Power Play (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 2)

“Then why hasn’t he said it?”

“He doesn’t have to. Actions speak louder than words.”

I don’t have time to digest her words before my mom is yelling for me. “Posey Rose!”

“Ugh, my mom is hollering for me.”

“Don’t ruin this, you.”

I scoff as I get up. “I won’t.”

We say bye and I hang up, tucking my phone into my back pocket as I head toward the kitchen where my mom and dad are. As I pass by the living room, I check the time to see how much longer I have until I need to meet Boon at Target. I have to grab a few things for my apartment, and he said he wanted to go. We plan on getting slushies and shopping. It’s a date that my little basic white girl heart is looking forward to. When I reach the kitchen, my mom is leaning on the counter on her phone, while my dad is beside her, rubbing the small of her back. It looks very intimate, yet they look at me like it’s nothing unusual.

“How’s packing?”

“Good,” I say, leaning on the counter in front of them. “I’m basically done.”

“Cool. Shea, why don’t you and the boys start loading the car?”

Dad looks at me, such pain in his eyes. “Are you sure?”

I grin. “Daddy, come on. Don’t do this. Did you do this to Shelli?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t like her the way I like you.”

I snort. “Dad.”

“Yes, I did,” he admits, walking over to me and wrapping his arms around me. “I don’t want you to move out. Who’s gonna watch SportsCenter with me?”

“The three sons you have.”

“Eh, but they’re not as smart as you,” he mutters against my temple. It’s moments like this that remind me how much they do love me. I hold him close as he kisses my cheek. “Fine, go be an adult. Just don’t get married.”

I glare. “But Shelli gets to get married?”

“Let me rephrase that. Wait a long while before you get married. I’m broke,” he says before yelling for the boys.

“Dad, let’s be real. My wedding would never cost what Shelli’s is.”

He nods. “Which is why you’re my favorite.”

When he turns, my brothers are there. Quinn glares at him. “You have five kids. You can’t pick favorites.”

Evan nods. “Especially when you told me I was your favorite yesterday.”

Owen looks at Evan and then Dad. “What the heck. You told me I was your favorite this morning.”

“I don’t like any of you. I only love your mom.”

He looks back at Mom, who is grinning from ear to ear. She fist-pumps, and we all beam at her. “Right back at you.”

They all head to my room as I lean on the counter again, and Mom’s eyes meet mine. “I love you the most.”

I snort. “You tell all of us that.”

“I do,” she agrees, cupping my hand. “I hate that you’re leaving me.”

“I’m legit moving nine minutes away. You act like I’m gone for good.”

She exhales hard. “Still, it hurts.”

I squeeze her hand. “Don’t let it. I love you.”

“I love you,” she says, her eyes soft and full of adoration. “How are your meds doing?”

I thread my fingers with hers. “Okay, I think. I don’t know. I don’t feel like I want to sleep, but I still feel a bit off. I go back in a couple weeks.”

She nods. “Please stay on top of that. You don’t want to get sick.”

“I know,” I agree, and she smiles.

My mom then turns her phone toward me and lays it on the counter. “Read this.”

I move the phone to where I can read it. It’s an email.

From Maxim.

Elli,

I hope this email finds you well. I miss you greatly and hope everyone is doing good. The reason for my email is that I’ve been trying to get in contact with Posey, but I haven’t been able to. Can you please give me her contact info or have her contact me? I want to speak with her, please. Thank you for your time.

Maxim

I bite into my cheek as I turn the phone back around to her. I wait for the wave of affection I once felt for him, but all I feel is the sting of rejection from seeing Stella at his house. Or how he said I was like a sister to him. Why would I care about a dude who says that when I have a man who tells me I’m gorgeous every day? “Don’t give him my info.”

She deletes the email. “I figured.”

“I’m good without him.”

“I know. You’re doing so well, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

I look at her in surprise. “You are?”

“Oh, my baby, I am. You blow me away daily. So strong, so amazing. You remind me of your daddy every day.”

My lips quirk. “Funny… I was channeling my inner Elli Adler.”

Her eyes fill with tears. “You’re the perfect mix of us both, Posey. I love you very much, and all I want is for you to be happy.”