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“Anything you want,” he said, leaning back in his seat.
I wondered if that included asking about his past.
“Deal.” I put my hand out for a shake, and he took it. His thumb coming out to trace my skin gingerly.
“Does my drinking irritate you?” I asked, holding his gaze.
“I’m just worried about how much you drink. My wine cellar hasn’t been that empty in years.”
“At least someone is making use of it.” I shrugged, and he laughed softly.
“I know how bad it can get. It separates you from reality and messes with your thinking. I have been there, Chloe, and I would hate to see you go down that path, especially at a young age.”
“Okay, Dad,” I sighed, and he didn’t look impressed at my answer.
He let go of my hand as a waiter served us our appetizer. I eyed the tiny dish that looked like a snail clothed in lettuce and salmon.
“It’s cute,” I commented.
I was tempted to look back at my mom. I wondered what she was thinking. She probably thought it was all true. She would never believe me. I was about to look back when a hand touched mine.
“Don’t,” Tristan said. “I can make another reservation if it bothers you to be in the same room with her.”
“No.” I shook my head and began to eat my appetizer. I could still feel Tristan staring at me. “Seriously, I’m fine.” I forced a smile.
Honestly, I was uneasy, being on a date with him in the same room with my mom, who probably thought the worst of me right now.
“I will be right back. I need to use the restroom,” I said, standing up.
I took off his suit jacket and left it on my seat. He watched me as I walked away, and I felt bad for ruining the moment.
A lady stepped out of the restroom when I entered. I walked to the sink and gripped the edge. I heard the clicking of heels from outside. Soon, the door opened. I stared at my mom through the mirror. She looked angry. I wished she’d give me a hug and ask me how I had been. She looked around the room to be sure we were alone.
“It’s all true then, and you tried to deny it. You could have picked anywhere. Why did you have to make me look bad in front of my friends? Do you always have to ruin everything?”
I wanted to stand my ground, but I still respected her as my mother. Every word remained stuck in my throat, and I tried to hold the tears back. I wasn’t going to let her see me cry.
“I regret giving birth to a child like you. Why didn’t you just die in my womb? My life would be so much better.”
“Mom!” I gasped at her words.
“I’m not your mother,” she snapped. “This new life you’ve built for yourself, it won’t last long, honey,” she said and left.
The tears came down quicker than I’d expected. I didn’t want anyone to walk in here and see me like this, but I couldn’t stop it. Her words had made me want to disappear from existence. It was the worst feeling ever when the person who had given me life wanted to take it away from me.
“Chloe,” Tristan called, knocking on the door.
I wanted to ignore him and cry out the pain, but at the same time, I wanted to blame him for my pain.
“Chloe, are you in there?” he asked, knocking harder.
I could tell he was getting impatient with my silence.
I didn’t want him to see me like this or to feel bad about bringing me here. I grabbed a paper towel and dabbed the tears away. The waterproof mascara and eyeliner were still intact. I fixed myself and smiled.
“Yeah, just give me a minute.”
I adjusted my dress and walked to the door. I opened it and found him waiting.
