Page 165 of Faking the Goal

Taylor's eyes move over the table, then back to me. "You did?"

"Most of it."

"He did all of it," Mom corrects, reaching for the fruit bowl. "I only came in after."

"Ma."

"What? I'm giving you credit."

Taylor lets out a small laugh, and some of that awkwardness finally leaves her shoulders.

"Well... thank you," she says, looking at me.

I shrug, suddenly way more interested in my coffee than I was five seconds ago. "It's just breakfast."

Mom makes a quiet little sound beside me that I choose to ignore.

"And you should have more fruit."

Taylor laughs quietly. "Yes, ma'am."

Mom brightens and starts adding strawberries to her plate before Taylor can change her mind.

I have to look away so neither of them sees me smiling.

This is Mom. She sees somebody hurting and immediately starts trying to take care of them. Food first, questions later.

Taylor, on the other hand, still looks slightly overwhelmed by it. Not uncomfortable exactly. Just unsure. Every time Mom pours her more coffee or pushes another plate toward her, Taylor thanks her like she's being handed something far bigger than breakfast.

And something about that puts a strange ache in my chest, because it makes me wonder how long it's been since Taylor had someone take care of her like this.

After we finish eating, Taylor thanks Mom again, then me for breakfast and for letting her stay last night. By the end of it, her eyes have dropped to the table and she's fiddling with the edge of her napkin.

"I'm not sure if Ken-chan already told you, but—"

Mom reaches across the table and rests her hand lightly over Taylor's wrist.

"Taylor, sweetheart." Mom gives her wrist a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to explain anything."

Taylor looks up.

"Ken-chan told me what I needed to know. I'm just glad he brought you here last night. And if you need to stay here again, you can. For as long as you need. One night, a few days, even longer."

I catch the way Taylor's eyes turn glassy for half a second before she quickly looks down and lets out a soft little laugh.

"That's really sweet of you." She clears her throat and smiles again, a little distant. "But I promise, you don't have to worry about me taking over your apartment. One sleepover is probably enough Azuma hospitality for me."

Mom smiles, but she doesn't push.

"Just know the offer is there."

Taylor nods. "I do. And I appreciate it. A lot."

After another few minutes, Taylor glances toward the clock and pushes her chair back slightly.

"I should probably head home soon. I need to shower, clean up my apartment a little, maybe do some laundry before I start my shift later tonight."

"Your shift?"