Page 66 of Seduction

Mom

For the first time, I get through it without shedding a tear. Mom was right. It’s time to take her advice and grasp my own happiness… with the man who calls me “beautiful” like it’s my name. As I return the letter to its hiding place, my gaze lands on Eddie’s picture. I pick it up, running my fingers across his handsome face.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll never forget you.”

I press a kiss to the glass, then place it in my drawer next to Mom’s letter. Smiling to myself for taking this small step, I slide into bed, falling asleep with a clear head and an open heart.

***

A light touch wakes me up.

“Momma.”

At Mikey’s distressed voice, I sit up and turn on the light by my bed.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I ask as I lift him onto my lap.

“I don’t feel good.”

I place my palm on his forehead, surprised to find him burning up. Crap.

“Does anywhere hurt?”

He points to his head.

“Stay here, baby. Momma’s going to get you something for that, okay?”

When he nods, I hurry downstairs to the kitchen to get the medicine and thermometer. After taking his temperature, I give him a dose of the medicine and some water, then hold him close as I turn the TV back on.

“I want Ice-tie.”

“Baby, it’s late—”

The sound of his cries cuts me off. I can’t deny him anything when he’s sick. If I’m honest with myself, I want Ice-tie, too.

Grabbing my phone, I check the time—3:00 a.m. Hopefully Jon’s not sleeping. I dial his number, waiting for him to answer.

“Ellen.”

“Hi. Sorry to call so late but… Mikey woke up with a fever and he’s asking for you. If you can’t—”

“I’ll be there in a few.”

He’s gone before I can say anything else. I gather Mikey closer, running my fingers through his hair.

“It’s okay, baby. Ice-tie’s coming.”

True to his word, Jon knocks on my door not long after. He’s changed his clothes, so I think I did wake him up. However, I’m happy he’s here, and not just for Mikey’s sake. I apologize as I move aside to let him in.

“No worries. I’m glad you called. Where is he?”

“Upstairs, in my room.”

I lead him there, watching as Mikey reaches out for him. Jon climbs into the bed next to him, feeling his forehead like I did.

“Hey, buddy.”

“Ice-tie, I hurt.”