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"Girl, you always manage to concoct a wild story that only you know the beginning, middle, and end to. So, please tell me how I've walked away from everything and how your father has sacrificed nothing."
"Mom, you never had an interest in real estate, and you walked away from your job as a teacher to follow Daddy’s dream.”
“Correction, I left teaching to raise my child. I got my real estate license to help my husband build a legacy for our family. It just so happened that I was extremely good at it and made good money doing it. Continue.”
I consider her words for a moment before moving forward. “Dad got to travel and go to business meetings and hang with his friends while you stayed in the background.”
“Correction, your father worked twelve to sixteen-hour days to pay for private school, specialty camps, summer trips with your friends, college. Should I continue?”
"No, ma'am. But it always appeared, to me, that you sat back letting him call the shots."
"Parker, there is nothing wrong with sitting back, letting your man call the shots when you find a man worth following. I never had to worry about my husband in another woman's bed, about whether we'd have money to care for our house or our family."
Images of my parents over the years surface rounding out the picture she’s casting.
"My husband had a vision for his life and a vision for our family. And I gladly followed him because when you find that man, the right man, everything about your life will be better. Not because of him, but because as a unit you're stronger, more powerful than you are as individuals."
“I’m sorry Mom.”
"Don't be sorry, do better. Marriage is not a chore, but it's not that complicated. I tried to stay out of your relationship business, but since you're in my room, on my time, I'm about to add my two cents. That man adored you. But no amount of love can be showered on a person with their mind set on doing things her own way."
“Mom…” She stands up and sits back at the vanity. “So, what you’re saying is…”
“You’re selfish. I played my part. You had us all to yourself. You got anything you wanted. And now you have your friends. But when you go home at night, after conquering the world, who do you want waiting on the other side of that door?”
I couldn’t handle the fire hydrant my mother spewed in my direction. So, I did what I do best, I work. For the past six months, I fill my calendar up with showings and closings and enough commercial deals to leave me with no time to think about Max or the fact that I hurt the one man I love, again.
But it doesn't work because he still invades my dreams and I wake up crying like today. I drag out of bed, and I turn on the tv to drown out my thoughts.
“A group of third-party food delivery services was successful in their attempts to change the laws in the state of Texas."
I sit on the edge of the couch, waiting to hear Wine & Dine Delivery mentioned, and Max's company is part of those credited by the reporter.
"This means Texas can order dinner and alcoholic beverages from the comfort of their homes. I think I'll order enchiladas and a margarita for dinner tonight." The anchor laughs, signing off.
This is a major win for Max. I stare at my phone, wondering if I should text or call. I hit his number on speed dial.
"Congratulations, Max." I hold the line as emotions overtake me. "Miss you. Love you. Bye."
I turn off the tv, pulling my curtains closed and I crawl back into bed wondering if sleep can heal a broken heart.
Chapter 11
"Get up, Parker!"
Light floods my room. I toss the blanket over my head. “Charlee go home, and Taylor leave my key in the kitchen drawer.”
“I’m not.”
“I won’t.”
“Parker, honey you have until the count of ten.” It sounds like Harper is next to my bed.
“Leave me alone. Please.” I don’t want to get out of my bed, and I don’t want to face them. It’s better in here.
“One…two…three…”
I feel a cool breeze come from the foot of the bed.
