Chapter II When I got to the hospital .
1 found Austin sitting in the room , preling an apple with a fruct knife .
My mom sat on the bed , looking at him with a prood smile .
As soon as he noticed my footsteps , Austin glanced up his eyes blaring Taurel , why didnt you tell me when your mom got sick ? I raised an eyebrow feeling cold .
Austin , what are you doing here ? I tried cafting you , but you didnt pick up , so I called your mom he replied , looking hit sheepish To anyone looking on it mightve seemed like I intimidated him after all , 1 his ex prlfriend .
But I hadnt forgotten the sgry guy who had once choked and stapped me , showing no merry when it mattered .
Clearly entire family could win awards for their performances , pretending mirrything was fine in polific they were full of behind closed doon .
I wasnt about to sugarenat anything .
Austin , lets not put on a show .
Were done over His expression fathered , and he looked genuinely sorry .
Taurel , I messed up .
I shouldnt have let work gen in the way .
But Ive got ready .
Lets get our license tomorrow , alright ? 1 stared at him feeling trapped .
He knew my mom wanted us to get back together , so he was playing this card in front of her on purpose .
He was sure that I wouldnt bring up the issues between us , especially since my moms health couldnt handle stress .
That was why he brazenly here and asked me to get back together with no shame .
With a heavy heart , I repeated , Austin , were broken up sps and can work things Then my mom piped up , nudging me .
Laurel , hes apologized .
Come on , fallout happens all the time .
You two are grown ups out just let go .
Austin looked at me with those hopeful eyes and handed the peeled apple to my mom , speaking softly .
I promise to treat Laurel night from no on .
Dont worry .
My mom beamed at him , nodding .
Lets get the license tomorrow so I can finally relax Bonnie barged in , shot a quick glance at Austin , then flicked her gaze toward me and said casually .
Laurel if you two have something to discuss take it outside , and dont bother the patient in the next room Austin looked taken aback , clearly not loving Bonnies cold vibe .
Could that rich kid really not handle a bit of sass I couldnt help but chuckle to myself , remembering my first encounter with his mom .
She acted like the Queen , all high and i It wasnt just Austin who thought I was at their service for the past six years .
His mom had her own royal momenti .
Whenever she needed to shop or wait in line , Id get a call with her authoritative tone , no matter what I was up to .
And it got worse later .
Amanda would let me be the one picking her up and dropping her off instead of their driver just so she could strut around in front of her friends .
I was was crazy how some mean some mean people were spoiled by those who had a good temper .
So , in the Herrera familys eyes .
Im just someone who can be pushed around .
How could I suddenly stand my ground I nodded , a faint unile crossing my face as I turned to Austin and dropped my voice .
Lets chat outside .
Austin got up slowly , giving me a smug look filled with satisfaction as if he had totally won this round .
of of course , he thought he was in the drivers seat .
After all , didnt he come all this way to ask me to get back together ! From where he stood , he was already lening me off the hook , especially with my y mom still in the hospital .
And he always believed he had it all figured out never short of people willing to flatter him .
After stepping out of the hospital room , Austin let out a grunt , dropping his previous gentle draneanor and giving ine a sideways i Im not asking you to apologize to losemary , but you really need to clear up that video on your Instagram What about if I shot him a blank look .
1/2 Bontemury i been having a notigh time , and the bent Plus the didná tay vou pushed her.
That was þad a misunderstanding na may part 7 % o when the fell , why dudon , she first speak up ter Do you really have to keep going back to this 1 let out a soft sigh , feeling out of breath You br Could you try being a like mon g ? Rosemarys a patient dient .
Shouldnt you just let in Emo you really w want in keep being petry about Austins patience was clearly wearing thin as he took a moment to regain himself .
Taurel , Im already backing down .
I only came here because of And what if I decide not to play along with your little game ? 1 looked at him , genuinely intrigued .
Laurel , your mom is still in the hospital .
His finishing line came with a challenging glare Right , I wouldnt want to upset her .
I said , holding back my rising anger while trying to gauge exactly how low Austin could Seeing my restraint , Austin couldnt help but smirk and tilt his chin up .
You really should apologize to my family , especially my mom .
He paused , narrowing hus eyes a bit .
By the way , my moms birthday is next month .
Theres an auction here the day after tomorrow , and shes gor her eye on a ruby .
That could be your gift for her .
I didnt respond , just kept staring at him silently .
I know you sold that house in Newton City , and the money should be enough for the ruby .
If not , I can- Before he could finish his phone buzzed in his pocket .
He pulled it out , glancing at the screen , and a bright smile broke through his serious facade .
I couldnt help but sneak a peek .
It was a picture of Rosemary in an adorable vintage tutu , looking could charm anyone ng all sweet and perfect .
Honestly , it was like she I had to chuckle .
Austin wasnt here to get me back to him .
He was just trying to stir the pot and throw a few threats in my way Austin , anything else you want to add ? I ked .
He glanced at me , the intensity in his gaze fading a bit .
Book a live star hotel for Rosemary and me .
Ive got some things to sort out , but Ill send you the details later .
Before I could reply , he waved down a cab and was off .
I watched him disappear , gave a little chuckle , and then turned around and headed into the hospital to get my mom transferred .
