We all freeze, then creep closer to the doorway to listen.
“What do you mean?” That’s Eden, her voice carefully neutral.
“Well, the Nicholas family isn’t exactly known for their warm, inclusive nature,” Emma continues. “They’re old money, very traditional. The type who look down on people like us.”
My stomach drops.
“Reed’s not like that,” Eden says firmly. “He was really nice at the cookie exchange.”
“Of course he was nice, dear. He’s not going to be rude to his girlfriend’s family. But let’s be honest… Do you really think someone from that world is going to commit to a woman who plays with goats?”
The casual cruelty of it takes my breath away. Not just the dismissal of my business, but the implication that Reed is playing with me, that I’m naïve for believing otherwise.
Esther nods and strides into the dining room. “That’s enough.” Her words carry a welcome authority, but Emma’s not done.
“I’m just looking out for Eliza. The boy was incredibly condescending to me, throwing his education around like it made him better than everyone else. Very much his father’s son.”
Rage flares in my chest, hot and protective. I dart into the dining room with my hands fisted at my side.
“Reed was perfectly respectful to you,” I say. “He was asking legitimate questions about your business.”
Emma looks up, surprised by my tone. “Sweetie, I know you want to defend him, but?—”
“But nothing.” I sink into my chair, meeting her gaze directly. “You’re wrong about him, and you’re wrong about his family. Reed’s not his father any more than I’m you.”
“Eliza—”
“I have a business, even if you don’t understand it,” I continue, my voice growing stronger. “I have a solid relationship. Both with long-term potential. Reed supports my work, respects my independence, and treats me like an equal partner.”
I see Esther smile out of the corner of my eye.
Emma’s expression shifts, becoming harder. “And when his family pressures him to find someone more suitable? Someone from his own social circle?”
“Then that’s his choice to make, but I’m not going to sabotage something good because I’m afraid it might end badly.”
My phone buzzes with a text from Reed:
How’s family dinner going? Surviving Emma?
My phone buzzes again.
REED NICHOLAS
No pressure, but if you need an escape hatch, I’m at the greenhouse for a few more hours.
Perfect timing. I hold up my phone. “Speaking of my partner, he’s checking on me. Because that’s what people do when they care.” I stand, tossing my napkin on the table. “I’m going to see him.”
“Eliza, you can’t just leave in the middle of dinner,” Emma protests.
“Watch me.” I grab my coat from the back of my chair. I kiss the top of Eva’s head, then turn to Emma. “We’ll talk tomorrow about your plans for the rest of the week.”
“But the Diamond Elite?—”
“Spare me.” I’m out the door before anyone can stop me, my heart pounding with adrenaline and something that feels surprisingly courageous.
In my truck, I sit for a moment outside Esther’s house, processing what just happened. I defended Reed. I set a boundary with my mother. I chose my relationship over keeping the peace.
Most surprising of all, it felt good.
