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“You got a shitty way of showing it.”
He heard a heavy sigh, but she remained silent. Vada’s mother could’ve hung up, ended the call, and it would be over. But for some reason, she was still holding on. It reminded him of how Vada had spoken about holding out hope for things to change with her mother. Hades cupped his mouth, dragging his hand over his beard.
“You want me to hear you out?”
“Yes.” Her response was quick, as if she was jumping at the chance.
“Then stop with the bullshit and just be fucking real with me.”
Hades was sure she’d take the opportunity to end the call. Surprisingly, she didn’t.
“When Vada took the job in Ghosttown, it was a test. One she clearly failed in her father’s eyes. I’m sure she’s shared, and you see for yourself she is very different from her brothers and sisters. They followed a mold that Vada never quite fit in. It was clear from the beginning she was not cut out to work for the family company. But her father” —she paused “—and myself insisted.”
“Sounds like you set her up to fail.”
“That was never my intention.” She sighed. “But looking back, yes, it’s exactly what we did. At that time, I expected her to come home. As we both know, she didn’t. It was the first time I can remember Vada doing something she knew we wouldn’t approve of. But she did it anyway. I disagreed with her father’s choice to cut her off. But I also didn’t speak up on her behalf.”
“Why didn’t you cut ties with her?”
“Because, as I said, contrary to what you believe, I really do love my daughter. It took me longer than it should’ve to realize Vada was moving on with her life in Ghosttown. And if I didn’t accept her choices, I would lose her.” She went silent, and Hades assumed she was done. She wasn’t.
“After our last conversation, I realized I’d lost her with no one to blame but myself. I have regrets. A lot of them. And they date back long before you came into Vada’s life. You’re right. I have not been the best mother to her. It took seeing her as a good mother to shed light on everything I’d done wrong. I’ve made a lot of mistakes with not only my daughter but yours.” There was a small stretch of silence. “I don’t expect forgiveness, but I am truly sorry for the damage I’ve caused.”
This was everything Vada should’ve been hearing.
Hades didn’t know what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t an admission of guilt, accountability, and remorse. Hades was good at reading people and, more importantly, reading through bullshit. He wasn’t hearing anything but honesty. She hadn’t said anything that made her more likable, but he could appreciate and respect her opening up to him.
“You do not owe me anything” —her voice shook— “but I ask that you consider Vada in your decision. You know her better than anyone and may be the only person besides herself who could answer this. I know she uninvited me, but do you think she still wants me to be there? If the answer is no, then I will respect and honor that. But if the answer is yes? I would really like to come and see my daughter get married.”
Hades cupped his mouth. Vada wouldn’t say it to anyone, not even him, but deep down she still wanted a relationship with her mother. Even if it seemed impossible now, he knew if her mother continued trying to reach out, which he assumed she would, Vada would be open to it. If this conversation had happened between Vada and her mother, he had no doubt Vada would accept her apology. It was that reason alone that made his decision.
“I ain’t gonna stop you.” Hades hung up and shoved his phone in his pocket.
“Did I just hear what I think I fucking heard?” Dobbs’ brows shot up.
Hades gave a curt nod.
“Vada’s mom is coming to the wedding?” Gage asked.
Hades shrugged. “She said she is. We’ll see if she does.”
Hades may have been playing it off, but he had a strong suspicion she’d live up to her word.
Gage snorted. “And you’re okay with that? After all the shit she did and said, you’re gonna let her…”
“This ain’t about me. It’s about Vada.”
“You really think she wants her there after all the shit her family pulled? I mean, I heard from Ivy about what went down Friday night. She thinks Vada is done. Even said it.”
It was the same speech she’d given Hades. The only difference was Hades knew Vada better than most people. Sometimes, it wasn’t about what someone said. It was about what they wouldn’t say.
“I know what she said. But I know Vada.”
Gage slowly nodded.
“Not a fucking word to Trista about this.” Hades narrowed his gaze, and when Gage nodded, he turned to Dobbs. “Or Ivy.”
“Yeah, man, I won’t say shit. But” —Dobbs grasped the back of his neck, glancing between him and Gage— “you’re not worried Vada will be upset if her mom just shows up?”
