Page 91 of Savage Heart

“I did something crazy,” I say quietly. “I don’t even know why I’m telling you. I guess I’m just still in shock.”

She hums, distracted, eyes drifting back to the window.

“I . . . kissed someone,” I continue, voice barely above a whisper. “Someone I shouldn’t have. Maverick. Maverick Harrington. Remember him? And it was . . . really intense. Too intense. Now I can’t stop thinking about it, and it’s messing with my head.”

My heart beats hard.

She doesn’t respond.

For a second, I think she didn’t hear me at all. Her gaze stays unfocused, mouth slightly open. I swallow, embarrassed that I even said it out loud.

“See, I told you it was crazy,” I add quickly. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

There’s a long pause.

Then she blinks and turns her head to look at me. Her eyes sharpen, the softness draining away so fast it makes my stomach drop. I brace myself.

“Someone like that would never be with someone like you.”

The words land clean and cruel, like doors slamming shut.

My mom’s mouth tightens, her expression suddenly judgmental. “You always did get ideas,” she continues. “Thinking you were somebody.”

“No,” I say quietly. “I know better than to think that. At least when I’m with you.”

She’s already drifting again, attention sliding off me like I’m no longer there. The moment is over, but the damage is done.

I stand on shaky legs and smooth my jeans.

“Maybe I need a little break from these visits,” I murmur. “Bye, Mom.”

As I walk out, the echo of her words follows me.

Someone like that would never be with someone like you.

By dinner rush, I’m a mess.

I forget orders. I ring things in twice. My body’s here, moving on muscle memory, but my head is all over the place.

Linc and Otis come in for a late dinner, and that brightens me up, but as soon as they leave, I wilt.

Kell elbows me gently when I almost grab the wrong plate. “Hey. You okay?”

I blink at her. “Yeah. Sorry. Just . . . tired.”

Kell doesn’t buy it, and neither does Vera.

“Seems like more than tired,” Vera says.

“It’s slow. Why don’t you guys get out of here? I’ve got backup with Ella serving. Let me close up,” Russell says.

“Dinner at Hog Heaven?” Vera says, grinning wide.

I manage a weak smile. “I could handle a pulled-pork sandwich and banana pudding.”

Kell squeals and kisses Russell. “Yes. Thank you, baby.”

I hold up my hand. “Let me call Otis before we get too excited. The three of us were gonna watch Stranger Things tonight.”