“Who?” I demand.
“It was mutual.”
“Bullshit!” I snap.
“Emilee …”
I throw my hands up. “Fuck this.” And turn to leave. As my hand turns the doorknob, she speaks.
“I wanted it.”
I keep my back to her, and my chest tightens.I knew it.I didn’t want to believe it. My mother once told me “someone always loves the other more,” and my father loved her more.
“I wasn’t happy. And neither was he. Even though he wouldn’t admit it.” A silence fills the room. “It had been a long time coming.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask roughly. “Why didn’t Daddy tell me?”
“He wanted to.” She coughs. “But I talked him into waiting.”
I turn to face her, and tears fill my eyes. “So even after you left him and broke his heart, you still managed to control him?” I shake my head with disgust.
She closes her heavy eyes and runs her hands down over the sheets. “I was ashamed—”
“You should be!” I interrupt her, hearing the bedroom door open behind me. I turn to leave her but come to a stop when I see who has entered. “What in the fuck are you doing here?” I demand.
“Emilee.” My mother sighs. “Please quit using such harsh language.”
I watch with confusion and horror as George undoes his tie and walks past me. He goes over to the side of the bed and bends down to kiss my mother’s forehead.
“Stay the fuck away from her!” I shout.
“You didn’t tell her?” he asks my mother.
She waves off his concern. “She’s been through enough for one day.”
My eyes dart down to where he’s grabbed her hand. His dark eyes lock on mine as he bends down and kisses her fingers. My blood begins to boil just as I close my fists.
“What happened to you?” my mother asks him. “You smell like alcohol.”
He smirks at me. I want to go over there and knock the bitch out, but I can’t move. My legs are cemented to the floor. Is this what shock feels like?
“Just an accident.” He winks at me. “It won’t happen again.”
“You can’t be serious?” I manage to choke out. “Mom?” I look at her. The blood rushes in my ears, and I’m trying to catch my breath. “Is this …?”
“I’m tired, dear,” she says, closing her eyes.
“Mom …”
“She said she’s tired,” he growls at me. “Come back tomorrow. She needs her rest.” He pulls the covers up and tucks her in. “What can I get you, darling?” he asks her.
Come back tomorrow?I live here. This is my home too. “Mom.” I lick my lips. “You can’t be serious. He …”
“She’s had enough for one day,” he snaps. “Get out or I will …”
“What?” I shout. “Have me thrown out of my own house?”
“Please don’t fight,” my mother whispers. “Not now. It’s been a long day.”
