The Checklist (Explicit Version)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER XII
Tattoo Shop Sex

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Why did she call me?

That was the first thought I had once I stepped out of my twelve-to-three with Nellie. I'd been gripping my phone since we exited the building. I tried to think why I'd be getting a call from her, but every conclusion led me to wanting to completely ignore her existence.

Not that she did anything to me. It was more about her son.

Lillian Lauder's name stretched out on my screen, lined in a scary red that made me want to shove my phone into my bag and forget I ever saw her name in the first place.

But guilt infested my stomach; that would explain why I felt like vomiting.

"Are you going to call her back?" Nellie asked, typing away on her own phone next to me.

"Do you think I should?" I needed her advice.

She must have saw I was losing my sanity because she lifted her gaze off her phone and offered me an encouraging smile. "You love her, Allie. You always called her a second mom. You shouldn't punish her for her son's mistake. Hell, maybe you can tell her what actually happened between you and Remi. Knowing him, he probably lied and told her a half-assed side of the story."

She was probably right. Last I heard from mom, Lillian thought I wanted a break. She had no clue that her perfect son wasn't so perfect. But at the same time, I didn't want to be the one to tell her.

"What... should I say though? Do you think Remi spoke to her? If he did, what do I even talk to her about? Our entire relationship was based on Remi. And then there's the internship."

I didn't even want to think about the possibility of getting an internship at her fashion magazine. When Lillian found out I was going into journalism, she had been ecstatic. Mom was a senior editor for over ten years—that's how they became friends—so she was happy I'd be following mom into this field. Granted, she never promised an internship, but she did offer an interview.

An interview she hasn't mentioned since the first time she brought up the internship.

As much as I wish I didn't depend on this opportunity, I did. Call it nepotism, but after graduation, I'd enter a world that expected years and years of experience, even for an entry position. I wasn't expecting a full-time pay position, but an internship would at least get my foot out of the door.

"You're overthinking," Nellie reminded me with a drawl, "Just call her. What's the worst that could happen?"

"She scolds me for ruining her perfect child."

"That's the worst thing?"

"I'm sensitive."

Nellie rolled her eyes but nudged my shoulder with hers. I focused on my phone again, and it took a few moments, but I reluctantly pressed a thumb against Lillian's name. I grimaced when the phone started ringing.

Lillian answered on the third ring. "Althea!" Her sweet, excited voice instantly softened some of my tension. "How are you, darling? I miss your voice."

"I miss yours too." I smiled to myself, following Nellie out of campus and onto the strip. "And I'm good. I'm just walking home. You called while I was in class."

"Oh, yes." I heard her breathing in through her teeth. "I'm sure the thought of talking to me hurts you, but I hope that we can still have a relationship. Despite my son's behaviour."