I wake the following morning to a note on my chest. The same neat handwriting that told me I needed to keep it down stares back at me.
Thanks for staying last night. I’m going to crash with my parents for a few days. Please lock up after you leave.
Liberty.
Well fuck, now she’s begging me to chase.
Game on, Liberty.
Game on.
Ten
Liberty
“We’re worried about you, Bertie.” That damn name comes out of my mom’s mouth again, but this time, it’s delivered as a scold and I know she means business. “You didn’t call us, didn’t come to stay with us. We had to find out from that lovely police officer.”
I’m going to fucking kill him.
It’s our weekly family dinner, two days after my run-in with Dominic. Two days after my second kiss with Hetch. Two days of hiding at Fee’s.
Two days after my second kiss with Hetch.
To say my parents are pissed they found out I was in the hospital and didn’t tell them would be an understatement. Knowing I’ve been hiding out at Fee’s for two nights has made them lethal.
“I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you. It was late, and I know you don’t like driving at night.” I offer the only excuse I can give them. Yeah, it was late, and I didn’t want them to worry, but the truth is I didn’t want them there, giving me this exact lecture I’m getting now.
“You didn’t want to wake us? How do you think we felt when the police dropped by to follow up on the statement you made two nights ago?” I find it hard not to cringe trying to envision that conversation. I can’t believe Hetch showed up here. At my parents’ place.
Well, I did tell him I was staying here.
“You’re right, it was wrong of me. If ever I’m in that position again, I’ll make sure you’re the first call I make.”
“I should hope you don’t find yourself in this position again, Liberty.” My father’s customary smooth voice is thick and drowning in raw emotion. I struggle not to react to it.
“Dad, I promise you, I’m not going out trying to find trouble. I was helping one of my boys.” His thick silver mustache sets in a straight line, almost parallel to the numerous wrinkles etched on his wide forehead. I know he thinks I’m on some big kick to save all the kids who come through the doors at Haven, but if he knew Mitch like I do, he would see why I’m so invested.
“Yeah, well, this kid got you hurt, almost killed.” It’s an exaggeration. We all know it, but I don’t call him on it.
“Listen, I know you’re worried. I get it. Yes, I was hurt. But so was he. He’s as much a victim as I am. I couldn’t walk away from him.”
“You’re getting too close to this kid, Liberty.” My dad doesn’t give in, and I don’t have anything else to say so I keep quiet. The silence grows heavier the longer we stare each other down.
“We just want you to know we’re concerned.” Mom is the first to break the silence.
“And I understand and appreciate your concern. I do. But I need you to know, I’m not walking away from him or from my responsibility at Boys Haven.” My eyes don’t leave my father's, needing him to know this is my passion, and I won’t step back.
“We’re not telling you to walk away. I’m telling you to think smart, darling. You need to stay safe. You can’t help these kids if you’re not here.” My gaze cuts back to my mom, at the unsteadiness of her voice, and I watch her lose her steely composure, revealing her fears.
“You’re right, Mom. I’m sorry. I’m not thinking about you guys. I promise. I’ll be more careful.” I step toward her.
“That’s all we ask.” She takes me in her arms, wrapping me up in her comfort.
“You’re still our baby.” My dad steps behind me, circling both of us in his arms. “So don’t ever keep something like this from us again.” I cringe at my father’s tone, letting the shame wash over me. I really should have called and filled them in before sneaking off to Fee’s for two days.
“I understand.” I let their love surround me, giving them the peace they need. I know they mean well, always have. They just aren’t as invested as I am.
“Okay, rein it in everyone. You’re gonna make me sick,” my brother calls from the door, breaking our moment.
Why the hell is he here? The last time he joined us for family dinner, was months ago.
“Ohh, you’re here. Excellent.” Mom releases me from her vise grip, gives my brother a quick hug, and then moves past him to the front door.
“Bertie.” Jett offers me his arms, and reluctantly, I step in for a quick embrace.
“Wasn’t expecting you here tonight.” I try to whisper into his ear, but even up on my toes, I barely reach his jaw. Just like my father, he’s freakishly tall.