Chapter 73
“Mmm,I see some parts of you are still growing.”
He gave me a wicked grin.“I could lock the door and show you.”
I pushed him away.Which was really hard to do.“No!We have to leave.And I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving,”he countered,then sighed.“You’re right.But you and me?”He gestured between us.“We’re having a celebration tonight,right?A private one?”
“Oh,yeah.”Images of Jeff’s naked body flashed through my mind.Ever since we’d made love at the hotel,I couldn’t get enough of him.He made it clear he felt the same way.
“Okay,then let’s go.”
We headed downstairs,our graduation gear in tow.As we reached the bottom of the steps,I heard sniffling.
“Mom?What’s wrong?”Jeff asked,concern in his voice as he hurried to her side.
She laughed,waving him away.“I’m fine,honey.This is just such a big day.”
Jeff turned back to me,rolling his eyes.“Seriously?I thought you were hurt.”
I shrugged and raised my eyebrows.I had no idea what to say.
Judy just laughed again.“It’s a mother thing.I can’t believe you’re all grown up.Graduation brought it all to a head for me.”She kissed Jeff’s cheek.
He appeared bewildered.I bit back a laugh as he shot me a pained look and hugged his mom.
My chest tightened as I watched them embrace.I wished my own mom could be here.What would she say to me?Unbidden tears sprang to my eyes and I hastily wiped them away.But not fast enough.Judy soon enveloped me in her arms,waterworks spilling down my cheeks.I held tight as the dam broke.Sobs tore from my throat and I held onto her for dear life.I cried for the loss of my mom.I cried for the loss of my family.I even cried for the man who had been my father,but could never find a way to love me.I cried those deep,ugly tears that make one’s face blotchy for hours.My knees buckled and Jeff’s arms encircled me from behind,bracing me from falling as he whispered into my ear.While I couldn’t make sense of the words,they brought me peace and the sobs began to slow.I sagged against him as Judy pulled away and cupped my cheeks,wiping away the tears with her thumbs.
“Do you have him?”she asked.
“Yeah,”Jeff answered.He led me to the sofa,his arm tight around my waist.
Judy handed him a warm,wet washcloth,and Jeff gently wiped my face.
“Close your eyes,”he whispered.
I sighed when I felt the soft cloth on my face.Jeff’s touch was delicate and I sagged against his side.“I’m sorry,”I murmured.
“Oh,honey,”Judy said,sitting next to me.“You have nothing to apologize for.”She put her arm around my waist and squeezed.“I should have known this would be a hard day for you.”
I hadn’t realized it either.“I just wish…”My voice cracked as I fought more tears.“I wish she were here today,being proud of me.”
“I know you miss her.”Judy stroked my hair.“But Aaron,you do have someone else who’s proud of you today.You have me.You’ve been part of this family since you welcomed Jeff his first day of school.I love you as if you were my own child.”Tears welled in her eyes.
My lips quivered.“Really?”
“Of course.”She pulled me close.“You’re so loved,Aaron.I’m so proud of the man you’ve become and so are your grandparents.And I know—I know,Aaron—your mother was proud of you.I believe she’s watching you today as you take a step forward into adulthood.”
“Thank you.”I loved her,too,but I wasn’t ready to say it.I didn’t think it was a betrayal to my mother,but I wasn’t sure.I was too emotionally exhausted to figure it out.
Jeff said nothing,but when our eyes met,I knew I’d be okay.
A peace fell over me and I gave him a contented smile.“I think I’m ready.”
He nodded,then went to the stairs and grabbed the graduation gowns and hats from where we’d dropped them.
“Okay,”Judy began,smiling.“I’ll see you soon.I promised your grandparents I’d wait for them at the door of the auditorium.I’m heading over as early as possible to grab our seats.”
Jeff opened the front door.“See you,Mom.”
I gave Judy a quick hug.“Thank you again.”
Once in the truck,I leaned back and sighed.“Wonder how long that had been building up?”I mused out loud.
Jeff squeezed my thigh.“I’d say a long time.”He gave me a sidelong glance.“You better?”
“Yeah.I’m really sorry for ruining that nice moment between you and your mom.”
He shook his head.“You didn’t ruin anything,Aaron.”
I put my hand on top of his.“Let’s go graduate!”