I cringe and groan. “What do you suppose he’d say in regards to the cash?”

“As soon as he was completed beating Theo to a pulp, you imply?”

“Mother, come on.”

She provides me an aggrieved frown earlier than mulling it over. “He’d in all probability name it soiled cash, and he’d need you to burn it. However I say that’s wasteful. You’ve acquired the smarts and expertise to make your desires come true, Ray. That cash could possibly be put to good use.”

“However then part of Theo would all the time be connected to this nice, fantastic factor.”

“Nicely, use the cash to pay for the bathrooms, then. Each time you pee or take a dump, you’ll be able to think about it touchdown on his head.”

Laughter bursts out of me. “Mother. You’re so dangerous.”

“He deserves a lot worse, imagine me.” Her emphatic expression fades away to a tender smile. “I don’t decide you for a second over taking that cash. I’m happy with you for strolling away. I’m happy with you for making a brand new life for your self. And if this residence works out for you and Mick, then that’s one other step in the correct course. You’re a robust girl, Rachel Josephine Beauford. You don’t want a person to succeed, you hear me?”

My lips half. Is she about to inform me to interrupt up with Liam?

Her smile lights up the display. “A person in your life is a bonus. It’s a pleasure, not a necessity. what I imply?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“So, you take pleasure in being with Liam, however you carve out your personal life too. Don’t accept being a waitress if you need extra. Go on your desires. I do know you are able to do it.”

Biting my lips collectively, I attempt to communicate previous the lump in my throat, however I can’t.

“I imagine in you. And I really like you.”

“Love you, too, Mother.”

She blows me a kiss, and we wave goodbye.

As quickly because the display goes clean, I drop the telephone, swiping at my tears and flopping again onto the pillows.

The celebration continues to thump beneath me as I shut my eyes and movie myself behind a glass cupboard full of lovely muffins designed by me. The signal above me sparkles as joyful prospects stroll in my door, oohing and ahhing over my creations.

Sunshine and Cupcakes.

Possibly that dream can turn into a actuality.

CHAPTER 42

LIAM

I don’t know when Rachel slipped out of the celebration, however I spent over half an hour on the lookout for her till I lastly thought to examine my room. She was asleep on my mattress, curled up like a cat, blissfully unaware of the world round her.

I lined her with a blanket and crept again downstairs, hanging round to control the blokes. I drove a bunch of gamers again to their dorms round two, since I used to be the one man sober sufficient to do it.

Sunday comes round slowly, individuals staggering off the bed late.

Rachel is already up after I open my eyes, her patch on the mattress chilly and empty after I brush my arm over it. I immediately miss her. Pulling on a sweater, I pad downstairs to seek out her cooking up a storm within the kitchen. She’s in leggings and my hockey jersey, making it practically not possible to not hitch her up on the counter and take her proper there.

However Baxter is nursing a espresso, perched on one of many stools and watching her work. His hair is mussed, his expression extra curious than grumpy. I give him a silent smile, having fun with the mouthwatering odor of freshly baked muffins earlier than wrapping my arms round my girl and burying my nostril in her neck.

Her scent is richer and extra lovely than something she may ever cook dinner.

“Good morning.” She giggles the phrases, burrowing again into me whereas persevering with to combine up one other batch.

“Are you cooking for a military?”

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