AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m left in stunned silence.
What the fuck just happened?
Chapter thirty-six
Shay
The Next Morning
The sun begins to peek over the horizon.
I sit in the breakfast nook of my parents’ home, a mug of herbal tea between my hands. The fragrant steam is a quiet reassurance as the world outside still slumbers.
Glancing down at my phone, which I’ve finally turned on, I see dozens of texts from Austin. He’s worried about me. Which I get, but I did let him know when I arrived safely last night. I’m not in an emotional state to go back and forth with him right now.
We’re adults. I’m not asking for a ring. I’m asking for some indication we have a real future together.
My mom shuffles in wearing her bathrobe and a concerned look. “You’re up early.” She places her hand on my shoulder.
“I couldn’t sleep,” I admit. “Too many thoughts.”
She sees that I made a pot of coffee and pours herself a cup before sitting opposite me. “Want to talk about it?”
Before I can respond, I hear the sound of padding feet from the hallway. “Morning, sweetheart.”
“Hey, Papa.” I relax back against my seat. I’ve come to realize how lucky I am to have parents who adore me. They’re not perfect, but I’ve never not felt loved. It’s agonizing knowing that Austin had the complete opposite experience growing up.
His mom is trying to make up for lost time, but it’ll never be the same.
I want Austin to know what it’s like to be part of a loving family. Navigating life. Embracing each other’s idiosyncrasies. Being there through triumph and tragedy. Providing unconditional support, even if you don’t always agree.
It’s what I envisioned for us.
Now I’m not convinced.
My dad pours himself a cup of coffee and takes a seat beside Mom. “I’m sorry you and Austin have hit a road bump. Your mother and I, well, we’re worried about you.”
I take a deep breath, searching for the appropriate words. “It’s been tough. Austin’s been pulled in every direction. In the midst of it all I met Zoey Pearson. How could I say no to a job that seems tailor made for me?”
“You must have had a big fight to end up here last night.” Mom leans forward, her eyes searching mine.
“It’s…complicated.” I’m not a little girl anymore and I’m not going to share everything with my folks. Austin and I are not broken up. I need some advice, but I don’t want to divulge anything that could diminish him in their eyes. “Austin’s been grappling with family issues and the pressure of the acquisition. I’m trying to support him, but when I told him about the job, he took it as a sign that I was pulling away. Not only from the company, but from us as a couple.”
Dad shakes his head. “He’s a grown man, but he’s inexperienced, Shay. You’re his first serious relationship.”
“Sure, I get that.” I rip at a napkin. “But he said he’d support me if I wanted a career change and it doesn’t seem like was being honest with me. After everything with Devon, I can’t go down a path where the man I’m in love with’s feelings take precedence over mine. We need to be equals.”
Mom looks away pensively. “Huh.”
“What?” I touch the top of her hand.
She shrugs. “Look, I think you should have talked to him before accepting the position. I understand that you were excited, but…”
“If you want to build trust you need to give it,” my dad finishes.
“So it’s my fault.” I cross my arms over my chest protectively. Why am I always the one who has to bend? “I think that’s bullshit.”
My folks share a look, and my mom is the one to speak. “Shay, you can drop the defensiveness. It’s no one’s fault. We’re having a conversation.”
