Archer takes my hand and leads me to the door. I follow, too exhausted to fight.
He pauses with his hand on the handle. “Mum, how do you feel about all this?”
“You’re my son, and I love you.”
“That’s not an answer.” His voice is halting and wobbly.
“Does Jacob make you happy?”
“Yes.”
She looks at me. “Are you using my son?”
“No.”
“No part of this is to get back at me or your dad?”
“No. I love him.”
She nods. “Then I don’t see a problem with the two of you being together.”
“Molly!” Dad snaps.
She rolls her eyes and turns to him.
“Are you okay? You could come with us,” Archer says.
“I’ll be fine.”
Archer stares at her for a moment. “Let’s go.”
We get as far as the crowded beach before I can’t hold my tongue any longer.
“How could he think I’m using you?”
Archer rubs my shoulders and pulls me into an embrace. “Do you want an honest answer?”
I press my forehead against his shoulder. Am I going to like what Archer has to say?
“I haven’t known your dad long, but I’ve noticed he loves to use every little thing you do against you. I think he looks at youand sees a better, kinder, more loving person than he can ever be, and he hates it.”
I lift my face and look at Archer through tear-blurred eyes. “What?”
“He’s jealous of the man you’ve become. Plus, he’s a bully. He makes himself feel better by putting you down.”
I sniff. Is he right?
Archer runs his fingers through my hair. His soft smile soothes my aching heart. “Telling people is going to be easier from here on out.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, but remember, I’m an optimist.” He winks. “Do you want to call your mum?”
“I don’t think I’ve got the energy right now.”
“Fair. What do you want to do?”
“Be close to you.” I cup his cheek. “I need to be with you, Archer.”
