Only Her Best Friend - Cami Checketts Page 0,53

wanted to be happy his mom was doing well, but the hurt was pretty deep. He selfishly only wanted to know he was healed from the abuse, so he could be with Meredith.

“She wants to see you.”

Cruz let out a harsh laugh. “Sure, she does.”

“She does. I texted Taylee, and she said you had a few free hours tonight, so I, um, got you an appointment.”

“Tonight?” he exploded.

Scott was walking down by the lake and whipped around. “Cruz?” he questioned.

Cruz waved and forced a smile. “Sorry, man, I’m good.”

“Tonight,” she confirmed. “I’ll send the directions to the prison to your phone. The appointment is at seven.”

“I’m not going, Cat. I don’t need some kumbaya forgiveness with her. I just need to forget her and move on.”

Cat didn’t speak for a few seconds, and then she said, “I’ve been praying about you, Cruz. I think this might be exactly what you need, but you’re a grown man. You decide. Love you.” She hung up.

Cruz slid his phone in his pocket and walked to the patio railing. He gripped it and stared out at the beauty of the lake without seeing it. He’d been doing so well only focusing on Meredith. Go see his mom? Why would he willingly subject himself to that torture? If he didn’t, could he ever truly let the pain go? He hung his head. He didn’t know the answer and didn’t want to know the answer.

Two hours later, Cruz sat in a small room, shifting impatiently in the hard chair. Curse Cat and her stupid ideas. He leaned back. This wasn’t Cat’s fault, but he had no clue what had gotten him here. The only real reason he could say was that this drive was two hours closer to Meredith. He’d consoled himself with knowing if he spent a few minutes with his mom, then he could drive straight to Meredith. He’d tried to call her repeatedly, and it had gone to voicemail.

The door opened, and a guard walked in with his mom. She shuffled with shackles on her wrists and ankles. Even in prison orange, she was exquisitely beautiful. She looked a lot like Cat with the Spanish heritage, the long dark hair, smooth tanned skin, and delicate features.

Her face broke into a smile. Cruz leaned farther away. That smile seemed … genuine.

“Cruz!” She cried out. “My boy, look at you.”

Cruz stood to be respectful and nodded to her, praying she wouldn’t try to hug him. Who was she faking for? The guard? The guy seemed less interested in his mother than any grown man Cruz had ever seen. His mom had turned many a head. Unfortunately for his dad, she’d let all that male attention go to her head and had cheated on him and ditched him. Yet he’d often thought his dad was much better off without this nightmare in his life.

“I’m only here because of Cat,” he said.

Her smile flickered but didn’t die. “I know. Thank you so much for coming.” She sank into the chair, and he sat down too. The hard chair was much more comfortable than how he felt in his mother’s presence. When would she start telling him how stupid and lame he was? He wouldn’t listen … right?

“What do you want, Mom?” His voice sounded tired. He felt tired. He only wanted to be with Meredith. He only wanted the happiness he portrayed to the world but mostly only felt with Meredith. Was that too much to ask?

“Cat told you I’ve been getting help?”

He nodded shortly.

“I should’ve done it years ago. All of my adult life nothing has made me happy. I lived for vain compliments and men checking me out, and I was so miserable inside. Sadly, I took my agony out on those who mattered most: your dad, Cat, but especially you.” She sniffled, and a tear traced down her smooth, brown cheek. “I was so mean to you.”

Cruz shrugged. He wasn’t going to lie and say she hadn’t been horrible to him. Was that tear fake or real? He tried not to let it get to him.

She leaned forward, but thankfully, wasn’t close enough to touch him. “I don’t expect you to forgive me or love me or anything like that, but I wanted you to hear this from me. I hope you can believe me when for so many years I’ve told you so many lies. I was bitter, I was angry, and I was wrong. My dad beat and belittled me until I