Page 10 of Mr. Edwards

“Your mom works here?”

“Yeh, Roxanne.”

“Roxy’s your mom? I didn’t know she had a kid.”

That doesn’t surprise me. It’s not something she flaunts, hence why she makes me call her Roxy. I’m her biggest mistake, a thorn in her side… well that’s what she often tells me.

“Is your old man in there too?”

“Who?”

“Your dad?” He points to the cap.

“No, he’s in prison.”

He winces when I say that. “Who looks after you when your mom is at work?” His gaze moves around the parking lot as he speaks.

“Nobody.”

His eyes snap back to me as the furrow in his brow deepens. He shakes his head before speaking again. “Give me a minute.” He mumbles something under his breath as he takes a few steps away, pulling his phone out of his suit jacket. After pushing a few buttons, he holds it to his ear. “It’s me, Reece, is Roxy still inside?” He lets out a long breath as his eyes dart in my direction. “Damn,” he says after a brief pause. “Her kids here; do you think you can bring her out?”

My mom’s gonna be pissed if she’s brought out here because of me, maybe I should just leave.

After ending his call, he slides his phone back into his pocket. “Frank’s going to bring her out.” He clears his throat, scratching the back of his head. “She’s pretty wasted.”

“Figures,” I say with a shrug.

“Does she do this often?”

I don’t want to get her in any trouble, although, she’s worked here long enough. I’m guessing they know what she’s like by now. Shrugging my shoulders again, I stare down at my shoes, or should I say shoe. My eyes dart toward the alleyway. The one I lost when I ran may be busted, but they’re the only ones I own.

“Can I go get my other sneaker?” I ask. It’s a long walk home and I don’t fancy doing it in one shoe.

His gaze darts down to my feet before replying. “I’ll get it. Wait here.”

I probably should use this time to make a break for it, but the damage is already done. My throat tightens at the thought. I shouldn’t have come here.

I watch as Reece jogs down the alleyway to retrieve it. “Looks like it’s busted,” he says, flipping back the loose sole before passing it to me. “You’re going to need a new pair.” Ignoring him, I slip it back on my foot. I’m embarrassed to tell him it was already like that.

Minutes pass as we stand there in awkward silence, waiting for my mom to make her appearance.

Both our heads swing toward the front door of the club when it bursts open. “Ah, come on, Frank, don’t be so mean,” Roxy slurs as he escorts her outside. She’s so drunk, she’d probably fall flat on her face if he wasn’t holding her up. “Just one more drink?”

“I’m sorry, Roxy, we’re cutting you off, you’ve had enough. It’s time to go home, sweetheart.”

I’m surprised by how gentle his voice is given the situation, but he probably deals with people like her all the time.

I grimace when my mom’s arms slink around his thick waist, her bright red lips puckering as she tilts her head back and bats her long eyelashes at him. She has no shame. Sober, she may be able to pull off that seductive look, but not when she’s hammered. I feel my face heat, and I’m not sure if I’m humiliated for her or myself.

Frank shakes his head as he untangles her from his body. His actions have her pouty lips instantly thinning into a fine line as her red eyes glaze over and the anger sets in.Shit. I know what’s coming; I’ve seen that look enough. She’s like a ticking time bomb when she’s been drinking and she’s about to blow.

She stumbles slightly before Frank reaches out to clasp her elbow, stopping her drunk ass from falling over.

“Get your fucking hands off me,” she screams, thrashing her arms around, trying to get out of his hold.

Here we go.

“Hey,” Reece says, stepping forward. “Watch your language in front of the kid.”