“Lexi, right?” Her movie star smile stretches wide and she tilts her head to the side.
“Yes. Sorry, Cora, I’m sorry, I’ve got to run. I’m trying to catch someone before they leave.”
“Sure. Maybe I’ll see you at dinner. You’re coming, right?” The way she says it—so nice and sincere, as if she actually wants me there—somehow irritates me further. The thought of watching her and Trent all over each other while I attempt to swallow food sours my mood even more. Not that I should care. I shouldn’t. God damn, this is all my mom’s fault.
“Maybe. Sorry, I have to—”
“Right! Of course. Nice meeting you!”
I don’t respond. I focus on getting out of this place and back to the bus.
I don’t do jealous.
I don’t covet something that’s not mine.
But I’m in a serious battle with my mind, because right now it bothers me that Trent will go to his hotel room with that actress. She’s tall. She’s nice. She’s a classic beauty. I bet her mother wouldn’t abandon her. I bet they have a great relationship.
She’s basically everything I’m not.
“Fuck.” I mutter the word and push through the exit door. The crew is busy packing up the equipment, loading the bus for the next stop. I’m careful not to get in anyone’s way on my march to our bus. Then I stumble to a stop. Surprise and relief flood my veins because there is my mother, leaning against the bus with her cell pressed to her ear. She ends her call before I reach her.
“Mom! I thought you left.”
She opens her arms and I accept her hug. She squeezes a little too tightly, holds on a half second too long, and when I pull back her brow is pulled into a frown.
“Lex, I know you’re leaving soon so I’m gonna head out.”
“We’re actually staying the night. Do you want to grab dinner?”
She glances at her phone and shakes her head before meeting my eyes. “Maybe next time. I’m exhausted, and I have an early flight tomorrow.”
“Oh. Okay.” It’s stupid that I wish she’d stay. Even though we’d probably argue, she’s still my mom.
“Love you, baby girl.” She wraps her arms around me for another hug. “You did so damn good tonight.” She pulls back and smiles, and her hands rub my arms.
“Thanks, Mom. Love you, too.” I don’t look back, stepping into the bus to pack my bag for a night alone with the hotel’s room service. Something that sounded so much better at the beginning of the night.
