Feisty Red (Three Chicks Brewery #2) - Stacey Kennedy Page 0,21
himself. A part of her heart finally healed at knowing why he left. In that same spot, there was sadness that Sullivan’s trauma had made him believe he was better off gone. Alongside that, was cold hard rage that Sullivan’s father had done this to him. That he’d taken a loving guy and destroyed him. That he stole away the Sullivan that Clara had blindly loved.
“Mama. Wake up.” A blur of navy-blue pajamas with astronauts on them rushed into her room.
Her mattress bounced as Mason jumped on her bed a second later. “Morning, honey,” she said, gathering him in her arms. He gave a boisterous laugh as she kissed his cheeks repeatedly. “Did you have good dreams?”
“No dreams.” He looked at her with those sweet eyes. “Do I have to go to school today?”
“Yup.” She gave him another big kiss while he wiggled out of her hold. “Go get dressed, and I’ll make you some pancakes.”
“Yum. Paaaaancakes.”
As fast as he’d come into her bedroom, he was gone, having no idea his life might change forever any day now. Be his shield. Nothing could hurt Mason, not if she simply held strong. And while Sullivan seemed to want to make amends and do the right thing, she didn’t know him anymore. One step at a time, she reminded herself. Determined to get her day started, she slid out of bed, aware of the slight headache that would most likely follow her for the rest of the day because of those shots.
While she got ready, tossing her hair up in a tight ponytail and dressing in jeans and a blouse, she tried to find all the hatred she’d had for Sullivan. But by the time she headed down the stairs, she realized that anger had vanished after their talk last night. He’d been honest and open, and now she had the answers she’d always needed. It felt like an apology even if the words were never said directly.
The moment she entered the bright, sunny kitchen, Amelia handed her a coffee mug full of piping-hot coffee made just how Clara liked it. “Tell me everything,” her sister stated. Amelia knew better than to ask Clara anything last night. She always needed time to gather her thoughts.
Clara chuckled then took a quick sip before setting it down to grab the frozen pancakes from the freezer as well as the sausages from the fridge. “We talked. That’s what happened.”
“Did it go okay?” Amelia asked, leaning forward, eyes bright with interest.
Only two years apart, Clara and Amelia were close. Maisie, being four years younger than Clara, had always been the baby sister, and only recently had their relationship blossomed into a friendship. Amelia was Clara’s best friend. Back in the day, Clara’s friends couldn’t relate to a young single mom. They were off, busy with their lives, partying wildly, making plans for the future, while Clara had been changing diapers. Amelia had been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly. “He gave me the answers I needed, and promised to only do what’s right for Mason. He said he’s here to heal from his past, not to stir up trouble. We’re going to take this day by day so he can get to know Mason before we make any big decisions.” When Amelia’s lips parted, Clara raised her hand. “Don’t ask more than that. I’m still processing it all, so don’t ask me how I feel about anything.”
Amelia blinked. Twice. “I don’t even know what to say.”
Clara lifted a finger. “Is this wise, for him to see Mason?” Another finger lifted. “He’s leaving in a month. What will happen after that?” She raised a third finger. “You two do have a lot of history together.” And a fourth finger went up. “I’m happy for you, but worried because of Mason and because Sullivan really hurt you before.”
“Yes,” Amelia said with a firm nod. “All of that.”
Clara understood her worry. Hell, she’d probably feel the same way in Amelia’s shoes. She stuck the pancakes in the toaster then wrapped Amelia in a tight hug. “Thank you for worrying, but I’m okay. I’m not the girl he left behind. My head is right on my shoulders. Mason’s well-being is all I’m thinking about right now.”
Amelia stepped out of the embrace. “I guess that makes sense.”
“Pancakes,” Mason yelled, running for the table.
And just like that, the conversation was over and Clara turned on mom-mode. She got Mason to school on time and grabbed some wood-fired bagels at