Page 134 of Scandal
Maybe two.
But of course, we have a hundred things to handle before I can do that. Starting with my mother.
She’s waiting for us at the front entrance when we arrive and pulls Mercury into a tight hug the moment we reach the top of the stairs.
“We are so relieved to have you back, my darling,” she says.
Fucking hell, my eyes are stinging. I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to keep myself from sobbing right there in front of everyone. But seeing my mother, who was once so cold and stoic, embrace the woman I love like a daughter is something I never thought I’d see.
“Thank you,” Mercury says, blinking back tears. “I know you all worked hard to find me.”
“Think nothing of it. You are family now,” my mother says very matter-of-factly, glancing over her shoulder to look at me with a raised brow. “Isn’t that right, Asher?”
Subtle, isn’t she?
A tiny smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “Couldn’t agree more, Mother.”
An approving smirk appears on my mother’s face before she clears her throat and ushers us inside. “Enough of this loitering, let’s get you inside. You must be exhausted.”
“A little,” Merc admits.
“As I figured, which is why I’ve already spoken to Evie and had her clear your schedule for the next few days. Mac has done the same with Asher’s.”
My mouth gapes open as we head into the foyer. She turns her head and notices.
“What? I can be flexible.”
“Since when?” I mutter.
“I heard that.”
Mercury giggles, then tries to cover it up with a cough.
We continue down the corridor. “I can have the chef bring up your meals if you like.”
“Oh no, that’s—” Mercury begins before I interrupt.
“That would be perfect.” She turns and frowns. “You’re tired and just went through a traumatic event, Merc. You need to stop being polite and rest.”
“Okay,” she relents and then yawns, confirming my point.
By this time, we’ve almost reached our suite, and my mother asks, “Is there anything else I or anyone else can do?” She asks, and I understand this is her way of trying to help. She may not have all the right words or be the perfect shoulder to cry on, but she knows how to get things done.
This is how she’s trying to show she loves me.
“No. But, thank you,” I say as sincerely as I can. “I appreciate everything you’ve done today.Everything,” I emphasize, remembering the way she held me together when I nearly fell apart.
She gives a curt nod. “You’re welcome. I tried to take care of everything, but unfortunately, there is one thing I couldn’t take off your plate.”
Mercury’s brows rise. “Oh?”
“I tried to contact your brother to let him know you were safe, but he insisted he needed to hear your voice. He also said you need to call your parents.”
Her eyes widen. “He told them?”
Her head tilts in a motherly way I’m not used to seeing. “You had been taken, darling. He probably felt like he had no other choice.”
Mercury’s face softens. “Of course. You’re right.” Then her brow furrows. “They must have been so worried.”
