“Why would your boss pay it?” No idea why I’ve latched into that, but I’m curious.
“Because we’ve grown close, he’s supported me through everything, even when I couldn’t tell him why I was so worried and down. He wouldn’t have done it though. He couldn’t afford to. Not when he has a business to run.” Her cheeks heat, and I suspect she thinks I’m going to ridicule her, but I won’t. So, I decide to steer us back to the topic that deserves my attention, rather than her love life.
“That doesn’t make sense, he would have bled you dry given half the chance. There’s no way he would just let it go.” My brow pulls in as I weigh up what this could mean. Either one of us did it, or Sir is tying up loose ends. Honestly, neither of those options are making any sense.
“The account was settled, as in paid?”
“Apparently so, but I don’t know anyone who would do that for us. And those who would, couldn’t. We’re not wealthy, and we don’t know people that are, at least we didn’t. There is no way anyone on my side would have helped. So, who was it?” She takes a large mouthful of her drink, as her shoulders shake.
“I’m not sure, but I can look into it. If you really want to know.” I don’t know why I’m offering this, but she’s Luna’s mom, and I know she wouldn’t like to see her like this. “Is this why you look so…” I wave my hand over her, while my lips pull into the side.
“That, and having Poppy in here, but they’re only a small part. It sounds bad I know, but Poppy is getting better, sometimes.” Her forehead pulls down as she looks to the side, before shaking it off. “Luna hates me, that’s why I’m such a mess. My own child can’t bear to speak to me, and it’s all my fault.” A sob wracks through her, and I freeze.
Shit, crying woman. Shit, fuck, damn it.
I place my arm over her shoulders and slowly pat her back, she snorts through her laughter as she gives me the side eye, but she does eventually begin to calm down. Thank fuck for that.
“Why are you here? You said you had questions, right?”
“I do, how much has Poppy told you about her time at college?” I haven’t been careful enough with my word choice, guess I better try harder.
“Not much. When she came home, she was withdrawn, and severely depressed. No one could reach her or get her to speak, except for Luna. I don’t know what happened between them, but they went from bickering to sleeping together at night. It was, nice to see my girls getting along so well. By the time Poppy felt well enough to go back to college, I was beyond relieved. Then something happened, and she ended up in here. Even though she has more moments of clarity and can speak, she still won’t tell me what caused it.” She sighs deeply, before finishing the last of her drink. “She told me that Luna was selfish to go there, I don’t even know how she knew where she was. I hadn’t told her, and I knew Luna wouldn’t. She always tries to follow the rules, even if she slips up from time to time. She said that the place would destroy her, and she was as good as dead. It was the first time I had even slapped my own daughter.” The tears start back up, as guilt lines every feature of her face. “How could she say that about her own sister? She isn’t selfish, she’s the most selfless person I’ve ever known. I know I was angry with her for going there, but it was because of what happened to Poppy, I always thought that place turned her that way. I’m starting to see, she may have always been like that, but I was blinded by my love for her. No parent wants to believe that their child could be so callous and cruel.”
“You’re right, she isn’t selfish. She has done so much for others while being with us. Gone out of her way to protect people she didn’t know, with no thought for her own safety. I know you don’t want to hear that, but you should be proud of her. And back to what you said earlier, I don’t think she hates you. I don’t believe she ever could. She just needs time to come to terms with everything. She has a lot going on, but I know she will seek you out once she’s ready.” I grasp her hand, and she gives me a watery smile, before swiping a hand across her face.
“Thank you, I appreciate your words. Is that everything you needed to know?”
“I was actually hoping to speak to Poppy, but I don’t think I need to. Honestly, I don’t think she’ll be honest with me. So, I’m going to run through a little theory I have with you, but on one condition.” I stare at her hard, and her eyes don’t waiver as she nods her head.
“You can’t tell anyone, not even her doctors. That includes your friend Cole, considering he’s also a Harkwright.”
Her eyes widen as her face drains of color. She doesn’t react for several minutes, before she nods her head once more, and I tell her everything I suspect.
“The doctor was as helpful as I thought he would be. Basically, he wasn’t. That being said, he isn’t going to cut me out anymore. With everything I have given him, he’ll be monitoring the situation a lot more closely.” I laugh through the phone, the smoke clouding around my head as I relax against the back seat.
“Are you going to share your theory with the rest of the class?” Tucker drawls, and I smirk, even though he can’t see it.
“Nope, not until I know for sure. No offence, man, but if I tell Mett without all the facts, he’ll go after him. It won’t matter if I’m right or not.”
“Aer, you’re rarely wrong. If you suspect something, then chances are you are right on the money. Besides, I won't react. Why don’t you just tell me?” His line goes muffled, and no doubt he’s trying to find somewhere quieter to speak.
“Not going to happen, can’t risk it. Besides, this is more fun. As long as we’re all on board, Little Zero is safe. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know everything yet. Now, go enjoy your daughter, you fucker, and we’ll see you Monday.”
“Go fuck yourself,” is all he says before the phone goes dead, and I watch the world pass us by until we’re pulling up outside Emmet’s once more.
I open the door, and step inside. It’s way too fucking quiet, but he wouldn’t have done anything stupid. I don’t think.
“Oi, fuckers. Where you at?”
“Can you keep it down? You don’t have to shout everything,” Mett growls, as he walks in from outside.
“Where’s Luna? Buried in the backyard?” I snicker at my own words, although my stomach is twisting up at them.
“Yeah, right alongside Darius,” he said completely deadpan, and I’m starting to regret this little joke.
“Okay, I know I started this, but seriously? Where is she?” I can’t keep the suspicion out of my voice, and he glares at me.
“She’s out, she wanted to cook us dinner so I sent her to the market to get whatever she needs.”
“You didn’t send her with Matthew, did you? He’s a douche canoe.” I really can’t stand his guard.
“No, I know she doesn’t like him. I sent her with…” he mumbles the last name and I crack up laughing, and he only glares harder.
“Are you kidding me, how the fuck did that happen?”