“Hell no.” It’s pretty sad my mom thinks I’m slinging my dick without a condom. I have enough common sense to wrap it up. I run my hand through my hair. “I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

She doesn’t have any boundaries either. She’d be all over me like a rash if she knew I had PTSD. She’d call Dr. Hannah and harass the poor woman. No matter how old I get, I’m still her little boy. That’s why I keep my lips sealed. I leave my family in the dark about my life; they don’t know I moved Little Miss Sunshine into my condo, either.

“Fine, I guess. I have to cleanse Alana and Darien’s house tomorrow in preparation for my grandbaby’s birth.” She studies me from head to toe. “You look like you got hit by a bus. You want me to do yours?”

Ever wonder who I get my bluntness from? I’m looking at her.

“Yeah. Fine.” I don’t believe in that hocus-pocus bullshit. But whatever floats her boat.

After sweeping, she sets the broom back against the wall and rearranges the white lilies (her favorite) sitting on the table. I send her flowers every Wednesday to show her how much I appreciate her.

“Where’s Herold?” I ask.

“At the shop.”

He owns a mechanic shop in Newark. To be honest, I didn’t like Herold because I didn’t think he was good enough for her, but he proved himself that he was an okay guy. And when she married him two years ago, without letting me and Alana know, I was livid. FYI, I get my impulsive tendencies from Mommy Dearest.

“You’re not going to be moping around here, looking like someone stole your bike. Help me get rid of the wilting flowers in my garden, and I’ll fill you in on the latest gossip from the country club. Act like you care too. I really need to vent to someone about Karen’s adulterous husband.”

Don’t forget to add bossy to the list of things my ma is.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Gia

Oh, yeah.

I so needed this. Izzy perches across from me and hot mud clings to my skin, melting away my worries.

This week has been as painful as ripping hair from my scalp.