom has seen me as happy as I feel right now with this damn phone in my hand.

Meadow: I wanted to let you know that I’m home and ready when you are. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

I don’t even realize that my mother is reading over my shoulder, until she grips my arm in excitement and squeals. “I need to meet this Meadow. Ask her to come to dinner tomorrow night for tacos. It’ll be fun. I promise.”

The thought of bringing her around my father has my heart sinking and my stomach twisting up in knots.

“Not a good idea.” I shake my head and put the phone down on my lap. “Sorry, but I can’t do that. Not with that asshole there. You’ll just have to come over here and see her, mom.”

My mother’s face drops into a look of disappointment and I feel my fucking heart rip apart. I hate seeing her sad.

This woman raised me and is everything good in me. She helped make me who I am today and kept me sane growing up, when I thought all hope was lost. We protected and took care of each other. I can never hurt her.

Well shit . . .

Swallowing, I reach for my phone and stare at it in silence for a few moments, before typing out a message.

Styx: Come to dinner with me tomorrow night to meet my mother. You’re the first woman I’ve invited to dinner.