Suddenly, I was feeling sick to my stomach. "I'm turning into my mom."
Chapter 69
It had been several days since I'd last seen him, and I'd been missing him like crazy. And yet, I kept on avoiding him, mostly because I still didn't know what to do about everything I'd learned.
On one hand, I was beyond thankful for all of his help. But at the same time, I knew exactly where this road led. And if I ever forgot, a nice visit with my mom would be the perfect reminder.
Funny, I couldn’t even dothat, because she and Tabitha were off on some extended trip to California, supposedly to visit some of their old haunts. By now, they'd been away for so long, I started to wonder if they were gone for good.
The timingwouldbe about right. After all, they did have that habit of moving from place to place in search of new thrills and the guys who'd be paying for them.
As for myself, I wasn't seeking any thrills at all as I tried to focus on regular things, like earning money for whatever might happen next.
It was a Thursday night, and I was just leaving work when Becka, a fellow waitress, called out, "Hey Cassidy, wait up, will ya?"
When I stopped and turned around, she scurried forward and said, "I'm looking for extra hours. Wanna give up tomorrow's shift?"
Tomorrow was the first Friday I'd been scheduled to work in forever. A week ago, I would've jumped at Becka's offer.
Not anymore.
I shook my head. "Thanks, but I'd better keep this one."
Her face fell. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Are youreallysure?"
"Uh, yeah." I gave a shaky laugh. "Gotta pay the rent, right?"
She bit her lip. "So….you're not gonna change your mind?"
No. I wasn't.And her persistence was rubbing me the wrong way. Still, I summoned up a smile. "Maybe you should ask Tori."
Becka frowned. "Whyher?"
"Because she sounds like she's coming down with a cold. I bet she'd love tomorrow off."
Becka was still frowning. "Yeah, but I'd rather switch with you."
Okaaaaay.That was a bit strange. "Why me?"
She shrugged. "Why not?"
I felt my gaze narrow. "Is there something I should know?"
At first, she denied it. But then, after a good deal of nagging – plus a bribe, if you can believe it – I finally had the whole story.
And I wasn't happy.
Ten minutes later, I was walking through the parking lot with my head down and my thoughts churning like a jumbled crazy mess. I was flattered. And angry. And very, very confused.
I was so lost in my thoughts that it took me a moment to notice Jax leaning up against his car – or rather, one of his cars. Cripes, the guy had so many, I could hardly keep track.
I stopped in mid-step and stared at him from across the distance. His gaze met mine, and he smiled like he always did when he was happy to see me. I tried to smile back, but my lips wouldn't cooperate.
His smile faded, and he strode forward, meeting me more than halfway, between a long row of cars. In a low voice, he asked, "Baby, what's wrong?"
