Page 47 of Fighting for the Forbidden
“It’s my fault,” Lauren says, walking around me and into the kitchen.
“Lauren? What are you doing here first thing in the morning?” Mum looks between the two of us with an amused expression plastered on her face.
“It’s a long story. One that you’ll probably not be surprised involves my dad.”
“Now what?”
“Did you know that Dad and Joe knew each other prior to his employment?” I’d shown Lauren the other photos Liv sent me while we were away before leaving my room a few minutes ago. It only confirmed what she already knew.
“No, not that I know of. Why?”
“Dad paid him to be my friend. I guess to distract me from him,” she says, nodding her head towards me.
“I’m sorry, he what?” Mum asks, spluttering coffee all over the table and down her chin.
“At some point, I might find someone in my life who hasn’t been manipulated by my father.”
Mum and I look at each other, and a knowing look passes between us at being two of those people.
“What’s Joe got to say about all this?”
“I didn’t hang around long enough to hear. It’s just all too much. I just need a few hours to try to get my head straight. I thought dealing with his death would be hard, but all this other crap is just…ugh,” Lauren complains. I can’t help but feel for her. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to deal with, even as an adult. I might not agree with her running away right now, but I do understand her need for time.
“Take whatever time you need, sweetheart. At a time like this, no one can tell you what you need. Only you know, so trust yourself and don’t rush it. Grief is a bitch, and it can hit you when you least expect it. Things will get better though.” Sadness fills Mum’s eyes. She knows how true that is all too well.
“Thank you.” I watch as Lauren walks over to give Mum a hug. It’s the first time I really appreciate how close they became while I was gone.
They’re only separated when the doorbell rings.
“Are you two expecting someone?” Mum asks, looking confused. We’ve never really had the kind of house that people just turn up to.
Shaking our heads, I leave them to find out who it is.
I’m pretty sure I already have a good idea. My muscles tense as I reach out to open the door. I might not be on top form right now, but I’m not opposed to kicking his arse.
“What?” I grunt the second my suspicions are confirmed.
“Can I see her?” Joe asks, looking tired and stressed.
Stepping out and closing the front door behind me, I focus my stare on him. “No, you fucking can’t. What the fuck were you playing at? She fucking trusted you.” My teeth grind as I fight the urge to punch the fucker. Sadly, I’d have to use my left hand, and I know it wouldn’t hurt as much as I’d like it to.
“It’s not like it seems,” he pleads.
“Really. So Nick didn’t pay you to be her friend? To distract her from me? I guess we can both see why he chose you. You’re a weaker version of me. Wait…don’t tell me. You’re not gay either?” His eyebrows pinch together but he remains silent. “Yeah, I know.”
“I don’t…It’s not…” With a sigh, he gives up. “She’s my best friend; I love her. I couldn’t give a fuck about her dad. Yeah, I needed him in the beginning. I was in a bad place, but it soon became clear that we had a connection.”
“Then you should have fucking owned up. He’s caused her enough pain trying to control her life over the years. You owed her the truth. It should have come from your own lips.”
“Like you’re one to give advice. At least he didn’t run me out of London.”
“Fuck you,” I spit, lurching forward.
“Go on then. Fucking hit me.”
“Enough,” is called from behind us before Lauren’s hands wrap around my upper arms to pull me back. “Ben, don’t. He’s not worth it.” The pain that fills Joe’s eyes at her words almost has me feeling bad for him. It’s enough for me to know that what he just said is true. He does care about her. But it doesn’t fix the fact he’s lied to her for years.
“Joe, you need to leave.”
