Page 90 of Worth Loving
“That bad?”
She walked over and plopped on the couch closer to him. He put his arm around her shoulder and yanked her close.
“It feels that way. She just has opinions and they suck.”
“About what? Me? You? Us?”
He wanted her to be open with him.
“Yeah. But it’s mean and rude and hurtful.”
“I’m strong,” he said grinning, his finger trailing down the side of her cheek. “I can take it.”
“You know how she is. She never defended me to my father about the things that were said. Even Erika stood up for me as we got older, but it didn’t matter. It seems once my father died, she turned more bitter. She kind of picked up where he left off.”
“You never made it out to be that way. Why?”
“Because I didn’t see it as much as I see it now. Maybe it’s because I’m so happy with you and Jonah that I didn’t notice it for what it’s worth. But she can’t share in my happiness. Everything she says she thinks is being helpful but it’s not.”
“What is she saying?”
She blew out a breath. “I told you before that she doesn’t really think highly of your job.”
“She thinks I’m at work flirting or cheating on you?”
“Don’t laugh.” Her elbow jabbed him in the side. “It’s not funny.”
“It kind of is. You know me. She doesn’t. Do you think I’ve got time to even do that? Cheat on you? Let alone even want to. You’re plenty enough for me.”
“You’re trying to be cute and make me smile.”
“I am, but I see you’re worried and shouldn’t be.”
“I know. She actually thought me not talking to her or responding to her texts meant I was upset over us splitting or something. I told her this was the happiest I’ve been and I don’t understand why she can’t see that.”
“Some people like to live in misery. Trust me, I know.”
“Your parents?”
“Something like that. But we are talking about your mother. What else did she say so I can ease your mind?”
Her head dropped on his shoulder but she said nothing for a solid minute. “I’m thinking.”
“Thinking because you think it’s going to bother me?” he asked.
“Thinking because it’s kind of insulting and I don’t know I want to even voice it, it’s so ridiculous.”
“Then say it so we can laugh together.”
His fingers went to her side and gave her a little squeeze.
“She asked if you were selling drugs or running money or something else illegal through the bar when she found out where you lived. Maybe I shouldn’t have said you lived by Ruby and in the newer section. Or that you had a nanny apartment. She just ticked me off and I was defending you.”
He stilled but then told himself to relax.
That reacting that way would come off as guilt.
Like the guilt he was feeling over her words.
