Page 71 of Ruptured

“Hey, babe. That was thoughtless.” She sat back down and leaned her elbows on the table. “I didn’t mean to touch a nerve.”

Diesel flushed, feeling like a jackass. “No, sweetheart. You don’t have to censor your words because I’m a miserable motherfucker. I shouldn’t allow that cunt’s actions to affect our lives. You don’t deserve that.”

She opened her mouth, then lowered her lashes and nodded.

“What, Jana? I know you want to say more.”

“It’s about your mother.”

Distaste rose in Diesel, but he shoved it aside. “I figured.”

“Have you ever considered her feelings?”

“Should I—”

“Her actions were so wrong. Detrimental, but what would lead a woman to abandon her own son? As much as she loved you–”

“Words that her actions didn’t back up,” Diesel snapped.

“For the first fourteen or fifteen years of your life, her words aligned with her actions. You cannot tell me something awful must’ve broken inside her to make her leave you, babe. Have you ever considered that?”

Swallowing, Diesel shook his head.

“You’re so much better than all the hate and anger, eating you alive. You love the family who rescued you. You’re kind, funny, and brave. Not a monster who wouldn’t stop to consider the full picture, especially since your father deserted you, too.”

“If she wouldn’t have–”

“I understand, babe. You think her actions led to everything else. But that guy made a choice, too. Neither of what they did wasyourfault. You were a minor.Theyhad a responsibility to you. Please stop torturing yourself. You deserve the world at your feet. You have it. Be thankful for it and embrace the life you found.”

“You’re too sweet for me,” Diesel said quietly.

“Never!” She released a dramatic sigh. “Besides my words went in one ear and out the other. You’re committed to hating her.”

“I’ll try to do better,” he swore, meaning it. “I just need–”

“Your little sister home to think clearer. I understand.” Jana’s face lit up. “I have a brilliant idea. Why don’t we wait forthe dinner until she’s released and you can bring her and Axel to meet Mom and Dad? Or her and CJ? We don’t have the biggest table, so there wouldn’t be room for your entire family.”

Rebel wouldn’t fucking behave, so Jana’s idea would never come to fruition.

Another text message reminded him he hadn’t read the previous one.

UNKNOWN: Mr. Caldwell, will you meet with me?

UNKNOWN: Please help me, sir. Give me your location so I can head your way.

Fine. I’m at Tee Tee’s Burger Joint. On Route 1555 in Hortensia.

UNKNOWN: I know the location. I’ll be there in thirty.

See you then.

After sending the text to the mysterious client, Diesel ordered Jana’s Uber, then escorted her to the car once it arrived.

Returning inside the restaurant, Diesel found Symphony clearing his table. He hadn’t seen her in almost an hour.

“Oh, uh, I thought you’d left,” she said.

“I was just seeing my friend to her ride,” he said, sitting again.