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A movie might be a good way to distract myself until Camila gets here.
I head to the living room and drop onto the couch, sighing as I sink into the cushions.
Tomorrow night, Christian is going to be here, and I can tell him all about how my shows went.
Excitement bubbles through me just thinking about the opportunities at my fingertips.
I want to talk to him and go over the contracts together before figuring out which record label is my best bet.
Although, I’ve been toying with the idea of creating my own label lately too. Something that is entirely mine that no other person can control.
I would be able to make the music I want to make and run my career the way I want to.
I have the equipment I need in the studio. Producing and releasing my own music wouldn’t be that far of a jump.
Yet another thing I want to talk about with Christian.
My phone starts ringing before I can pick a movie.
I groan and reach over, seeing Dad’s face on the screen.
For a moment, I consider not answering it. I’m not sure that I can handle another conversation with him about my life right now. Not when he isn’t willing to see my side.
But he’s still my dad, and he doesn’t call me unless it’s important.
“Hi Dad,” I say, leaning back into the cushions and kicking my feet up on the coffee table. “Is everyone alright? Did something happen at home? How’s Mom?”
My stomach growls as I try to relax.
Within a couple seconds of getting comfortable, I’m up and walking for the door.
There’s a pizza place not far from here that makes the best calzones.
“I was just calling to see how you were doing. I know that the last conversation we had didn’t end so well, and I wanted to try to talk to you again about your choices.”
I sigh and slip on my shoes. “Do we need to talk about this right now? I’m walking down to that small pizza place not too far from my house. I don’t want to be arguing with you in public.”
Dad sighs. “There is no argument that we need to have, Zoe. Just tell me that you’re ready to come home, and I will come get you. I can leave right now. You don’t have to stay there just because he wants you to.”
“I’m going to say this for the last time,” I say, my tone firm as I leave the house and lock up behind me.
The night air is cool against my skin as I head down the driveway and to the road.
One of the security guys follows behind me, his hands tucked in his pockets.
“Zoe,” Dad cuts me off. “There is no need to say it again. You don’t know what you’re doing. Your marriage is going to get you killed one of these days. Do you think I want to put my daughter in the ground? Please, just come home where I can keep you safe.”
“I love you, but I’m not going to do that, Dad. I can’t be your perfect little girl anymore. I can’t keep putting aside my wants and needs for the good of the family. Especially not now that I realize how much I’ve had to give up over the years.”
“The family needs you, Zoe.”
I bite back the tears that gather in my eyes.
It’s the same line that Dad has used over the years. It’s the line that comes up any time he wants me to put my life on hold for his own needs.
As much as I love him and my family, as imperfect as they are, I can’t keep doing this. Not anymore. I have to be my own person, and heading home is only going to result in the gilded cage closing in around me again.
“I can’t, Dad. You need to understand that. I will be there for the family when it matters, but my coming back to your house is only you trying to regain control over my life. I know that letting go of me and letting me live my own life is scary, but you have to let me be free. I need to spread my wings.”
