Page 60 of An Inevitable Marriage
And now the love of her life was sick, and she couldn’t do a thing about it. But the fixer in her could very well fix herwayward daughters.
I understood.
Unfortunately, understanding didn’t stop my heart from shattering into a million pieces.
“Mom,” I said, voice broken. “Maybe I can come down for a visit and we can talk about everything that’s going on? I know you’re scared right now and I get it, but I don’t want to live in Portsmouth or work for Mr. Spiegel.”
“If you’re not moving here, I don’t want you to come.”
“That’s not fair,” I cried.
Another angry noise. “What’s not fair is my children ignoring their values to chase after money and frivolous dreams.”
I’d had as much as I could take. “I’ve got to go. Please tell Dad I love him…” I took a stuttering breath and whispered into the phone, “And I love you, too.”
Then, for the first time in my life, I hung up on my mom.
It wasn’t a good feeling. My head hurt, my heart even more.
I’d clung to the hope my mom would see reason and admit marrying Liam was a good thing. Hell, I’d even hoped she’d be happy, proud, and maybe even somewhat grateful, too.
So stupid of me.
Thick, hot tears rolled down my cheeks and splashed into my lap. And as much as I hated wallowing in self-pity, I’d allow myself this moment.
“Snow?”
Oh gosh, please, no.
Quickly wiping my eyes, my gaze snapped up. Sure enough, Liam filled my doorway. He’d swapped his workout clothes for a navy suit and white dress shirt. He’d paired it with a blue-and-purple necktie, and he’d even pulled his hair back into a bun.
In other words, he looked way too handsome and put together, while I looked like a blubbering mess.
“Why are you crying?”
I really wished his voice wasn’t filled with so much concern. It almost made me believe he cared.
“You’re not still upset about what happened in the kitchen?” Worry masked his features as he took a few steps into my room. “I swear, I didn’t—”
“It’s not you,” I interrupted. “It’s…” I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t allow him to see what a mess I really was. Pushing to my feet, I took a deep breath. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
He took another step closer; I took two backward.
“You should probably leave if you don’t want to be late.”
His brows drew together, and for a moment, I thought he’d refuse to go. The really sad part was I actually wanted him to stay. Wanted him to keep looking at me like he couldn’t bear to see me upset.
He didn’t.
Nodding once, he spun around and headed for the door. I thought he’d leave, but he stopped in the hallway and braced his hand on the frame. Over his shoulder, his blue gaze collided with mine.
“I’m sorry you’re sad.”
And then he was gone.
Chapter sixteen
Everlee
