Page 85 of An Inconvenient Marriage
I could practically see the hate in his eyes and the way it curved his mouth into a snarl.
“Have you lost your fucking voice all of a sudden? Answer me, dammit.”
I didn’t want to. And then I realized I didn’t have to. He had no control over me anymore, and no matter what happened, I wasn’t going to go back.
So instead of saying anything, I pulled the phone from my ear and pressed the big red button. My hands shook, and tears stung the backs of my eyes, but I did it. I hung up on my father, and when he called back, I sent it straight to voicemail.
I was about to switch off my phone when I remembered I’d been chatting with Everlee. Scrolling back to my messaging app, I checked our message thread. For a moment, I’d forgotten where we’d left our conversation until I saw the string of texts from her.
Everlee: No way!
Everlee: I need more details than that.
Everlee: Was it good?
Everlee: Are you okay with everything?
Everlee: Oh my gosh, Natalie, don’t leave me hanging like this.
My heart was still beating out of control and my fingers still trembling when I answered her.
Me: Sorry. I’m here. I promise I’ll tell you everything when I see you. But yes, it was better than good, and I’m one hundred percent okay.
Me: I love you for caring.
And I really did. Everlee showed me what it was like to have a sister. We might not have shared the same blood, but she had my back. She always had my back. I wanted to tell her what I’d just done but I was still processing.
There was a part of me that was terrified of the ramifications of my actions. I knew better than to anger him. But I also knew better than to allow him to treat me this way. It was high time I took control of my life.
No matter the consequences.
I blew out a breath just as my phone dinged again.
Everlee: Speaking of seeing each other… do you know when you’re coming back?
Everlee: And also, I’m so happy for you, and you know I love you, too. Always.
I honestly hadn’t even thought about when we were going back. I was too happy living inside this bubble, so far removed from what my life was.
Me: I’m not sure. I’ll let you know when I know.
Everlee: Do that. I hope it’s soon, though, and not just because I miss you terribly, but I saw this the other day. I’ve been meaning to send it to you, but with Cece here, my brain went on lockdown.
Her next message was a screenshot of an ad.
The famous fashion designer, Aurulia DuBois, was looking for an intern. I considered it for one crazy second, then remembered I wasn’t qualified for anything like this. That’s why I needed to get started with my studies. If anything like this amazing opportunity popped up again, I’d be ready.
Of course, I didn’t tell Everlee any of that.
Me: Thanks.
I sent a heart emoji, followed by a GIF of Javier singing into his sparkly microphone.
She responded with a string of rolling eye emojis.
Teasing her was fun, and I couldn’t wait to do it in person again. But hopefully not too soon.
I wasn’t even remotely ready to leave Spain just yet.
