Page 54 of His Flash Mate
As I watched her, I marveled at the juxtaposition she was.She had so much inner strength and determination, but such low self-esteem, too.She was determined to be independent because life had taught her the pain of relying on someone too much.But she was afraid to reach too far now, for anything.
Uncle Jay’s dinner arrived on time.It was a hearty helping of pho along with a note to feel better soon.
“Pass on my thanks,” Mom said as I got ready.
“Are you sure you want to thank him?Pho for someone with one arm seems a little mean,” I said, watching her.
“I broke my left arm, not my right one.I’m fine.Go to work.”
“Promise you’ll call if you need anything, and text before you go to bed, so if I call and you don’t answer, I won’t panic.”
“Promise.”
With her assurance, I left for Lunar Pulse.I wasn’t sure what to expect for the night.A windfall of tips was a nice dream.However, the reality would probably include a post-one-night-stand encounter with Konni, a dose of overprotectiveness from Uncle Jay, and, hopefully, unnecessary concern for Mom.
People were lining up outside when I arrived, which was a new and exciting development, so I slipped behind the bar to work with Uncle Jay right away.Thankfully, the night progressed without any sign of Konni.
Until eleven.
Two hours after Mom texted that she was going to stay up for me because she wasn’t tired yet after the long nap.
He sat down on the stool, and as tempted as I was to tell Uncle Jay to serve him, I didn’t.I walked over and asked, “What can I get you?”
“Assurance that your Mom’s okay.That you’re okay too.”
Damn.How much had I said in my drunken state?
“We’re both fine.She’s home resting now.You’re actually my last customer tonight before I clock out and check on her again.”
“My drink isn’t important.Go.Check on your mom.Your uncle can help me.”
He glanced away from me and motioned to Uncle Jay.
I felt…dismissed.
As Uncle Jay came over, I hid my shock.Had I read Konni all wrong?Had last night just been a fun fling?Why was that so disappointing?
“What’s the problem?”Uncle Jay asked.
“No problem.Sophia needs to check on her Mom.I didn’t want to delay her.”
Uncle Jay glanced at me in question.
“If you don’t mind,” I said, trying to regroup.“Mom said she would wait up for me.”
“Of course I don’t mind.Get out of here.I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I walkedinto Lunar Pulse the next evening, grateful to be there.Dad had tried calling three times throughout the morning and afternoon.I’d finally given in and answered because I hadn’t wanted him coming over and bothering Mom while I wasn’t there.
“That’s an impressive scowl,” Uncle Jay said.“Who put it there?”
“Dad.He found out about Mom’s accident and called to offer his help, which is more about using me to get an investment he needs than actually helping me.He’s an asshat.”
“That’s a nice visual,” Uncle Jay said.
“I try.”
He and I got down to business prepping and posting that night’s specials, and I pushed all thoughts of Dad out of my head.Men, in general, honestly.Which was why I was a little unsure when I saw Konni sitting at the bar hours later.
