Page 104 of Take My Name

“Sure, Mom.”

“Maisie…” She sighs. “We want you to be happy. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.”

“Even if that means movin’ here and stayin’ married to Warren?”

“Yes,” she replies instantly. “Of course.”

Although she can’t see me, I nod because although I’m nearly thirty, it’s nice to hear my parents will support my decision regardless of what they wanted me to do.

“I’m glad ya came around,” I say, trying not to sound bitter. “Hayes ain’t comin’ until Tuesday now, so I’ll tell him then.”

She’s quiet for a moment and I think I’ve hit a dead zone until she speaks up. “We can hire someone to go to New York and pack up your things if you’d rather not see him after that.”

That probably shouldn’t make me smile, but knowing they’d do that for me, is how they show love.

“Thanks for offerin’, Mom, but I need to handle this myself. You and Daddy can’t keep bailin’ me out.” Like with the divorce attorney and drafting the papers. “I’ll be okay and figure it out.”

“Alright, well, let me know if you change your mind. Especially knowin’ Hayes hired a PI to spy on you. Who does that?”

I roll my eyes at the irony of her being Team Hayes only a few hours ago. But I think this is hertryingto be on my side and support my decision.

“And not to be pushy or overstep, but once y’all talk and it’s for sure canceled, I’ll take care of everythin’ with the coordinator.”

NowthatI’ll let her handle. She needs a project to stay busy or she won’t leave me alone.

“I appreciate that, Mom. Thank you.”

At the very least, talking to her helped calm me long enough to drive to the hospital without speeding.

“I’m almost there, so I’m gonna let you go. But thank you talkin’ to me so I didn’t panic too much.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie. Let me know when there’s an update. I’ll add him to my prayer group.”

“Thanks, I’ll be sure to tell him that.”

He’ll wonder if he woke up in a different timeline where my mother’s concerned for him.

Truthfully, I’m wondering the same.

When I get to the waiting room, some of Warren’s family members are already seated and now I’m concerned if they’ll want me here or not.

“Maisie!” Posey jumps up from her chair and rushes toward me, wrapping me in a hug before I can even speak.

“Hi,” I squeak. “How’s he doin’?”

She pulls back, brushing her fingers over my cheek where my mascara probably ran down.

“Still waitin’ for an update. Bodie’s pacin’ the hallway outside his room since they won’t let anyone in. Last I heard, they were gonna take him to get a CT scan for his head and chest.”

I follow Posey to where Warren’s parents and Bellamy are waiting. Mrs. Langston smiles before wrapping her arms around me.

“Hi, sweetie.” She squeezes my hand. “Glad you came.”

“What exactly happened?”

Posey explains what Bodie told her and although some of it is confusing, I get the gist of it. Having firsthand experience with that demon horse, I can’t help feeling bad she got hurt and is probably scared.

“How’s Lilith?” I ask.