Page 128 of Playbook
Her lips pull into a thin line.
I’m suddenly very aware that I’ve overstepped a pretty big boundary. The parents’ approval is usually a pretty big thing in relationships, I think.
“Thank you for having my back and for coming tonight when I know you have other things going on, but whatever just happened back there wasn’t just about me.”
My brow furrows.
“You are pissed at your parents, and I understand why.” She steps forward and runs her hands up the side of my arms. “Or I want to, but you have to talk to me. Tell me what’s going on with you.”
“I’m sorry,” I say. My emotions are jumping between rage and guilt. I overstepped. Fuck did I overstep.
“Talk to me,” she says again.
“What do you want me to say?” I have a barely contained leash on my anger. “My parents didn’t love me.” The words feel like nails and the pressure on my chest intensifies. “They didn’t fucking love me and I don’t know why.” I tip my head up to the sky and all but yell, “What the fuck did I ever do to make them hate me so much?”
She coils herself around me, squeezing me like she thinks she can take away all the pain.
Letting out a breath and feeling more tired than I have in years, I drop my stare to her face. She’s so beautiful. So perfect.
“I don’t know why either,” she says, offering me a sympathetic smile. “But you didn’t do anything.”
I look away from her, but she reaches up and tugs my chin down until I meet her gaze again. “I can’t tell you why they didn’t, but I’d venture it has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you. You are the most wonderful man I have ever met. You bring so much happiness to everyone in your life. You are funny and considerate, hard-working, talented, sweet.” She drops her hand to my chest.“The way that you make people feel says so much about your character. Anyone who doesn’t love you just hasn’t gotten to know you.”
Silence falls between us, but she continues to hold on to me and pierce me with those stunning green eyes. The need to flee is so strong but fuck, I don’t want to leave her either. She’s the best thing that’s happened to me since the Holland family.
“I should go. I’m in a shit mood and I don’t think anyone wants me back inside.”
“I do.”
I try to smile at her, but I don’t know if I manage it. “Can you catch a ride home with your sister?”
“Yeah.”
I pull back slowly.
“Brogan.” The plea in her tone almost undoes me as we break apart. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Fine. I’m really sorry.” I’m so ashamed that I made this whole night about me and embarrassed her in front of her family.
She steps forward, wrapping her arms around me again. “Text me tomorrow?”
I don’t say anything. I want to, but then what? I need…something. I don’t even know what. All I want to do is slam my fist into a wall repeatedly.
“I need a couple of days. Is that okay?” I ask.
A flicker of hurt passes over her expression, but she nods. “Of course it is.”
She steps away this time and my chest feels hollow.
“Hey,” I say quietly.
She glances over her shoulder at me. I don’t say anything, just smile the best I can.
“I’m here if you need anything,” she says.
“Yeah.” I nod. “I just need to clear my head for a day or two.”
Her mirroring nod is the only reply I get before she disappears back into the restaurant.
