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Was I keeping her from hers?
“He came to see me.”
I still felt like that kid glued to the sidewalk. Her father had read all my insecurities and used them to get me to do just what he wanted.
She sat up and turned on the light. Her eyes were still red-rimmed. I balled my fist.
He’d made her cry.
He was the one who should’ve been in tears. That idiot gave up the most important thing he’d ever had. I hoped his money was enough to keep him warm at night.
“When?” She crossed her legs and rested her hands on my chest.
“The day before I . . .” Broke up didn’t feel like the right words. I’d never really left her.
“Dumped me,” she said bitterly.
“I thought I was doing what was right for you. I didn’t want you to give up that opportunity abroad or any of your dreams because of me.”
She’d never understand my feelings, and I’d never be able to make her see.
“Opportunity abroad?” Her brow furrowed.
“He said you’d turned one down. You went to London so quickly, I always thought you’d taken it after all.” And I’d hoped she was happy and had everything she wanted and more.
“I didn’t turn down anything like that.” She pressed her fingers into my chest. “I begged him to let me go to London. Swore I could grow Hollingsworth Properties. I couldn’t stay in the same city as you. I was too devastated.”
Stab.
I’d hurt her. I knew it. But I still hated it. Maybe even more now than I had then. Back then I’d had the illusion I was doing the right thing. Now I had the hindsight to make me wonder.
But she had been destined for great things. And she’d done them.
She was also destined to do more.
“If you had stayed in New York, I don’t think I could’ve stayed away from you either.”
It was the first time I’d allowed myself to think about that, but as I said the words, I realized they were true.
“How stupid am I not to realize he was behind this?” She pressed her lips together in disgust.
“He just emphasized what I already thought.Imade the decision.”
“Would you have without that little chat?” she challenged.
“Maybe. Eventually.”
“He knew the right time and he pushed.” Her face turned red. “Why is he so determined to see me unhappy?”
“I’m not taking up for the guy.” I held up both hands. “I swear I’m not. But I think he believes he’s doing what’s best for you.”
She sagged. “Maybe.”
“Don’t hear me wrong. I think he wanted you to live a life beholden to him. Not free. But tempered. That’s what’s best for you . . . in his eyes.”
She quirked one side of her mouth down. “You are so right. I can see that now.”
“We’re gonna make it.”
