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Power courses through me from taking a stand against my parents. No matter how many times I’ve sat with the idea of cutting them off over the past couple of weeks, I couldn’t have predicted how painful it would actually be.
I don’t regret my decision, but they’re still my mom and dad. Apart from one missed call from my father, they haven’t reached out.
“Are we going to be okay?”
Matthew’s embrace falters as he releases me, lifting my chin to his face.“Yeah, we are,” he says.
I believe him.
“Last time I was in your house, I told you that this whole thing wasn’t going to be easy, but I never expected everything to play out this way,” I whisper, my voice a little hoarse. “I have to ask, are you upset you didn’t get half of my trust?”
“Are you serious?” Matthew frowns.
“Hey, my trust issues are flaring.” I hide away in his chest again. “Ugh, the irony!” Matthew cups my cheeks with his warm palms and pulls my gaze to his.
He laughs softly. “Baby, I got you. I’m not concerned about the money. I managed to secure enough funding to get started with EcoDrones. Robert is finalizing our first prototype. I’m only worried about my girlfriend.”
“Don’t worry about me; I’m fine…” I plaster on a smile. Matthew gives me a look of disbelief. “Okay, maybe not right now, but I’mgoing to befine. This morning, I made an appointment to start seeing my therapist again. And, hey, I realized that my mother’s a narcissist. It’s kinda like the badge of honor for every rich kid. Right?”
He’s not amused by my joke, and he pulls me into another firm hug. I never shied away from getting support in the past, and now is no different. I’m going to surround myself with as many people who love me for me as I can.
“I’m proud of you,” Matthew says.
I need to start accepting my parents for who they truly are. No more rose-colored glasses or excuses.
The doubt they created in my mind. The confidence they slowly drained from me. It was all real. The distance I’ve put between us will hopefully benefit everyone in the long term.
I told them what I needed, and when they’re ready to take ownership of the way they’ve treated me, then we can start figuring out a way for us to have a relationship—on my own terms.
“My parents may never change, but it’s not my problem to solve. The only thing I can do is work on forgiving them at my own pace. Now, however, I want to focus on being kind to myself and living my own life. Finally.”
“That’s a plan I can get behind.” He beams. “And look, I don’t want you to feel pressured to come to Christmas.”
I pull away from him and slap on my game face. “Hey, Hudson, I’ve been practicing my egg-frying since you moved in with me in the city. We’re gonna crush the Olympics this year.”
“And if at any point you feel like you don’t want to help me destroy my siblings, that’s fine too.”
I love that he gives me a choice and an out, but I need to blow off some steam. My visit to and potential offer on the Tarrytown property is on hold until the owner gets back from their holidays, and all the unpacking won’t keep me busy for long.
“Honestly, it’s the distraction I need.”
My stomach grumbles.When was the last time I ate?
“Well, until then, maybe I can distract you with a homemade meal?”
I sigh, trying to gauge if he has any mind reading abilities again.Nope. My radar is either down or it never activated correctly. “You always know just what I need.”
“That’s kind of my specialty.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, I’m fluent in Molly Greene.” He gives me a wink that makes my knees weak.
A moment later, we’re in the kitchen. Matthew throws a towel over his shoulder and riffles through the pantry. I sit on one of the stools, glancing around my new home.
Our home.
At Matthew’s suggestion, the movers brought over two of my favorite burgundy Eames lounge chairs to replace one of his couches, a colorful Persian rug, and golden Antonangeli Mamamia table lamps. They fit so nicely among his things.
