Page 25 of Rage
“I’ve never had a man offer to wash my clothes.”
He snorts. “Of course not. Your ex was a child.”
He really was. I go to my bag and pull out a few of items. I put them as well as his jeans in the clothes basket.
When he leaves, I wonder how I’m going to restrain myself from sleeping with him. I need restraint because I don’t want tocome across as desperate... but who am I kidding? I slept with him the first night I met him. But I do need to slow it down a bit. I don’t want him to think I’m using him either, and I can’t just focus on him like I did with my ex. I need to focus on rebuilding myself too.
My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I glance at the screen and see my mom’s name. I answer it.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hey, I just wanted to check in with you.”
I smile. I love my parents. They’re amazing people. “I’m all okay, and I’m in a better head space now. I’m starting to realize that Tyler has done me a favor. Our relationship was toxic and one-sided. I’m seeing my value now more than ever.” Thanks to Rage. “I’m even starting to focus on myself, on my diet and exercise. I really do want to make some positive changes.”
I hear a long sigh. “I’m happy for you. We’ve always told you what a great person you are and that anyone would be lucky to have you.” Her voice softens, sounding emotional. “You’re perfect the way you are, but if you want to start feeling better about yourself, that’s great. You know your father and I are proud of how you’ve handled this very challenging situation. You’re a lot stronger than I am. We love you and want you to be happy.”
My eyes blur with tears at Mom’s declaration. “Thank you.”
“Now, do you need any extra money? It must be costing you a fortune while you’re away.”
“It’s okay. I found a room to rent in the meantime. The people are really kind here.”
“Is it safe?” she’s quick to ask.
“Yes, very. I feel much safer here than I do being at home with Tyler.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear. But if you need any money, make sure you let us know. Talking abouthim. He came over to talk tous. Your dad and I gave him a piece of our mind.” She giggles. “I bet afterward he wished he hadn’t come over.”
I narrow my eyes. “What could Tyler possibly have to say to you?”
“Just that it was all a mistake and that he feels ashamed of how he’s treated you, but he misses you and has been trying to get a hold of you. I made it very clear that I’m disappointed in him and that you deserve better. He left soon after. I think he wanted our sympathy in order to get us to ask you to contact him.” Mom huffs. “Over my dead body. My loyalty is to you, and what he did was unforgiveable.”
“Thank you, I really appreciate it. I’m annoyed he went to see you two.”
“Don’t worry about it. We told himexactlyhow we feel. Your dad got quite heated over it.”
I smirk. I could imagine Dad doing that. “Well, I’m off to have a shower.”
“Okay. Love you and be safe.”
“Yes, Mom. Love you too.” I might be in my thirties, but I’ll always be their little girl.
I grab a pair of old jeans and a shirt from my bag, along with the shampoo and conditioner Ava left for me, and head to the shower. The hot water feels like a reset, washing away the weight of the past few days. Afterward, I step out, towel off, and get dressed.
When I return to Rage’s room, he’s sitting on the bed, looking delicious as always. His cologne is fresh, and I smile at the first whiff of it. He looks over and stands and smiles with open arms. He’s a really affectionate guy, and I love that about him. I’m not used to it at all.
I walk into his arms and he gives me a bear hug. He brings my wet hair to his nose, breathes in deeply, and lets out a sigh. “You smell so good. What is that?”
“It’s lavender from the shampoo and conditioner.” I’ll have to thank Ava later.
We go downstairs, and only a few people are around. Two women are sitting on the couch. One has pink hair in pigtails, and the other has dark hair and a sleeve of tattoos. “I haven’t met them yet,” I point out.
He pauses and looks at them, then at me. “They’re the sweet butts.”
My stomach drops. “Are you with any of them?”
He gives a small headshake. “I’ve slept with them. But there was never any relationship. We all just get along as friends. So... are you sure you want to meet them?”
