The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4 (Cursed #3-4) - Rebecca Donovan Page 0,140
I haven’t seen you much since …”
Olivia redirects her attention from Joey to me and Grant when we enter the living room. She smiles in that affectionate way that she does that convinces me she can right the world.
“Lana?”
My chest tightens at the sound of my mother’s voice. Something I’ve only heard over voice mail during the past two weeks.
She steps into the room, relief flooding her face. “I’m so happy you’re alright.” I’m in her arms before I can resist.
Nick is loitering by the entrance until he catches sight of Lily coming down the stairs.
“Dad?”
His entire face lights up at the sight of her.
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” my mother asks me.
I glance at Grant, not sure if I’m ready for this. He gives me a reassuring smile.
“The bedroom is pretty quiet,” he offers.
I realize he doesn’t say our bedroom, not wanting to freak her out. I’m trying to remember what may be lying around to indicate we’re staying in there together but can’t.
Before we can move in that direction, Niall and Brendan pass by us, talking quietly. Brendan flashes me a quick glance, and for the first time, I register uncertainty on his face. And fear in his eyes. We follow down the hall after them. They divert into the office while we continue to the bedroom.
I quickly scoop up Grant’s conspiracy chart and stuff it in a drawer.
“We can sit over here,” I say, indicating the love seat in front of the fireplace.
My mother lowers and forces a nervous smile. I stuff my hands in the back pockets of my cutoffs, unable to sit.
“So, um, what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you,” she says, blinking the emotion away. “I was worried after everything that happened. And I know Niall’s been checking in, but Olivia thought this would be a good time to see you. To talk. Away from school.
“Did you … meet Kaden?” she asks tentatively.
I nod. “He seems like a nice guy.”
She nods. Her lip quivers slightly. “He is.”
I watch as she composes herself, releasing a deep breath from the pain that’s just as raw to Kaden after all this time.
“What are you really doing here, Mom?” I know she didn’t come all the way to Nantucket just for a hug.
“I know you’re upset with me. And I understand.” She adjusts in her seat. I can practically hear her heart thumping louder. Or maybe it’s mine. “I’ve been keeping things from you for a long time, which has backfired, putting you in danger that I never saw coming. And I’m so sorry, Lana. I had no idea.”
“I know you didn’t,” I say gently, wanting her to know I don’t blame her for Vic’s crazy. “Vic Thorne isn’t your fault.”
“But what happened to his father is.”
Seventeen years ago, at the start of my senior year in high school, I came to this island with the Harrison family to help care for their young son. I loved their life and being a part of it in every way. My family didn’t understand. Most of my life, it seemed as if my mother and sisters never understood me. But the Harrisons did in a way that made me feel accepted … like I belonged with them.
Have you seen my white cardigan?” I ask, carefully folding my coral floral sundress to avoid wrinkling it as I set it in my pink plaid suitcase.
“Um … I may have borrowed it,” Allison says, coating her lips in a shiny pink gloss while sitting at our shared antique vanity. “I think it’s in the dirty clothes.”
“Allison,” I groan in exasperation, “I thought I told you to ask before borrowing anything. I really need that sweater for this weekend.”
“Sorry,” she says, wrinkling her nose. “I don’t think it’s really dirty. I only wore it for a little while when I walked with Janet to 7-Eleven.”
I rifle through the hamper and pull out my rumpled sweater, shaking it out. Holding it to my nose, I inhale hints of Allison’s freesia lotion. It’ll clash with my Clinique Happy perfume, but maybe if I air it out, the scent will fade before I need to wear it. I grab my jean jacket as an alternative for the cool nights on the island.
“Where are you going tonight?” I ask Allison as she twists a lock of hair back and secures it with a butterfly clip.
“I told Shandra that I’d watch Morgan for her.” She stands and adjusts her plaid miniskirt low on her hips.