Hypnotized by Lacey Wolfe Read Free Book Online Page A

smoke.” She stormed out of the room.
    Patting Nate on the shoulder, I said, “Go pack your things. I’ll be right here waiting.”
    Nate hopped up and headed in the direction of his bedroom. It wasn’t that my mother was the worst mother. When she wanted to be, she was the best. She’d spoil us rotten, hug and kiss us, and almost deserve the Mom of The Year award, but then, out of nowhere, she’d turn into what she was today. Being a mom was the last thing she wanted, and she wasn’t afraid to let her child know it.
    I needed to ask her if she was taking her medication, but to be quite honest, I spent as little time with her as I could. The day I turned eighteen, I got the hell out of this place. That had been the best day of her life as well, I’d suspected, but then she got pregnant.
    “I’m ready.” Nate popped back in.
    “All right. Go tell Mom ‘bye.”
    I followed him through the cluttered house and to the back porch where she sat sipping coffee and smoking. Damn it, I wanted one, but I’d resist.
    “Thanks for taking him.” She smiled sweetly. She’d already done a one-eighty. Go figure. “I love you, little guy. I’m sorry for my temper.”
    Nate hugged her, but didn’t talk. He was always so quiet and it worried me a bit. Weren’t kids loud and energetic?
    “I’m gonna take the spare car and leave my bike here, okay?” But I sure as hell wouldn’t be leaving my keys behind.
    “Okay. Your dad’s taking care of the coffee shop anyway. I think I’ll take some time to relax.”
    I leaned down and hugged her. “I’ll bring him back tomorrow. I’ve got to help a friend move.”
    “Have fun.” She leaned back in the chair and puffed from her cigarette.
    Putting an arm around Nate, I led him back through the house and to the spare car. We’d have fun. Watch a movie, eat pizza. What other way would I want to spend my Friday night?
    * * *
    The next morning, Nate sat on my couch eating a bowl of cheerios and milk. I’d have to bring him home soon and could only hope Mom had enjoyed a quiet evening. Though to be honest, I debated calling my grandmother and seeing if she’d taken him. Granny had stepped in before and taken Nate, or myself for long periods.
    But first I wanted to see what the plans were with Paisley, and what time she might need my help. As I held the phone in my hands, my palms began to sweat. I couldn’t believe I was scared to call her. What was I, fifteen?
    I pressed her number and put the phone to my ear. A part of me wanted to hang up. One ring. Two rings. Three rings. Four rings. Voicemail.
    Was I relieved? Hell yes! I hung up without leaving a message. I hated voicemail, getting or leaving. But then the phone vibrated in my hand. It was her calling back. I took a deep breath. Be cool. “Hey, Pais.”
    “Sorry. My phone was across the room and my hands were full.” She sounded out of breath.
    “I was just calling to see when you needed me today.”
    “Oh, um.” She paused. “You know, Evan and his friends are helping once I get to town. So really, I’m not sure.”
    I slumped against the wall. “Oh.”
    “I do want you to come tonight, though.” Her voice sounded unsteady.
    I couldn’t wait to spend some time with her. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
    “Good.” Excitement laced her tone. “Well, I need to get back to loading up the truck before Kristy goes on strike. Apparently, I have more than we thought.”
    “That’s how it usually happens. I’ll see you tonight.”
    “‘Bye.”
    I set the phone down. Damn Evan. I wanted to be the one there helping her. Yet that guy was. Sure he was supposedly just a childhood friend, but I wasn’t stupid or naïve. That guy had his hands holding onto Paisley tightly, as though she was only his. She didn’t see it; unfortunately for Evan, he was in the friend zone . I intended for him to stay there.
    Nate came around the corner with his empty bowl. “Where do I put this?”
    I pointed at the sink.