Page 7 of Crying Shame

“If you’re worried about anything, I can fix it.”

I let out a laugh. He had no idea what he was saying. His money didn't matter to me. I lifted my eyebrows and decided to repeat a long-ago hurt I’d carried close to my heart. “As you said, ‘we’re done,’ so let’s not whitewash the past. Sam and I have to get out of here now.”

He pressed his hand to his heart and lowered his head. “I’m sorry. Every day over the past eight years, I’ve hoped for the chance to say that to you.”

The air above us crackled.

Tourists ran, and my entire body tightened.

It was about to rain, but I stood still. Maybe the water would wash away this nightmare.

I pivoted and saw Hunter. He stayed back as I was with Elon, but time was up.

Sam shook my arm. “Mom, listen… he said he was sorry.”

Damn.Tears formed in my eyes just as it started to rain.

If I kept Sam from Elon, our son would think of me as the bad guy.

Elon said, “I want to help.”

I swiped my face. I wouldn't let anyone see me cry as that never solved problems. I met Elon’s eyes. “You swear that you won't call my parents or force them to come see me if we come with you?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

I held Sam’s hand as tight as he’d let me. “Then fine.”

Elon placed his hand over my head like he might protect me from the rain and Hunter.

I almost laughed. The rain provided a welcome break from the unending heat. Elon walked us toward one of the most expensive hotels in the area. At least I wasn’t wearing anything that identified me as an employee of one of the theme parks. There was no way Hunter could figure out who I checked into the hotel with. If he did, he’d be a fool to show up at a penthouse or whatever room Elon picked.

Sam swung my hand. “Mom… introduce me.”

I stopped and didn’t care if rain ran down my face in buckets. Sam’s innocent blue eyes were sweet, and he deserved to be protected. I straightened my spine and pivoted to face the man I hoped would ensure nothing bad ever happened to Sam again. “Right. Elon, this is Sam. Sam, this is Elon, your father.”

Elon crouched down and smiled. Sam reached out and hugged him.

My heart swelled.

They deserved each other.

Elon took Sam’s other hand, and the three of us jogged into the hotel. As we waited in line at check-in, Sam asked, “How do you know my mom?”

Elon met my gaze. He stared at me like he had something to say. Then he swallowed. “She… and I go back to when we were younger than you. She’s unforgettable.”

I rocked on my feet. His family had provided the only normalcy in my childhood. My parents served his, but when I’d been allowed to hang out with Elon and his brothers, I’d had enough to eat and… laughter.

Sam asked, “Why weren’t you here before now?”

I cupped his face. My son had no idea what kind of person I’d been. I’d vowed to love him and protect him.

It wasn’t his fault I’d failed in that too.

Elon took out his wallet as we were next in line. “I… didn’t… I was in school.”

“School? But you're old.”

I laughed. Then I was old, too, as Elon and I had been born a week apart, and I used to save a piece of his birthday cake to celebrate my own birthday.