Page 66 of Be My Summer

“No. You can’t talk to her,” Saul boasted. “She’s the last person you will ever be able to talk to on this green earth as long as I’m alive.”

“Son–”

“I’m not your son.”

The hurt that flashed across her face hit me right in the heart. She was pained at the thought of Saul not acknowledging her as his mother. Yet, here I was, her biological daughter, and she didn’t give a damn about me. She couldn’t even remember my name.

Chuckling, I made light of my disgust.

“And, all this time, I wanted to get to know you. Hug you. See you. Even know what you must’ve smelled like. Frankly, you smell and look like shit. Your wig has seen better days and that Chanel bag is uglier than your botox.

“You reek of misery. Shame. Neglect. And, deceit. You’re a walking disaster. In your fake house with your fake family… fake marriage… fake name… fake friends… fake wig… fake smile… fake toenails… Everything about you is fraudulent. I just wish I would’ve known it sooner so I could let go of the pain of your absence I’ve carried around all of my life.

“Truth is, my father was right all along. You didn’t deserve my goodness. My love. My forgiveness. You deserve the shitty life you’ve lived and the guilt that’s eaten away at your beauty. As Saul said, you will not speak to me as long as I’m on this earth.

“You made your choice and now I’m making mine. You’re as good as dead to me. I wish you nothing but turmoil for the rest of your existence.”

“Is that how your father taught you to speak to your m–”

“Girl. Fuck. You!”

“Out–” Saul waved toward the door. “Out. You have to leave.”

“Saul. Please. Just hear me out.”

“You’re upsetting my woman and you’re upsetting me at this point. You need to roll. You don’t owe anyone an explanation but the man who married you, and at this point he doesn’t want to hear you either.”

“Son.”

“OUT!”

The veins in Saul’s neck were visible. He was no longer looking at Angela. His eyes were on the door. Getting the point, Angela moseyed toward the door.

“I–”

“OUT!”

She quieted, making her way out. Saul turned to me, immediately.

“I’m sorry. I– I forgot she has access to my unit.”

“Don’t apologize. I needed that,” I breathed out. “I needed that.”

He wrapped me in his arms. His comfort was wavering. My body quivered as my nerve endings realigned. I lowered the gates and promised myself one thing.

I’m going to let him in.

I closed my eyes, knowing that when I fell, Saul would always be there to catch me.

I’m going to be his summer.

Fall.

Winter.

Spring.

EPILOGUE