"Y'all don't live here anymore. We don't have to do anything on anyone else's time besides our own." She inspects her nails. "And Molly? That still doesn't tell me why you were leaving Dakota's house at two am with your hair down, wearing what looked like his shirt, carrying your bag with scrubs in it."
Son. Of. A. Bitch.
My poker face is the only thing saving me at this moment. "I'm sure it was game night, and I just wanted to get comfortable. He's offered me shirts before, ya know. It's not that big of a deal mom, I promise."
She eyes me in the mirror, and I can almost feel her turning over what I said in her head, trying to figure out if it's the truth or not. "You know you don't have to lie to me, Molly."
"Mom, I'm a grown woman, why would I hide what I do from you? It's not like either of you can ground me."
Her gaze tightens. "While that's true, I definitely think you would hide Dakota."
Why the fuck does she know me as well as she does? "Why would I hide him of all people? Everyone in this family loves Dakota."
"Which is exactly why you'd hide him, Molls." The woman who gave me life looks at me with pursed lips. "You've never done anything halfway, but you've always never purposely done anything that would make your dad and I happy where your love life is concerned." She crosses her legs. "In fact, I'd say you've been wholly unconcerned with that part."
There's a sinking feeling starting in my stomach. I can't deny it. I've always dated the wrong people. Maybe it's some sort of rebellion because of the amount of law enforcement I have in my family. I've always somewhat liked the bad boys, and tried to pick boys and men that I thought would irritate the adults in my life. What these people don't know about Dakota though? He's one hundred percent a fucking bad boy. The way he talks to me, the way he looks at me, the way he touches me? It's hotter and dirtier than any other man I've been with.
And that's our dirty little secret.
One I love sharing with him.
"Maybe I was back in the day. Maybe I'm just happy being by myself right now?" I shoot her a glare. "I'm an independent woman, who can do anything she wants to."
Mom smiles with pride written across her face. "You are, and I'm thankful for that. I never wanted you not to be able to take care of yourself."
I finish up with the last section of her hair, and then set the curling wand down. "Alright, you're good to go."
"Just in time," she says as the front door opens. "I invited the whole family."
"So you're warning me it's about to get really loud in here?"
I think of my Aunt Kels, her husband, my cousins, and Levi. But then I hear it. Another voice is in the mix. One I wasn't prepared for.
"Oh yeah." Mom grins, and it's sneaky as shit. Enough that I'd like to reach over and pinch her. "I invited Dakota, Lucy, and their parents too. Figured we could all get together."
"Sounds good." I smile back brightly at her. I know exactly why she's done this. She wants to see how Dakota and I act together. Once this woman gets a bit of a hint that she may have sniffed something out, she's like a damn dog and won't let it go. So I refuse to give her any satisfaction.
We're locked in a stare off, and smiling at each other like we're in a weird horror movie. But I refuse to break the stare. Finally, she pulls her gaze away from mine, and I know I've won.
"I'm on to you, Molly."
"Whatever you say, Mom. I'll see you in a few minutes. I have to use the bathroom."
She raises her eyebrows and gives me a look that would probably wilt Levi, but unfortunately for her, I'm used to it. "Alright. We'll be waiting for you."
I watch as she leaves, and then I quickly shut the door, before leaning against it and breathing in a deep breath. For six months Dakota and I have had this little fling going. It's been amazing because no one really knows what's going on. He and I have kept it quiet. We've met each other when we have time, we've fucked like rabbits, and I've met the man I thought I knew already. Now? It looks like we might have to tell the people in our lives much quicker than we'd thought we would. Pulling my phone out of my back pocket, I have a seat on the closed-lid of the toilet.
M: Hey, when I get out there, don't be your normal charming self.
D: Why not?
M: Apparently mom saw me leaving your house the other day, early in the damn morning. She's trying to sniff us out, and I'm worried that she'll be able to tell.
D: Would it be so bad if they knew?
Closing my eyes, I sigh heavily. I don't want to have this conversation right now.
M: I'm not ready for it. I'm happy to discuss it with you later, but not right now.