"Well, that explains why you didn't return my call last night," her mom said in a scolding tone. "Oh, goodness, do you realize how much it's going to cost to replace your phone?"
"I ... think I might be able to find it. And I'm sorry." Kylie stroked Socks when he moved to brush his face against her chin. "Is something wrong? Why were you calling me?"
"No, just ... your dad was worried."
Stepdad, Kylie wanted to correct, but didn't.
"He said he called you three times late yesterday and you hadn't responded. And then he called me three times while John and I were ... I mean, while I was in bed."
Ew! Kylie's capacity for being grossed out hit maximum overload, triggering her brain to block out all inappropriate mental images. "I'm sorry," Kylie offered, and then bit down on her lip. She'd told herself she had to give up hoping her mom and stepdad might get back together, but it was tough at times. Still, where it mattered most-a place where she cherished the memories of what her family used to be-a spark of hope existed.
"Three times is ridiculous," her mom said. "Especially when he knew what time it was here."
"I know," Kylie said, but thought, Give it a break, Mom! He was worried about me!
"Well, it's time your dad learned I'm not his phone buddy," she said.
"I'm sure he will in time," Kylie said. "I'll get in touch with him today and see what he wants."
"Do that," her mom said, and paused. "Wait. If you didn't know I called earlier, then what's up? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to check in. I hate thinking you're so far away."
"I know ... I sort of feel like that, too. I miss you. Not that I'm not having a great time. England is gorgeous, Kylie. Maybe when John and I come back next time you can come with us."
Next time? Were they already planning another trip? "Yeah," Kylie muttered, and reminded herself she was playing nice.
"Guess what, baby?" her mom asked.
Fear suddenly filled her chest. God, please don't let her tell me they got married or something.
"What?" Kylie asked, her voice sounding like she'd swallowed a frog.
"John asked me if-"
"No," Kylie snapped."No what?" her mom asked.
"You don't know him well enough."
The line remained silent for a beat too long. "What do you think he asked me?"
Kylie cringed. "I don't know," Kylie said, and realized she probably was too tired to have called her mom. Too exhausted to hold a logical conversation-especially one where she had to pretend to like someone she didn't.
"He wants me to come work for his company," her mom said. "He's willing to pay me almost double what I'm making now."
Okay, so her mom working for the man wasn't as bad as her marrying him, but Kylie didn't like that, either.
"I thought you liked your job?" Kylie said.
"I do, but ... twice as much money and free travel. I mean, that's hard to turn down."
"But ... but you're"-banging him-"you're dating him. Isn't that like sexual harassment? I mean there's laws against that, aren't there?"
"Not if the relationship is consensual," her mom said. "John and I talked about how my working for him could be difficult. But he pointed out that I wouldn't be working directly under him. So, it wouldn't really be like we were working together."
Kylie could hear it in her mom's voice. Her mind was made up. She was going to take the job. "Yeah, but I just don't know if it's wise to work for someone you are ... dating."
"I think John and I are mature enough to deal with this."
Yeah, like he behaved so mature the last time you brought him here when he socked Dad and started a whole free-for-all fight in the lunch room. Kylie bit her lip to keep from saying anything hurtful.
"I guess I just don't know him that well," Kylie said.
"Which I plan to remedy the next time you're home," her mom said. "I thought maybe we could all go somewhere for a weekend."
Please no! "I ... don't think we need to do that. I ... to be honest, I kind of like knowing those weekends are for just me and you."
"But you need to get to know him, Kylie. He's a great guy. I just know you'd love him if you really got to know him."
"Yeah, and that's fine. But let's not ... not rush it, okay? All in good time."
Her mom got quiet again. "You okay, baby? I just realized what time it is there. What are you doing up at five thirty?"
"I had some homework I had to catch up on," Kylie lied again. "And I'd best get going and start working on it, too."
"Do you have boy problems again?" her mom asked.
Along with a ghost-carrying-a-severed-head problem. "Nothing I can't handle."
"What happened, sweetie?" her mom asked.
"I'm fine. Actually, I prefer not to talk about it. Maybe later."
Her mom's long sigh came through the phone. "I'm here when you're ready..."
"I know, and I love you, Mom."
"I love you, too, baby."It was by replaying her mom's words over and over in her head that Kylie finally fell asleep.
* * *
"Where are we going?" Kylie asked Derek as she felt that haziness of being in a peaceful dream state.
Correction, being in a dreamscape. And right then, the peacefulness of it floated off. It had been a while since she'd done this, but she instantly realized this wasn't her dream. She hadn't gone to Derek. He had come to her. And now he was leading her somewhere-walking ahead of her but with his hand held behind his back holding hers, and leading her down a path. A wooded path.
She tried to get her mind to work on a more alert level. What time was it? How long had she been asleep? She had to stop this.
But then Derek looked back over his shoulder and smiled at her. She lost her train of thought and got caught up in the world she was in. A safe world, her mind said. She looked up. The sun sent soft morning rays of light dancing through the trees.
"We're going to our rock. You like it there, don't you?" His hand gave hers a slight squeeze. His palm felt warm in hers. Comforting. Odd how just holding someone's hand could feel like a hug-like a warm embrace. Then again, she was talking about Derek. He had all those fae powers that made his touch ...
more.
Meaningful.
She vaguely remembered him trying to kiss her earlier on the escape from her grandfather's place and thinking he wasn't going to be as easy to keep at bay. Did she really want to keep him at bay?