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Thomas directs his attention at me with his eyebrows slightly raised in atold you somanner.
I open my drink and force myself to take a bite even though I have zero appetite.
Thankfully, the subject is changed to what happened on the ranch today, and I keep quiet while I try not to throw up with every bite I take.
After dinner, we all help Mom clean the kitchen. Of course, Thomas and Dad are the first to bow out, always leaving the last few items for Mom and me.
“Everything okay?” Mom asks. “You sure were quiet during dinner.”
I wipe the counter for the second time just so I don’t have to face her. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
She still doesn’t pry, which I appreciate.
I clean the rag and place it on top of the faucet. “Thanks for dinner.”
“Hey.” She stops me and looks in my eyes. Instantly, I feel tears well up, and she pulls me to her. “I love you.”
I wrap my arms around her. “I love you too.”
She holds me like that for a few seconds, giving me her love unconditionally because she knows I need it right now even though she has no clue why.
She pulls away from me, and I grin in her direction.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime.”
I head back to my room, so thankful for a caring mom who doesn’t pry. She knows I’ll come to her when I’m ready.
My phone fell to the floor when Thomas was in my room, and when I pick it up, I see I have a few texts from Dalton.
Are you coming?
Everything OK?
I text back.
No. Everything is not OK. Thomas knows.
He replies instantly.
I know. I’m sorry. I thought we could get him on our side.
Are you crazy? You knew he’d never go for this.
I’m sorry. I fucked up. I’m just sick of having to hide. I want to be out in the open with you.
Tears roll down my face again. My heart is absolutely broken, but I know there’s nothing I can do. I have to end this. I type out:
I’m sorry, but we need to put a stop to this.
Then, I sit on it with my thumb hovering over the Send button, my stomach turning so much that I feel like I’m going to throw up.
He must sense my hesitation because before I can hit Send, he texts.
We’ll figure this out, I promise. It’s worth it. We’re worth it.
Tears stream down my face.Is it worth it though? Is breaking my father’s heart worth saving my own?
