Torque by Gillian Archer (10 ebook reader txt) 📕

wrong with your apartment?” She paused and took a sip of coffee. “Actually, you know what? I don’t think I need an answer. I told you not to move there. It’s a sketchy neighborhood. Not the kind of place I want my only child living.”

“No, you’d be happy if I crawled back into your womb,” I muttered as I poured myself a cup of coffee.

“What was that?”

“I said: you’d only be happy if I moved back into my old room.” That sounded similar enough, maybe? Although judging by my mom’s stone face maybe not. “I’m an adult, Mom. You gotta let me make my own decisions. My own mistakes.”

She sighed. “I know, honey. It’s just so hard. You’re my only child. I love you so much, and I just want the best for you. It’s hard to let go.”

“I love you too. Even when you drive me nuts.”

Mom smiled and lifted a shoulder like that was something that should just be accepted. She took another long, slow sip of her coffee, watching me over the rim of her mug. After a moment she asked, “So how long has this been going on? You and Nathan?”

I groaned. “Are we really going to do this? I thought I’d gotten to the age where you didn’t inspect my dating life.”

“Oh honey, there’s no such age.” My mom laughed heartily. Her shoulders shook as she took another drink. “But seriously. How long has this been going on? Are you two serious?”

“I don’t know, Mom. We’re trying to figure it out. That’s why we haven’t told his family about us. I don’t want things to be awkward with them if or when we break up.”

My mom put her cup down on the counter then folded her arms across her chest. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

“What?” A burning sensation swept over my scalp as a pit settled in my stomach. She didn’t see me and Nathan working out?

“I’m worried that you’re in love with his family and trying to make whatever this is work, so you’ll always have them in your life.”

It felt like she slapped me. That was the most messed up, crazy thing she’d ever said to me and I don’t… I couldn’t make sense of it. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

The hurt must’ve bled into my tone because my mom crossed the room and took my hand. She would’ve hugged me, but I pulled away.

“Maddie, honey, I don’t—I didn’t mean that as an insult or anything, I swear. I’m just worried about you. You’ve been in love with the Burns family ever since we moved into our house down the street from them. You took one look at that big family and wanted to be a part of it. I can’t count the number of hours you spent at their house over the years. They had everything your father and I couldn’t give you.”

The aching pain in her voice made me pause. Like I’d hurt her by wishing I’d been a part of their family. Like I believed our family was less than. I wanted to furiously deny it, but maybe she was right. There was a huge part of my childhood that I’d spent wishing I was a member of the Burns family. I’d wanted that sibling experience so bad. Someone to have on my side when my parents ganged up on me. Someone to whisper to at night as we were falling asleep. Someone to play with who loved me no matter what.

I swiped at my suspiciously wet eyes. “That might’ve been true when I was a kid, but I’m an adult now, Mom. I think I’m past that now. I’m with Nathan because I like him. I’ve liked him for a long time.”

She made a face like she really didn’t believe me but was going to let it go. “Fine. I’m a mom. I worry. It’s in the job description.”

“Right. Well, I love you anyways.” I let her fold me into a hug and rested my head on her shoulder. “But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell Nathan’s family about us. We still want to see how things go between us before we tell them.”

“Honey—”

“Mom, no.” I pulled back and gave her a glare. “I know you’re capable of keeping a secret, and I’d really appreciate it if you could keep this one for me.”

“Fine, but I want the two of you to come to dinner tonight.”

“Mom. I have plans tonight.”

“Dinner. Tomorrow night. No excuses. And we can talk about whatever’s going on with your work that we haven’t talked about yet.”

“Blackmail? Really Mom?”

“I’m not afraid to play dirty.”

“Clearly.”

“Okay. I’m going to let you get ready for work. Call me later.”

My mom gave me another hug, opened Nathan’s front door, and looked both ways like a bad extra in a spy movie. “Coast is clear. Love you, honey!” Although her shout would’ve clued anyone in on our little charade if they been around to hear it.

I shook my head. “Love you too.”

As I let myself into Dylan’s condo, I really tried not to let my mom’s words bother me.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. For some reason the line from Romeo and Juliet ran through my head. I wasn’t with Nathan because of his family. I’d always liked Nathan. And I was starting to believe that he really was the perfect man for me.

And judging by last night and his playful attitude this morning, maybe he felt the same way.

* * *

Hours later, work was done, and I stood in front of Hope’s front door with my heart in my throat. I really wasn’t good at lying. And here in a few seconds, I’d have to lie to two of my best friends. But it really wasn’t lying, right? I was just keeping a secret. That didn’t make me a terrible person, did it?

Ryan pulled open the door before I could convince myself of my innocence.

“Hey, Maddie. Come on in. The girls