Take a Chance on Me by Lea Coll

Author:Lea Coll [Coll, Lea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lea Coll

Sadie

“Any guns in the house we should know about?” Luke asked me.

I couldn’t get a read on him—whether he was pissed, or annoyed with the situation. But every muscle in my body was tight and I looked at Tanner for support.

“We’re expecting things to get heated and it’s good to know what to expect,” Tanner said, his blue eyes soft and reassuring.

That made sense, so I shook my head at Luke. “No, not that I’m aware of. She hasn’t had any guys here for a while, either.”

“Okay, you lead the way and we’ll back you up,” Tanner said, and I felt some of the tension ease. I hadn’t realized how worried I’d been about moving out—about how my mom would react, whether she’d let me go without throwing insults or my things at me until now. I was so worried I’d cave, that I’d give into whatever manipulation she tried this morning, but having Tanner here and now Luke felt good—like I could handle whatever my mom did.

“I appreciate your help.” I turned and unlocked the door. I pushed it open with my usual trepidation. A tidy house with sunlight shining through the windows and a turned-off TV was not what I expected. I was prepared for yelling, throwing things, but not for her to be the mom I’d wanted as a child. But I knew it was all a show, so I hardened my heart to any thoughts of reconnecting with her before she agreed to go to rehab.

I stepped inside to find my mom at the kitchen counter, whisking eggs. I walked to the kitchen, surprised at what I was seeing. “Mom, what are you doing?”

“I’m making breakfast, what do you think I’m doing?” Her hair was washed and brushed. She wore clean clothes in bright colors. Her eyes were clear but tired. It was a striking contrast to her normal appearance.

I stopped a few feet from her speechless—I didn’t think she’d ever cooked breakfast. Tanner and Luke stayed in the entryway. She didn’t buy groceries, cook, or clean—not since I was younger. “What brought this on?”

“A mom can’t cook for her daughter?”

“You don’t.” It rankled that she’d do this now.

“Don’t be dramatic in front of your friends. Who is this?” She came around the counter and wiped her hands on a towel.

I hadn’t expected her to interact with Luke or Tanner at all. I tensed, imagining her reaction if Luke introduced himself as the sheriff.

“Sheriff Luke Hudson, ma’am.” Luke stepped forward and shook her hand.

Mom’s face tightened and I knew she wanted to ask why I’d brought the sheriff into her house, but she remained silent.

“Tanner Green. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cole.” I didn’t see anything in his eyes other than respect. It felt good that he still wanted to impress my mother as if she was someone important in my life.

She smiled as if me bringing friends into the house was an everyday occurrence. “Oh, it’s Raina—no need to be formal. Do you want breakfast?”

I shook my head.

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