“That’s fucked up.”
“I know. Tell me about it.” I hold up my hands as I shrug. “Story of my life.”
He rubs a hand on his chin. “So you were distracted, I guess.”
“To some extent. I mean, believe me. It really did hurt, but the guys… It’s nice to have them back in my life again, and I know I’m to blame for not having them in my life the first time around..”
“No, I’m glad. That’s good. You need more… friends.”
I try my best not to flinch.
“I’m not just sorry about everything with the waitress. With Cherise.” He hesitates.
“Yeah, I hadn’t talked to her. I just assumed…”
"We didn't. I couldn't. I haven't been with anyone but you since we started to date. But my breaking up with you…" He wrinkles his nose. "I took it too far. You didn't mean anything by suggesting that I go to see my mom, but I… Earlier that day, I actually went to see her. Because I wanted to make sure she was alive. A few times a year, I'll go and check on her. See how she's doing. It's never good. Never. But his time, it was even rougher because she didn't recognize me, Katie. She didn't know who I was, and I tried to convince her to go to the hospital, and she tried to come at me with a switchblade. I managed to take the weapon away from her, but I ended up giving it back because I'm willing to bed that she spends time with some shady people and probably needs the protection, but if the cops ever find her… if she attacks them… Well, being behind bars will force her to sober up at least."
“Rob, I had no idea.”
“I know you didn’t, and that’s my fault. I should’ve told you, but I… I don’t know. It really freaked me out, and talking might’ve helped. I don’t know. I don’t know if she had a stroke or if she’s killed too many brain cells or if she was high… She might be dying, and I just left her.”
“She attacked you.”
“Yes, but I could’ve called for an ambulance.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I tried that once before. She refused to go, and they couldn’t take her without consent.”
“It’s possible that with her altered mental status, they might have been able to take her this time.”
“Maybe,” he says slowly. “I just fuck up everything when it comes to her, and it nearly cost me you. I shouldn’t be so immature and irresponsible.”
“We all make mistakes, and when it comes to parents, trust me. I know how terrible it can be.”
“Still, you’re an angel for pointing up with me.”
I snort. “Ace said I had a halo, but he can see my horns.”
“In the bedroom, oh, yeah,” Rob says. “Without a doubt. I would be in a much worse place if you hadn’t accepted me back in your life in some capacity. Thank you for forgiving me before I even fully asked for it. I don’t know if I deserve it or you—”
I pat his hand. “I decide who I want to spend time with, and you’re one of the precious few who gets to be graced by my presence.” I burst out laughing.
He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “Grace is right,” he murmurs, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “I need you.”