Better With You (Better Love 2)

“I won, Mom.”

“Oh, that is wonderful! Congratulations!”

My smile is bigger than my face one second, elated that I’ve made her proud, but it immediately falls when I hear a small gasp.

“You sure you’re okay, Mom?” I ask, trying to keep my tone calm. “I can come home.”

“I am fine, Alex. Do not worry. I will see you soon.”

“Okay.” I inhale and exhale. “Okay, Mom. You get some rest. It’s late.”

“Tell Talia I send my love.”

“I will. We’ll video chat with you soon.”

“Je t’aime, mon étoile.”Her voice, while full of love, is weary. I close my eyes and force yet another smile.

“Je t’aime, Maman. See you soon.”

When I hang up, on impulse, I check my text thread with Bailey.

Nothing. Of course, nothing.

I shoot off a text to Talia, letting her know we need to schedule a video chat with my mom, and then I lie back on my pillow. Talia won’t respond until morning. Bailey won’t respond ever. My mother is...well. She is what she is.

When I finally fall back asleep, it’s with a frown on my face.