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“–until such a time as she is ready to approach this conversation again,” Arnie finishes firmly.
I’m about to protest when Arnie’s elbow nudges firmly into my side. Right. In and out, whatever it takes.
Connor leans back with a “tsk.” His eyes glance between the two of us. “I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to,” Arnie presses. “You know it’s safe and it’s her decision.”
“No.” He holds up a hand to silence Arnie. “I don’t like how close you two are.”
I can see the defiance beginning to show in Arnie’s demeanor. “I can sit in another chair.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Connor growls.
“You can’t be serious,” I cut over the two of them before the testosterone levels become too overwhelming. “You arranged this engagement, but suddenly, you’re getting antsy over me spending time with my fiancé?”
“I’m your brother,” Connor says without taking his eyes off Arnie.
“And I’m my own goddamn person, Connor,” I snap back before standing swiftly. “Come on, Arnie. We’re leaving.”
He stands, throwing Connor a petulant smirk. “Pleasure as always, buddy.”
“I mean it, Arnie, don’t get any ideas,” Connor calls after us as we approach the door.
“Piss off, Connor,” I throw over my shoulder.
Slam.I pull the door closed behind me.
Thank God that’s over.
“R-Roisin?”
I look up at the woman before me.
The floor feels like it gives way below my feet.
The box in my head splinters, cracks. Pieces fly through my mind, snagging on what’s left of my sanity. From it emerges a woman with a kind smile and dark, graying hair, with tan skin that wrinkles around her eyes and the corners of her mouth.
“Eda?” I choke.
The woman before me is older than the ghost in my head. The smoking hasn’t been kind to her, although her outfit is as impeccable as always, giving her an air of authority that commands attention and respect.
Her eyes, dark and piercing, seem to bore into my very soul as if she can see through the layers of my past and present.
Dread, anger, and a strange sense of comfort all vie for dominance within me. But panic overrules them all. It wells up inside me, threatening to consume me in its suffocating grip.
The memories of the past and the weight of the choices I had made hang heavy in the air. I suddenly feel like a vulnerable teenager once more, trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior.
A cycle with Eda at its very center.
Her shock turns to joy as she opens her arms for an embrace, a gesture of warmth and familiarity.
“Dios mio, Roisin!” Her lips spread into a beaming smile.
My body betrays me entirely. I begin shivering, shaking so hard I can practically feel my bones rattling beneath my skin.
I’m paralyzed with pure fear. Frozen in place as she approaches, getting closer and closer…
“Excuse us.” Arnie steps between us, blocking her from my view. I stare at his broad shoulders, grateful for something to focus on beyond my rising panic attack.
