CHAPTER 35

“You were out there, calmin’ yourself down. I had no intention of interrupting you,” Mom interrupted with a stern look. “You sure as hell need it after yesterday.”

I ignored the annoyance that showed in her voice and walked past her into the house. “What time is she picking Milka up?”

“In an hour,” Mom replied. “Leah texted me.”

“Okay.” I kissed Milka’s head and placed some toast in the toaster. “She okay?”

“Leah? She’s fine.”

“You know I mean Chloe.”

“How do you define ‘fine’?” she asked with an eyebrow raise. “Would you say you’re fine right now?”

I’d take that as a no.

My toast popped, and I spreaded peanut butter across each slice. I bit into it, the crunch satisfying, and leaned against the counter. The silence was tense and awkward.

Until Aiden came in the front door looking like he slept outside all night.

“Aiden!” Mom snapped. “Where have you been?”

“Lay off it, Mom.” He went straight upstairs. Hopefully to shower.

Titus snorted, walking into the kitchen. “Hey, bro, at least t