About Last Night (About Last Night #1)(87)

Quinn and I decided an early night was probably best. After all, we’d barely spoken a word to each other since Harry had left.

I wasn’t sure what to say or do. My brother had made it clear he was not going to be supporting Quinn and me. That hurt me in a way I never expected. My brother was everything to me. In short, I was absolutely devastated. A dull ache throbbed in the place my heart would be if he hadn’t ripped it out hours earlier.

Quinn held me all night, and with my back to his chest, he stroked my arm, squeezed me tightly, and kissed the side of my neck lovingly in silent consolation. It didn’t matter. I didn’t feel any of it. I was numb. Quinn and I had officially been a couple for one whole day, and I felt as though we were already doomed.

This was not how it should’ve been, dammit! I’d been fantasizing about this moment for most of my late teens. This was not how it was meant to be. My heart ached silently as another bout of sorrow swept through me.

I sniffled, squeezing my eyes closed as I reached up to Quinn’s forearm and clutched at it.

“Baby,” he murmured gently, “come here.”

My body turned, and I buried my face in his neck and let out a wretched sob. He wrapped me up, placing soft kisses to my temple in a way I loved so much.

No.

This was not how it was meant to be.

I cried myself into silence, knowing a decision had to be made.




Later that day, I drew up my big girl pantaloons and went someplace I was pretty sure I was not welcome. Ignoring that fact, I raised my hand and knocked.

The door opened and my mom stood there, her face disapproving. “Mia, you have a key, sweetie. You don’t need to knock.”

The knot in my stomach untied as I let myself in behind her. “I didn’t know if you’d want to see me,” I admitted.

She waved a hand back at me as we found ourselves in the kitchen. “Over that little tiff?” Her brow knotted, but she softened it with a smile. “We’re a family. We’re bound to have a few of those. Honestly, I’m surprised it hadn’t come sooner.”

My brows rose. Who was this woman?

As she caught my surprised expression, she smiled and reached over to pat my hand. “Grandma was a pain in the ass, Mia. On a good day, I could barely stand her. She raised me. I was bound to be a pain in your ass every now and again.”

I took the inch she gave. Placing my free hand on hers, I squeezed and said in a hushed voice, “I’m sorry, Ma. So sorry. I never should’ve said the things I said. I didn’t even mean them. I was angry at something else and took it out on you.”

She leaned a little closer and smiled softly. “I forgive you. I love you.”

I couldn’t handle the distance any longer. I threw my arms around her and squeezed. I needed the contact. I felt her surprise, but after a short moment, her arms circled me and she hugged me back. When I pulled away, her eyes were wet. Smiling, I reached up and wiped her tears away with my sleeve.

Mom muttered, “I liked that. We don’t hug enough, you and me.”

“Well, that’s going to change.”

My mother had never been good at dealing with emotions. She quickly cleared her throat and turned to the fridge. “You hungry, sweetie?”

I hadn’t eaten since lunchtime the day before, but I placed a hand at the hollow feeling in my stomach. I wasn’t hungry. “No, thanks, I already ate,” I lied with ease.

She did as she normally did and completely ignored me, getting together the things to make a sandwich, when I laid it on her. “Mom, I have to tell you something.”

Placing things on the counter, she smiled slyly. “I know about Quinn, Mia. Your brother was here this morning.”

My gut twisted violently. I responded a hoarse, “Oh.” I swallowed back bile, a blush heating my cheeks. “And what did he say exactly?”

Mom’s face sobered. “He’s upset, Mia.”

“I know,” I whispered.

She shrugged. “I told him it was none of his business.”

My eyes widened. “You didn’t!” I exclaimed.

Mom slapped a piece of wheat bread onto the counter, placing ham and cheese onto it. She nodded, brows raised. “Oh yes, I did.” Adding lettuce and mayo, she placed the other piece of bread on top and handed it to me along with a napkin. “Eat,” she ordered.

I took a big bite of my sandwich, chewing enthusiastically. Mom seemed satisfied with that and went on, “Mia, you’re not a baby anymore. You’re a woman and you’re free to date who you like. Now, Harry is upset, but you’re his baby sister. I don’t think, when the time came, that he would’ve been happy with whomever you brought home. I think he’s just more upset that he feels like he was the last to know.”

My breathing shallowed. “It all happened so quickly…” I faded out.

Mom tilted her head slightly to the side and narrowed her eyes at me. “Do you like him?”

“I love him,” I responded immediately. “I love him more than anything.”

Mom smiled, and it gave me a small piece of reassurance. “Then fight for him.” She rolled her eyes. “Harry will get over this.” Then she added uncertainly, “Eventually.”

I picked at my sandwich. “I hope you’re right, Mom.”