Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2)(36)

“Skiutles,” she said frowning.

“Yes, that’s right they say Skittles,” I assured her then waved goodbye, “I’ll see you soon, okay.”

I turned and rushed out the door before the tears came.

I’d walked about a mile when I saw Marcus’s truck slow down beside me. He was out of it and over to me immediately. I knew I looked a mess. I hadn’t called him because I’d needed to cry and vomit. Walking helped calm me down some and clear my head.

“Low, what’s wrong?” He asked pulling me into his arms. I shook my head and willed myself not to lose it again. I couldn’t tell Marcus any of this. My world wasn’t something he’d understand. It was ugly. I didn’t want the taint that had followed me all my life to be a part of my relationship with him. He’d see me differently if he knew. He’d see Larissa differently. If I wanted us to work I couldn’t share this part of me with him.

“Why didn’t you call me? I was writing and glanced at the time and realized you should have called an hour ago. I came as fast as I could.”

I pulled back from his chest and swallowed the lump in my throat. The acidic taste from puking burned my throat.

“I got in a fight with Tawny. She’s an ass. Larissa cried because I was leaving. I hate to leave her like that.”

Marcus nodded and his thumbs caressed my cheeks as he held my face. I really hoped he didn’t try to kiss me. I needed to brush the vomit from my mouth.

“Family can suck,” he agreed. Then he turned and opened the truck door and lifted me up into the seat.

“Next time, call me. Please,” he pleaded.

I nodded and forced a smile.





Chapter Fourteen





Marcus



I pulled up to my mom’s house and parked behind Amanda’s new Mercedes. I was a little late but I had a hard time leaving Willow at work after the way I’d found her. Damn she’d been upset. I hadn’t even met this sister and I really disliked her. If it wasn’t for the fact she was Larissa’s mom I’d hate her. I wanted to tell her I knew how screwed up family relationships could be but dropping my crap on her seemed unfair. Willow was sensitive. She’d only worry over me and I wanted her happy. Giving her more to stress over wouldn’t do either of us any good. Besides I wasn’t alone in this. I had Amanda.

Opening the front door I walked in without knocking. It was family dinner night. Next week I intended to bring Willow with me. I wanted her to meet my Mom. I’d just need to find out her work schedule and we’d make sure to have family dinner on a night Willow was available.

“Well it’s about time you drug your love sick tail in here,” Amanda teased.

I grinned. No use in denying it. I wasn’t in love yet. But I could easily see it going there.

“Lovesick?” Mom asked stepping out of the kitchen with her stark white apron on with the lace stuff around the bottom and a glass of white wine in her hand.

“Yes lovesick. You should see him with her mom. He’s all sweet and possessive. It’s adorable and slightly nauseating.”

Mom’s face brightened at Amanda’s description. She’d been worried about me this summer after the Sadie fiasco.

“And why didn’t you bring her tonight? I want to see this nauseating scene myself.”

I walked over and hugged my mom because I knew she needed the affection and I was just so glad to see her smile again.

“I will next week. She’s working tonight. When I find out her off nights next week I’ll let you know and we can pick a night she’s available.”

Mom kissed one cheek and patted my other one.

“Good,” she replied then turned and walked back into the kitchen.

“Cage know yet?” Amanda asked in a low voice as she sidled up beside me.

I nodded and she gasped.

“I moved her out of his room.”

Amanda’s eyes flew open as wide as they’d go.

“No way!”

“Yep”

“And he didn’t kick you out?” She sounded shocked.

“And take Low with me? No. He’d never do that.”

“Ah, didn’t think about that. Smart move bro.”

I shrugged, “I’m pretty dang brilliant.”

“Whatever.”

Slapping me on the back of my head she walked around me and led the way to the kitchen.

Once we had all the food on the table and the three of us were seated, Mom cleared her throat, “Okay there is something I wanted to tell you both. Since our last little chat I’ve made some decisions.” The look of apprehension on her face worried me. That couldn’t be good. Taking a long swig of my sweet tea I waited for her to continue.

“I’ve spoken with your father this week. Several times. I did bring up the possibility of a divorce. I told him that if he wanted out then fine. I’d let him go,” she paused and twisted the napkin in her hands nervously. Also not a good sign.

“He doesn’t want a divorce. We both believe he has been going through a midlife crisis,” she held up her hand when I opened my mouth very close to yelling “bull shit” at my mother’s dinner table. “Don’t Marcus. Let me finish,” she pleaded. I couldn’t look back at Amanda. This was just going to give her hope. I hated to see the relief on her face. Knowing it would only hurt her even more when Dad screwed up again.