“Like hell you’re not.”Valerie’s voice was stronger than before.
“Don’t talk to me like that.I’m your mother, and I don’t have to listen to you.”
The determination in Valerie’s eyes dimmed.I got it.All she ever wanted from her family was love, and they’d given her nothing but heartache.
My turn.“Leave now.”My voice was harsh.The need to throw them out on their asses was strong.
“She’s had my husband arrested.”
“Law enforcement arrested him.Your husband, along with his mistress, are being charged with a crime.”
“How dare you?”Mrs.Ray took a step forward.
“I don’t hit women, but if you take another step, I’ll reconsider that stance.”I made sure Valerie was out of the line of fire.“I’ve seen the evidence, and unless you want to be arrested for trespassing, I suggest you leave.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Valerie can.”I glanced at her.She was staring at me with disbelief in her eyes.We’d have to talk about that later.
“Please leave.”Her voice was steady and strong.“I have nothing more to say to the two of you.”She waved her hand at them.
“I don’t understand how I have such an ungrateful daughter.”Cora stomped her foot.
“He’ll never stay with you.He’ll find a woman worthy of him,” Kendall added before both turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind them.
Valerie sighed.“Well, that went about the way I thought it would.”She stepped away from me.
“Valerie.”I reached for her.
She held her hand up.“Lucas, thank you for stopping by, but I really need to be alone right now to deal with all of this.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”I wanted to pull her into my arms and comfort her, show her I was here for her.Maybe a little late, but I’d own up to that.
“Yes.Please leave.”
The defeat in her voice hurt my heart.Did this mean I was too late to make amends?I hoped not, but I would respect her wishes for now.
“All right.Only because you’re asking me to.But we’re going to talk.”I brushed my fingers over her cheek.“Call me when you’re ready.”I forced myself to walk out of her house and drive home.I could only hope she’d call me sooner rather than later because I wouldn’t be able to rest until I heard from her.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Valerie
My heart hurt as Lucas left.But I’d asked him to.I needed time to figure this out.I’d figured my mother and sister would be upset.Frankly, I didn’t care.My father deserved everything coming his way.What was funny was Lucas mentioning my father’s mistress, and my mother and sister didn’t even react.
Yeah, my mother knew he was cheating.As for Kendall, she always did wear blinders.When my phone rang, I glanced at the screen.“Hey, Cassie.”
“Damn girl, you know how to create some chaos.I’m loving it that your father is getting what he deserves.”
I smiled for the first time in days.“I’m glad someone is.”
“Oh, shit.I’m sorry.I shouldn’t take such glee in your pain.”
“I’m more disappointed than anything.But not surprised.”Funny, deep down I was beyond disappointed that my father was such an idiot and that my mother and sister took his side against me.But enough was enough.
“That says a lot.Do you need some company?”
“Aren’t you at the pub with everyone?”
