Page 76 of Unraveling with You

CHAPTER 15

“ARE YOU OKAY?” I UNBUCKLEmy seatbelt, tearing my eyes off Mom and Dad’s empty porch out the car window to look at Remington.

“I should be asking you that, not the other way around.” He sighs. “I’m okay. But I don’t know if I can pretend to like him, L.L.B.”

“Just be yourself. We don’t have to talk to him much, and I’ll mainly just want to say hi to my mom before I–” I swallow hard. “Before I propose our offer to her in private.”

Leaning over the center console, Remington eases a soft kiss onto my temple. “I’ll be right here by your side. If she says yes, we’ll come up with a safety plan to get her out first. No one’s laying a hand on either of you today.”

Chewing on my lip, I nod. “I-I do feel safer this time. Thank you.”

He gives me a soft smile, but nothing can settle my nerves as we step out of the car. Glancing back at Remington one last time, I hesitate as his jaw sets.

I stop beside the rusting mailbox. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“No, L.L.B., I’m not. I don’t want to say anything to him if it makes you uncomfortable, but...” He sighs, softening his voice as his eyebrows arch in sorrow. “I don’t think he should be allowed to think he can continue to do this to you. It’s long overdue for someone to stand by your side, and I’d feel like a shit person if I kept this secret for his comfort - and therefore sacrificing yours.”

I swallow hard. I’ve never had anyone visit Dad who knows what he does to me, so I almost don’t know what to say. But I trust Remington. “Okay, thank you. I don’t mind if you say something to him; just don’t say anything around my mom. I need to tell her when I’m ready.”

Remington strokes my shoulders. “Okay. I’ve got your back.”

He does. I can feel it in his steady gaze. My torso unwinds - just in time to hear the click of a lock unlatching.

Dad opens the front door, greeting us with a bright wave.

My heart stings. I didn’t expect to feel as guilty as I do from Dad’s unsuspecting smile. I know my offer for Mom will hurt him. But he made the choice to hurt me, over and over again. That truth guts me, just like it has my whole life. Why wasn’t I good enough for him to keep safe?

But what if I’m over-exaggerating how bad he is? When he’s smiling and waving so sweetly, he doesn’t look like a dragon.

As we approach, I force myself to smile, opening my arm for a side hug. “Hi, Dad.”

Dad hugs me with both arms. “Hi, Lily. And Remington - it’s so nice to meet you, finally!”

Remington’s deep hum buzzes behind my head as he places both hands on my shoulders, keeping close. “Hi, Mr. Norris. Thanks for having me.”

“Oh, no need to be so polite. Call me Joe.” Dad chuckles, extending his hand. But I know Remington far better than to think he’s being pleasant; if he’s not at an excitable puppy-level of a greeting, he’s unhappy.

Remington stares at Dad’s hand for a lingering second, shooting my heartbeat into my throat. I can only imagine what he’s thinking; he’s the only one who knows what Dad’s hands have done.

As Remington takes Dad’s hand, Dad chuckles again. “Wow, you’ve got a strong grip.”

Remington’s jaw tenses, and Dad’s smile fades.

“Ihave a strong grip?” Remington’s voice is quiet but sharp, piercing the space between us.

My heart beats wildly. I don’t know what to think or feel. I knew Remington wouldn’t be able to hold back - he has that venomous “vaffanculo” look in his eyes again - but no one has stood up for me to Dad before. No one has evennoticed.

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