First Came You (Fate #0.5) by Faith Andrews Read Free Book Online

age.”
    My eyes go wide. Did my mom really just insinuate that Tommy’s only trying to get in my pants? Rage consumes me and I stop myself from stomping my feet, ready for a rebuttal. She can’t possibly think I’m that stupid. Or that Tommy is that shallow.
    “Calm down,” she hums, her hand at my shoulder. “I didn’t mean it the way you think.”
    “Then how did you mean it? Because if you’re second guessing Tommy’s feelings for me, you’re wrong, Mom. I know he loves me. He doesn’t just want me for sex.” I don’t falter because I believe every single word. There’s never been pressure from Tommy. He knows my limits. We’ve set them together.
    Sweeping up the rest of the crumbs, Mom hangs the broom in its rightful place and motions for me to join her at the table when she’s done.
    I’m reluctant to continue this conversation, only because I want it to go my way, but that’s not being fair. I sought her out. For her approval. I have to listen with an open mind.
    “There is nothing your father and I want more for you girls than happiness,” she starts out. “Happiness comes in many forms at different stages in your life. Right now—for you—you can’t see past this happiness—Tommy. And that’s wonderful that you can experience that with your best friend. That you’ve found true love in each other.”
    Her words mirror my exact emotions. She gets it. Maybe this won’t be as bad as I thought.
    “But,” she cautions, stomping on any bit of fleeting hope.
    I cross my arms, readying myself for the lecture. I guess I should be thankful it’s coming from her and not Dad. That would be epic. And not in a good way.
    “I am worried for you, Gabriella. Just like I worry for your sister. You are so strong minded—like your stubborn father. You’re set in your ways and you think you know all the answers. But there isn’t always one right answer.”
    I open my mouth to prove her point about my tenacity, but she stops me with a finger to my lips. “No, let me finish.” The softness in her nurturing features toughens. She’s the mom. I ought to let her speak before I wind up grounded until I’m thirty five.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “I think Tommy is a wonderful boy. The two of you have been friends for a long time—it’s special what you have. But now that your friendship has crossed the line—and don’t get me started on how long you’ve been sneaking behind my back—there are other factors involved. Hormones, feelings, sex.”
    Here it comes.
    I hide my eyes with my hand, slouching in my chair. God, save me from this mortification.
    “Hey, hey, I’m not trying to punish you by bringing this up. I think you’re a mature young woman. You have respect for yourself and for your family. I think I can trust you—and Tommy—and that’s why I’m telling you this.” She pauses, taking a deep breath. She steeples her fingers in front of her lips as if she’s contemplating what comes next.
    With tears in her eyes, she takes my hand. God, how I love my mother. Even in this uncomfortable moment, I know her intentions only come from a place of love. “Your father would kill me if he knew I was saying this without his support, but . . . I trust you, Gabriella. I trust you to make the right decisions so I will not ban you from what you love—if we do that it will only push you further into his arms and discourage you from being honest. But there are still rules that need to be followed.
    “I was a teenager in love once too. I remember how you’re feeling, but I also remember the things my parents instilled in me and I want the same for you.” She wipes away a tear that escapes her hazel eyes and trickles down her olive-toned cheek.
    Boring my soul with her eyes, the bittersweet joy vanishes from her face and her tone becomes more stern. “You may date him. You may bring him here without flaunting it around. You have the right to be in love, but you’re still sixteen, Gabriella and I will