Page 76 of When We Kiss

“We had a delightful time, thank you, Carl. You were a delight.” Evelyn touches our waiter’s arm, and I slide my chair back.

“Thanks so much for dinner.” I’m talking fast, needing to go before I get pulled into anything more involving Chad’s mother. “I’m so sorry, but I have to get back to my place. I have some work to finish tonight.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Evelyn’s voice sounds the exact opposite of sorry. “It was nice meeting you, Tabitha.”

“Nice meeting you.” I dare a glance at Chad, but he’s signing the check. “Thanks again.”

Turning on my heel, I head for the door before anyone can stop me. My hand is on the glass when I hear his voice calling for me to wait. I can’t do that. I’ve got to get back to my place and call Rani and AJ before I change my mind.

Twenty-One

; Chad

I hustle my mother out of the restaurant and into her Lexus. The only thing on my mind is getting her back to my apartment and getting to Tabby’s place. Tonight did not go how I’d expected at all. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t Tabby dropping a bombshell like that and walking out.

The Blue Crab is all the way at the end of the strip, but since it’s the off-season, traffic is light. I fight the urge to speed home, only because I know I can’t. I’m sure Jimmy fucking Rhodes would be waiting in his Uber to let Robbie know.

And I guess I am supposed to be setting a good example in the community.

My mother hasn’t stopped talking even though my mind is miles away. Returning my focus to what she’s saying, I catch the last part.

“…and after everything we’ve been through. I don’t know how you could get involved with a girl like that.” Her voice is sharp.

My fists tighten on the steering wheel, and my jaw clenches. “A girl like what?”

In my peripheral, I see her head snap toward me. “A girl just like Charity. She’s out of control. Did you hear the way she spoke to me?”

I heard her.

At the time, I thought it was pretty fucking funny. Now my stomach is in knots at the thought I might lose her, and I don’t have patience for my mom’s bullshit.

Clearing my throat, I manage to speak calmly. “Tabby is nothing like Charity.”

My sister acted out because she was desperately unhappy and not strong enough to stand up for herself. I’m beginning to understand her more.

“That’s what you think.” My mother continues in her superior tone. “I know a wild girl when I see one.”

“Tabby’s not wild.” I was wrong to listen to the gossip and pre-judge her that way. “Tabby doesn’t take shit from anybody. She stands up for herself. Cherry would never do that. She would only make bad choices.” Or do more drugs.

“Don’t talk about your sister that way.” My mother’s voice goes shrill. “How could you say bad things about her now that she’s gone? Are you deliberately trying to hurt me?”

She looks down, and I glance over at her. I can’t tell if she’s crying, and I’m not trying to hurt her. I can’t understand what it would be like to lose a child, but I do know her overbearing nature ultimately was too much for my sister.

“I’m not trying to hurt you.” I take a breath and adjust my tone.

I don’t want to fight with my mother or make her cry. I just want her to stop trying to manipulate me. Cherry is gone, and I’m not looking to take her place.

“What made you decide to come for a visit? Was it really to see me or was it to try and make me come back to Charleston?”

She sniffs and shakes her hair back. “A little of both, I guess. I wanted to see you, to know you’re okay.”

“I’m okay. I’m actually better than okay. I really like living here. I like my job…” I like Tabitha Green. Maybe a little too much too soon.

“I don’t believe that. You’re a Charleston man, and it’s time for you to act like it. You have a place in society and a responsibility to your family. We need you at home. I want my son back.” Her chin goes down again, and my brows furrow.

What new line of bullshit is this? “I haven’t been home in almost ten years.”