The Revenge Games Duet

“Ugh, don’t call me that. Puh-lease.”

“Sorry,” I mumble. “What’s happening?”

“Not much. Just school.” Her tone remains uninterested and bored. “What about you? Anything interesting going on besides Wesley posting a photo of you in a bikini? By the way, nice hair. Totally love the purple.”

“It’s back to brown now.” Knowing Mom’s close by, I pray she doesn’t say anything about Logan. “So, any chance of getting you to fly over for the summer? I’d love to spend some time with you once our filming schedule finishes.”

“I’d love to, but me and the girls have planned a trip to Miami… if Dad lets me.”

I laugh, rudely. “Yeah, good luck with that. Pigs will fly before Dad lets you hang out in Miami. He doesn’t even let you go to the city.”

“Thanks for bursting my bubble,” she complains. “I got to go, I’ll give the phone back to Mom.”

There’s a shuffle and more noise until Mom says she’s back.

“Miami, huh?” I bring it up while scrolling through my cell looking for what Wesley posted.

“Maybe you can take her

? Or maybe Ash and Logan?”

“Let the man-whores loose in man-whore city…” I keep my tone controlled, not wanting the spur of jealousy to be known.

“You’re right. I love Ashley, but in a way, I’m glad Alessandra has tamed him. As for Logan…” there’s a pause, and I wait with bated breath for her to continue, “… he’s going to break someone’s heart one day. I truly feel sorry for that woman.”

I swallow the giant lump in my throat. “Why do you say that, Mom?”

“Because Logan’s always struggled with stability. His behavior has been erratic and unpredictable. I love him like my own, but Reese leaving him did more harm than good.”

“But Aunty Reese is your best friend. Why didn’t you say something?”

“Why? Because she had her own battles. I just wished she would have worked them out and been there for him. At the end of the day, she’s his mother, not me,” she admits.

I don’t know how we steered onto this topic. As much as I want more insight into the past, Mom is on point with Logan’s behavior. He is like that, I know that. Everything we do together is erratic and irresponsible. But it’s what I need, I’m sick of being the responsible one.

“Change of subject.... did I tell you George is in heat?”

Mom laughs through the receiver. “He’s male. Can male dogs be in heat?”

“I didn’t think so, but he’s dry-humping everything in sight. In fact…” I look toward the window where I see him on the balcony dry-humping the outdoor furniture, “… he’s going for it right now. He has a thing for the outdoors.”

“I think I need to pay my grandson a visit.”

“Yes,” I cheer loudly. “Are you planning to fly over?”

“One of my fellow author friends has a ranch in the Hills and is planning a book launch in a few weeks. I’d love to support her plus, I don’t want to cramp your apartment. Let me confirm the dates and we’ll make something happen. I know you’re a busy woman building your empire and all, but hopefully, you’ll have time for your mommy.”

“I always have time for you.” I smile.

“Okay, kiddo. I gotta go. Meeting in the city with my publisher,” she tells me in a rushed tone. “Do you think my red dress with the gold buttons makes me look like an aging whore?”

“You lost me at gold buttons, Mom.”

We hang up with enough time to spare for me to get changed. I can hear Wesley shouting my name impatiently while waiting outside until he gives up and tells me he’ll wait for me in the car. We have a lunch with fellow cast-mates at an upmarket restaurant near Laguna Beach. The drive alone will be long, and Cliff wants the cameras in Wes’ car switched on to capture our conversations.

A part of me needs the distraction—my mind unsettled after the conversation with Mom.

Rushing around, I finally decide on what to wear and dash out to the car. Moments later we’re on our way.