Page 145 of Tied to You

I laugh. She’s so happy. “You’re welcome.”

Once she settles and lets me go, I get back to making the teas, and she pulls out her phone, asking Siri to call Mick. She’s excited and lively when he answers. “The kids, they’ve done something crazy!” It’s lovely listening to her. “No. We’re going on holiday, Mick. I can’t believe it!”

Turning and leaning against the counter, her eyes are on me as she listens to him. I lift my mug to my lips, grimacing when I take a sip. It tastes like a sewer. Milk must be off.

“Yes, I know! We need to celebrate. This is our first holiday in years, Mick. Let’s take them out.” I return the smile she gives me. “Tonight!”

My eyes roll at her.

“Leave it with me.” She waits for him to hang up then steps closer to me. “Right, I’m going to go get ready.”

I look at the fake watch on my wrist. “It’s a little early, don’t you think?” I smile at her excitement.

“Well, I’m excited. I want to get ready with plenty of time.”

“You haven’t even had your tea,” I tell her.

In response, she uses her wrists to lift the mug to her mouth, taking a big swig without grimacing. “There.” She tilts her head with a satisfied grin. “Be ready for seven?”

“Okay.”

She kisses my cheek, and I dip to her, making it easier. “Oh, and call your dad.” She gives my arm a gentle squeeze in solidarity.

Shit. Right. “I will.”

“It will be fine,” she tells me, seeing my face fall. Then she’s gone, practically bouncing out the door.

“I hope so,” I say to myself, staring it for a moment. Eventually, I head to the bedroom and pick up my phone from the bed. “Hi,” I say when he answers.

“Mollie.”

“How are you?” I ask, more out of politeness.

“I’m fine, darling.”

“Mum okay?”

He huffs. “Your mother’s fine. Missing you. We all are.”

You are?My heart accelerates. “Um,” I stutter. “I miss you too.”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

My eyes close. “I do miss you. I just—”

“Did you get everything you needed from the files I sent?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Does this mean you’ve started working elsewhere?”

“No, Dad. That was something personal.”Just outlaw business and drug deals.

His tone changes. “When are you coming home?”

Home.I already have one. And a fiancé.“I’m not.” My voice is colder than I mean it to be.

“Mollie—”