Page 79 of Stick With Me
“Me, too,” I admit.
I can’t blame him for worrying. It mirrors everything I already feel. I haven’t spoken to my mom since I left Florida. She didn’t stay completely silent when news of me and Ryan dating broke, but I ignored her questioning texts.
But I finally feel strong enough to extend an olive branch. I’m happy, and I want to believe she’ll be happy for me, too, even if my choices aren’t the ones she would make.
Ryan rubs my exposed thigh and nudges my phone toward me on the counter. “Let’s do this.” He understands my silent request. He’ll hold my hand through this.
The line only rings once before she answers. “Hannah, nice to hear from you,” she says, sarcasm lacing her tone, but I brush it off, smiling even though she can’t see it. Ryan traces slow, reassuring patterns on my leg.
“Hi, Mom, sorry I haven’t been in touch.” I force out the words, each feeling a bit heavier than the last. “I’m calling to invite you to my launch event… for the rescue I’m opening.” I pause, bracing myself. “It’s next month. I thought maybe you and Dad might be able to come up for it?”
There’s a long pause on the other end of the line before she speaks. “Well, you didn’t give us much notice, did you?”
I clench my molars, but I try to keep my tone upbeat. Even though I think a month is more than enough time to plan a short trip, I say, “No, it’s all come together pretty quick on my end, too.”
“Hannah, I still don’t understand why you’re doing this. It sounds like a money pit to me.”
It stings not to have her support. Even from 1,300 miles away, she has a way of making me doubt myself. I shake off the insecurity and focus on my reason for this call. “So, back to my question, will you and Dad be able to make it?”
My heart tightens, bracing for the inevitable letdown. Ryan must sense it, too, because he stands, scooping me up with an arm under my knees and another around my back. Then he sits again, settling me onto his lap.
“I’m not sure. Let me talk to your father,” my mother finally says.
“Okay. Let me know.”
“Will do. I’ve got to run; my manicurist just rang. Talk soon, dear.”
The line goes dead, taking my last bit of hope with it. I’d wanted encouragement, some sign of support, but all I got was dismissal.
“That didn’t sound like it went well. I’m sorry, Sunshine.” Ryan says, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the exposed skin of my back.
“About as good as I expected.” I try and fail to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “I thought I was ready to confront her, but every time I talk to her, I end up right back in that obedient child role.”
“Of course you do, baby. You’re never going to stop wanting your parents’ approval. It’s normal, and it’s okay to have conflicting feelings about it.”
“Logically, I know that… but my heart doesn’t always listen.”
“And I’m glad for that,” he says with a soft smile. “If you always listened to your head, do you think we’d have ended up here?”
“Okay, fair point.” I sigh, my lips curving up as he chuckles.
“If it makes you feel any better… I still check up on my dad and his family online from time to time.” He pauses, clearing his throat. “I sometimes hope he watches my games and is proud of me… I know, it’s kind of pathetic.”
That’s the last thing I expect him to admit. He’s told me about his past and the non-existent relationship with his biological father, but it’s a topic he usually steers clear of.
I reach over, my free hand cupping his jaw as I lean in and press my lips to his. Pulling back just enough to meet his eyes, I whisper, “Not at all, Ry. Thank you for sharing that with me.”
He kisses me once more before I settle back, resting my head on his shoulder. “Your launch party is going to be amazing, Sunshine. With or without your parents’ support. If they’re stupid enough not to make this a priority, I’ll support you enough for both of them.”
I don’t doubt him for a minute. I can’t wait to share this moment with Ryan. He’s been my biggest source of support throughout this entire process. He’s listened to me ramble on about transport logistics, foster home vetting, and all the little things that keep me up at night. Every time I doubt myself, he’s the one who reminds me of how capable I am.
“I know you will. Thank you.”
I lift a gloved hand, waving at Ada as she comes into view. We’re meeting at Oz Park so Freddie can burn off some energy on our walk to a dog-friendly brunch spot. It’s a good thing, too, because Freddie tugs at the leash, letting out a happy yip as he eagerly tries to reunite with his former caretaker.
Turning toward Natalie, or where she should be, I instead catch the blur of her figure sprinting in Ada’s direction, her shout sounds more like a mating call than a greeting. When she's just a stride away, Natalie leaps, wrapping her legs around Ada’s hips. Ada’s ‘umph’ carries all the way to me, but she embraces Natalie with just as much enthusiasm. Their high-pitched squeals morph into actual words as I reach them, thanks to Freddie dragging me along in his rush to join the fun.
“I’m feeling a bit left out,” I huff.
