Free Taking Over by S.J. Maylee Page B

“And I'll see you next week, too.”
    “I'm
looking forward to it.” She squeezed his hands. “Take care of her, Marcus.
She's going to need you.”
    “I'll
be there for her.”
    “Okay
you two. Let's go, Marcus. We've got work tomorrow.” Her time with her mom was
over again. Each workweek seemed to drag longer and longer, probably because
she always worried there wouldn't be another visit.
    She
wondered how all the changes would weather her. Even as Marcus sat next to her
holding her hand on the ride back to the city, she felt more alone than before.
She blamed him. He came in with his big presence and awakened so much she'd
tried to bury. But there was nothing to be done now. Their hand had been dealt.
They were headed back to the city and she had no idea what to expect.

Chapter Eight
     
    All the way back to Chicago, he kept
Gina in his peripheral vision. It was like he could see her slip back beneath
her veneer.
    “You
didn't have to tell my mom you'd be back to see her.”
    “It
wasn't a lie. I'm coming back with you next weekend.” He squeezed her hand. “You
might not believe it, but I care about your mom.”
    “Well,
that I can understand.”
    “I
care about you too, Gina.” He drew her closer. “I intend to keep my eye on Dale
while I'm up there.” The city was getting closer. He was anxious to stretch his
legs or maybe it was the thought of leaving her side that waged the war inside
him. He'd never had such a problem leaving her before.
    “Do
you want to get a bite to eat?” He tugged on her hand, which he'd held the
whole trip.
    “Did
you have something in mind?”
    “There's
a pizza shop not too far from my place. I know they're still open. Interested?”
    “Sure.”
She shrugged and looked out the window.
    Marcus
called ahead and a large stuffed crust pizza came out of the oven minutes after
their arrival. From their little table at the front of the restaurant, they dug
into the pizza.
    “This
is delicious.” She took a pepperoni from the middle of her piece and popped it
into her mouth. “How long has this place been here?”
    “They've
been open for about five years.”
    “I'd
appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about my mom.”
    “I
can understand you wanting some privacy about your mom's illness.”
    “Cancer. You can say it.
My mom has cancer.” She cleared her throat.
    “I'm
sorry.” He grabbed her hand when she reached for another piece.
    “Thanks.”
    “You
need to tell Rob.” So much of what he’d learned that weekend Rob needed to
know.
    “You're
right.”
    “I
know.” He let her go. “You need to tell him about Dale, too.”
    “I'm
not going to do that.”
    “Why not?” He sat back in
his chair. “I don't understand you.”
    “Well,
you don't have to.” She sipped from her beer and set it down, rubbing at the
label that was coming loose. “Rob could have something good with Jane, if she
hasn't messed everything up.”
    “You
mean if you haven’t scared her away.”
    “Hey,
I didn’t tell Jane anything that wasn’t true.” She held up her hands.
    “Rob
deserves the truth. I don't think you understand the ramifications of your
lies.”
    “Rob
deserves to be happy and my admission will just get in his way. Besides, it
really doesn't matter. Who knows how many more days my mom has left?” She scratched
at a tomato stain on the tablecloth. “You know I hate it when you call me a
bitch. But you're right. That's exactly what I am.”
    “For
some reason, I only like it when I'm the one calling you names.”
    “Hold
that thought.” She rubbed her forehead. “I'll give you a reason to walk away
from me. Since it seems you're having a hard time.”
    “I'm
not going to defend how I feel for you.”
    “You're
free to change your mind.” She slid her empty plate away and turned slightly,
crossing her long legs. “The day my mom came home with her diagnosis, she sat
me down and I panicked. I thought for sure she'd found out about what Dale