Chapter 12: Control

I manage to avoid running into anyone as I make my way home.

I’ve decided that I don’t want to spend another night in Maverick’s cold house, where I’m the only thing moving in my room. My house may not be as extravagant as Maverick’s, but at least it’s home.

Dad’s in the kitchen when I come through the back and after the day I’ve had, even I’m ready to stuff my face with whatever he’s making.

“Cayden, hi, sweetie.”

Mom must have come as soon as she heard the door squeak open. She envelopes me in a hug. I’m thrown back to when I was little and she’d bear hug me when I was feeling down. It’s been a long time since I felt that way and right now, it’s a welcome warmth. My arms squeeze her tighter.

She pulls back slightly and quirks an eyebrow at me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, just work stuff,” I reply.

It’s hard to tell if she buys it with the thin smile she gives me in return, but dad interrupts our conversation going any further.