Page 85 of Prove Me Wrong
My throat works as I continue walking towards the main road, my shoes splashing puddles, wetting my socks. “He told you about that?”
“Yes, and I would have liked to have heard it from you, but I guess your brother will do. But I just want to say that I’m proud of you for doing this, Mia.”
Feet stopping, my hand shakes against my cheek as her voice runs over me.She’s proud of me.Mum hasn’t been proud of me in years. Sniffing, my lips twitch as I squeeze out, “Thanks, Mum.”
“Yes, well, it would be dishonest of me if I told you otherwise, and I only lie when I need to in the courtroom.” Her words are as sharp as a dagger. “But this is a step for you in the right direction. Your career is very important. It’ll make you successful, just like your brother.”
A feeling of relief rushes through me. If I weren’t already dried of tears, they would be flowing out of me right now because I’ve waited for this moment for such a long time.
“So, when will you be coming back home? I’ll need to make sure your room is ready.”
“Actually, I still haven’t decided if I want to come.”
She sniffs a laugh. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t want to pass up this opportunity, for what? Staying with your grandma? Be serious for a moment, Mia.”
Sucking in a deep breath, inhaling the cold, fresh air of winter, I think about Noah, and how I’d hate to leave him, but this could be my chance to prove to my parents that I can flourish on my own. But the tugging in my heart is telling me otherwise.
“Mum, can I let you know tonight?” I ask nervously, my fingers playing with the bow of my lip. “There’s just something that I need to figure out first.”
She lets out a soft hum. “Fine, but it needs to be tonight. And no more ignoring me, please. I’m tired of having a relationship with your voicemail.”
I nod against the phone, continuing towards the cafe for my Sunday morning coffee. “Sure, thank you, Mum.”
“I’ll be waiting for your call.” She hangs up before I can respond.
My stomach twists as I near the main street, my heart conflicted with what to do. To stay here and keep working forNoah, whom I’ve grown attached to? Or leave for a job interview that will finally earn my parents’ approval that I’ve craved for years?
The choice is blinding me right now. I want both of them, but I can only choose one. I think I know which one I need to take. Sucking in a deep breath, I push open the glass door, the scent of sweet caffeine hitting me as I smile, knowing that my decision is final.
Walkingon the side of the road, I hold the hot drinks in my hand, butterflies swarming my stomach violently as I keep myself from shaking. I shouldn’t be this nervous to tell a man that I want to be with him, to give him my all, but I am.
The cardboard tray quakes as I near our houses and come to a slow stop. Noah’s red ute is gone, and a black SUV is parked in his driveway. Heart dropping to my stomach, I blink a few times before heading towards his house, wanting to know what is going on.
Climbing the three steps to his door, I knock and wait, hope springing in me that maybe Noah just bought a new car and didn’t tell me. I’d hate it if he did, because that car reminds me of him, of the times he’s worked on it, and when he drove me home.
My heart leaps when I hear the lock turning, and the door opens, only for my smile to fall. An older woman stands in the doorway with a hand on her hip, fisted, and a glare piercing mine. Her hair is light blonde, and green eyes like Noah’s hold my gaze. I realise that this must be his mum, who hasn’t visited him in a year and a half, or so he told me.
“Yes?” Her eyebrows pull up as her gaze sweeps over me. Right now, I'm glad I never wear anything revealing. My oversized jumper and leggings cover most of my skin, and it’s appropriate to meet someone’s parents in, even if impromptu.
I have to clear my throat before letting out, “Hi, I’m Mia, Noah’s?—”
“Ah, the babysitter.” Her voice turns into something nasty. I blink at her. Her other pink-painted hand comes to rest on her hip, matching the lipstick staining her tight lips. Wrinkles frame her eyes, her hair cut to her shoulders, and she’s wearing a pretty flowery blouse and ironed pants. She looks too fancy to be a resident of a small country town.
“Um...” I hush out, confused by her tone. “Yes.” Nerves push bile up my throat.
She snickers, arms coming to fold over her chest. I nervously bit down on my lip. “He told me about you. That you’ve been watching my granddaughter since the daycare reduced its days. It’s appalling, isn't it, that they would cut days because of funding.”
I swallow and nod in agreement, unsure of what to say to her. She seems intimidating, even though she’s the same height as me, but there’s an aura surrounding her, making my insides itch uncomfortably.
Her lips quirk as she continues, “I told him not to stay here in this miserable town. We told him to move to Rafters Falls, where we have plenty of daycare places, but he refused. He’s such a stubborn boy when he wants to be.”
My jaw clenches at her sharp words, despising the way she’s talking about her own son. “Barrenridge is his home,” I murmur nervously.
“It was also our home until we left. And I don’t see anything worth keeping him here.” Her eyes glance over me once again. “This town doesn’t offer himanything.”
“He has his friends here,” I offer in a small voice, trying to get her to see Noah’s reasoning. “His house, his work…”
She huffs out a laugh that startles me, my body flinching at the sudden loudness. Her arms cross over her bigger chest. “His work isracing,not mechanics. It’s what he’s wanted to do since he left high school, and he should still be aspiring to be the best in the league like his dad.”
