Page 240 of Power Play

“Charm—”

“No. You decided exactly who he was before either of you ever met him.”

My father’s expression hardened. “You are deciding who he is based on who he is with you.”

“Yes.”

“People can present whatever version they want.”

“So can families.”

The words landed hard enough to make my mother’s face go pale. I regretted them immediately, but then I remembered Ryan asking why everyone else was allowed to judge him while he was expected to smile politely through it.

I stood straighter. “I’m bringing him to Thanksgiving.”

My father shook his head. “No.”

“Yes.”

“No, Charm.”

“You don’t get to say no.”

“It is our home.”

“Then tell me now.” My voice shook harder. “If Ryan isn’t welcome in your house, I’m not coming.”

My mother stared at me. “You would miss Thanksgiving over him?”

“I would miss Thanksgiving because of the way you’re treating both of us.”

“That isn’t the same.”

“It is exactly the same.”

My father stepped closer. “You’re emotional.”

The word he always used whenever my choices stopped matching his made something inside me snap.

“I’m allowed to be.”

“You’re not thinking clearly.”

“I have never been clearer.”

My heart raced, my fingers had gone numb, and panic sharpened every sensation inside my body, but the words remained mine.

My mother’s eyes filled. “Your brother would hate seeing you do this.”

The world tilted.

“Don’t.”

“Charm.”

“Don’t use Charles against me.”

“I’m not.”