“Language, Piper.”
“Sorry.”
Mamma T doesn’t ask questions. She’s obviously connected the dots, realized why I’ve done everything I did this year. Hell, she might have even figured out that I have to run away but I really don't want to. I like the life I’m building. Sure things between Cooper and I have been tense the past few weeks, but we’re still family. I have my family again and a boyfriend. I know that sounds lame as shit, but I don’t want to give it all up.
“So what are you gonna do?”
With no other options, and needing some real advice, I tell her the truth. “Run. Change my name. Pray Gerald gets shot and I can resume normal life someday.”
“Gerald’s Bane’s dad?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I’ve got connections, Piper. My life didn’t end when Jerry left me. I can help.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want you guys involved. This is my mess.”
“You are my daughter, Piper. I may not have birthed you, but your mine either way. Your problems are mine by default.” Mamma T finishes her drink then walks to the sink. “Tell me more about that boy.”
“Who? Bane? You’ve met him before.” Once, at the hospital.
“Not Bane. He’s a nice young man stuck in unfortunate circumstances. I want to know about the one who rode around with Cooper all night looking for you.”
“Rex?”
She nods, an excited grin on her face.
“Not much to tell. He likes me. I kind of like him, but there’s no happy ending for us.”
Mamma T stands. She crosses the room and rinses her cup then sets it in the dishwasher. “You never know, dear. Life’s full of surprises.”
Mamma T pulls up to the Red Onion a few minutes before my shift starts. I see them both through the window, Rex and Cooper standing by the counter chatting like old friends. Aside from them, the diner’s empty. It won’t be for long. Within the next forty-five minutes the evening rush will start until close with a few moments to breathe in between.
“Want me to walk in with you?” Mamma T asks.
I pull at the hem of my shirt weighing my options. If I go inside alone, Cooper will ream me a new one. But if Mamma T’s there, he might not explode. “It would make things less awkward.”
“Oh honey.” She grins. “I live for the awkward moments. Tell you what, let the boys have their outbursts for a few minutes, then I’ll get the heat off you.”
I raise my brow. “And how exactly are you going to do that?”
Mamma T gives me a crooked grin, one that says she’s up to no good. The same grin that’s usually plastered on Logan’s face. We get out and walk up the steps. She opens the door and the bell dings.
“Piper,” Rex says on an exhale. He takes three long strides and pulls me into his arms. “I was so worried.”
I suck in a breath, unsure if things changed between us. I’m terrified the flip in my brain switched back and the panic attack will return but it doesn’t. I wrap my arms around Rex’s waist and he squeezes me tighter.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper into his shirt.
Cooper clears his throat. Rex takes a step back and I instantly miss him, but our make-up session will have to be finished later. I step around him to Cooper who stands behind the counter, arms crossed, glaring. “I’m sorry.”
>
“You suck,” he says, his tone laced with venom.
I hold my arms out to him. “Hug?”
Cooper’s eyes widen. He all but runs around the counter and swoops me into his arms, squeezing me so tight I can barely breathe. My skin pricks beneath his touch, but I do everything I can to keep myself together. He lets go a second later, probably realizing I’m tipping close to a panic attack. “Thanks Piper. It’s been a long time since you’ve let me hug you like that. Are you okay?”