Page 75 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I

“Is Max overworking you?” my mom asked.

I shot to my feet. “Ask him. And tell him to tell you the truth.”

She looked at me, aghast. I’d never used the f-word with her. “Good night,” my mom said through clenched teeth. She knew I was mad at her because of our conversation about the Valentines. Usually, she would say something that would put us back on the same page. But tonight, she was unwavering.

Caroline gave me a hug and slipped something into my back pocket. “It was so good seeing you, my love. Don’t be a stranger,” she whispered in my ear.

Mom and I hugged loosely before I left. Now I feel awful. On top of that, I have my answer. My parents will never accept me and Hercules as a couple.

I have tried over and over again to get answers from my family about our silly feud with the Valentines, and the ones that they’ve given me do not make sense. Now I make a decision. The time has come for me to find the answers on my own.

I pull out whatever Caroline put into my back pocket. I open one eye to see what it is. It’s her business card. I softly roll my eyes. I don’t need a shrink—I need answers. But then a thought strikes me. Caroline has known my mom for ages. They’re like sisters. If Heartly has secrets, Caroline will know them. She’s returning to California tomorrow night. I’ll call her Monday morning and ask her what she knows about the Valentines.

I smile. My plan feels empowering.

“Good dream?” Greg asks.

“The best,” I reply.The best.