Page 108 of One Good Crash

Damn it.

I studied his face. "So what is it? You might as well tell me, or I'll just drive you crazy asking."

"Alright." His gaze hardened. "When she calls, don't answer the phone."

"Who? My mom?" I almost laughed. "Don't worry. I doubt she'll be calling."

"Doubt all you want," he said, "but shewillcall, and probably sooner than you think."

"Seriously, I don't think you need to worry."

"Good," he said. "So promise me, alright?"

I didn't want to promise. I wasn't even sure I could. "Is thatreallythe favor?"

"That's it," he said. "And if I only get one, that's the one I want."

As far as favors went, it was huge and tiny all at the same time. I blew out a nervous breath. "Wanna hear something funny? I've been living here for how long? A few weeks, right? Do you know, I haven't even seen her since the night you and I met?"

His expression didn't change. "Good."

Was it?

Yes.

And no.

I mumbled, "I dunno. I guess."

I looked toward the center console, where I'd placed my cellphone. In spite of what Jax might think, the odds of my mom calling – at least any time soon – were very slim.

I knew this from experience. Even back in high school, when I'd moved out for the very first time, she didn't call me for weeks even though I was technically a minor.

I'd been staying with a friend, but she didn't know that. Funny, she never even asked.

Hell, I could've been dead in a ditch for all she knew.

Still, I had to be honest. I looked back to Jax and said, "I can't promise to never talk to her. I mean, sheismy mom."

He said nothing. But he didn't need to. His reply was written all over his face.Wrong answer.

I sighed. "Look, it's not like I want to be best buddies with her or anything. You want the truth? Sometimes, I'm not even sure that Ilikeher, but…" I paused to collect my thoughts. "…she's the only family I have. Even Aunt Tabitha, she's not really my aunt."

"Good," he said for what felt like the millionth time.

I gave him a look. "You say that a lot."

"Only when I mean it."

That much was obvious. ButImeant it, too, which totally sucked.

Today, he'd asked me for two favors, but I couldn't give him either one.

And whether foolish or not, I couldn't lie about them either, even though it would've been a ton easier – short-term, anyway – than sitting here, letting the silence fester between us.

I tried to smile. "I don't suppose you'll reconsider that kidney thing?"

He frowned. "No."