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I groan. “Ava, you know I can’t do that. She’s a kid.”
“You need to grow some balls.” She huffs.
“I’m happy not to. But what should I do? You’re really not helping.”
“To be honest, I’d tell Marc. He deserves to know what a shit he’s raised.”
“I don’t know…”
I trail off, rubbing my eyes, and sink back farther into the couch. A part of me wants to tell him, but the other part worries I’m betraying her, and that will make Aria more upset with me. And I don’t want to make things worse.
“You can’t keep going like this.”
“Oh, I know that. I’m struggling to keep my face straight.” I sigh.
“Maybe you should cool off?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, sitting up.
“Tell Marc his daughter has been vocal about how much she isn’t happy about the relationship and until she is genuinely okay that you think it’s best to cool things off between you two.”
I nibble on my lip, thinking that over. It has crossed my mind.
“When she said he would never love me because ‘look at me,’ it was the final straw. I was done. It broke something inside me. It’s just when he looks at me, or worse, kisses me, that I forgive her. Because she has these moments where she looks hurt, and I know there is something that reminds me of when we were that age.”
“You are way too kind, and he sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to meet him soon. But this is about you. You don’t deserve to be treated this way. Remember, we walked away from abusive houses, lived in shelters, and did it tough, but it does not mean you go backward to accommodate her.”
“Yes, and when she talks rudely, it’s like I’m back there…”
“No,” she snaps. “You’re a fucking nice person, with the sweetest heart. Always welcoming people, and fuck it, his daughter can watch her dad be unhappy and see if that makes her feel better.”
“I don’t think that’s what she wants. But I guess there is no other solution. Taking a break is really the only answer. I just feel like I’m punishing myself.”
“No, you’re just giving them space to figure out their shit and not drag you down. I won’t be your best friend and see people do this to you. Thirteen or adult, it’s unacceptable.”
I sigh. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s hope this doesn’t blow up in my face.”
It’s Sunday night, and I’m hoping Aria’s gone back to her mom’s house. But despite that, I need to just make this call while I have the strength before the nerves take over and I back out.
Picking up the phone, I send a simple text first.
Gracie:Are you free to talk?
Marc:Of course, anytime.
My heart races as I hit the call.
“Bella, what’s wrong?”
I laugh. “How do you know something’s wrong?”
“Because you’re asking if I’m free to talk and when women want to talk, it’s never for good things.”
He’s got me there.
“Well, yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“So tell me what’s wrong.” His tone drops deeper, turning serious.
