“What did you say to them?” Ryker asked.
“Told them they can either stay and give their son the chance to have a relationship with them on his terms, or leave. They know where the door is. And that if they left, I’d never talk their son into seeing them again if he didn’t want to.”
“I don’t think you said that so nicely,” Enzo snorted, leaning against Ryker.
I had to wonder what I’d missed in the minutes I’d been out.
“People need to learn that I won’t put up with certain things.” Scarlett shrugged, but there was something in her expression that made me decide I never wanted to be on the other side of her. Turning back to me, she softened her voice. “It’s all up to you, Emery. If you don’t want to ever see them again, that’s fine. Or, if you want to hear them out, that will work too.”
Couldn’t I just stay right here? Well, not exactly here on the steps, but in Ryker’s lap with Enzo leaning against us?
“Emery?” Ryker’s voice rumbled against my ear. Oh, right. I was supposed to answer.
I waved a hand towards where I thought the house was. Hopefully, they knew what I meant.
Enzo laughed softly,
“You want to hear them out?” Scarlett asked, concerned amusement clouding her voice.
Not really, but if they were still here, it must have meant something. Right? And the sooner I got it over with, the sooner the three of us could go back home and cuddle.
“I need words, Emery,” Scarlett coaxed again.
“I guess I'll give them a shot.” That took a lot more work to say then it should have.
“Then let's get this over with.”
“You won’t leave me. Right?” Instantly, my fears and insecurities were back.
“We’ll be right there.” Ryker squeezed his arms a tad tighter against me.
“Promise, baby.”
After another moment, I let Enzo pull me up. Then Ryker stood. With them holding a hand each, I shuffled my feet along.
Keeping my breathing as even as possible, we followed Scarlett back into the house. My gaze was at my feet, not wanting to see the disappointment that would no doubt be on my parents’ faces.
When Ryker sat down in a chair, I instantly crawled into his lap, making myself nearly one with him. Enzo took a seat on the floor and laid his head on my bent knees.
It would have been perfect, if only another clearing of a throat hadn’t made my mind return to the situation.
Peeking at my parents, I quickly moved my gaze back to my lap. That one look was enough to let me know that they still didn’t approve of me.
“Emery.” Mother was the first to speak. At least now her voice wasn’t as upset as earlier. “We only want the best for you. And this...” She paused. “This isn’t what we were expecting. But, we’re willing to let you come home with us. We can get you the help that you truly need. These people—”
“Would you shut up?” Although my voice was quiet, my words were hard enough to make her snap her mouth shut. I glared at her.
Did she really think sticking around just to talk me into what she wanted was going to work?
“I will not be going with you.”
“The two of you may leave now,” Scarlett said. “He’s happy getting the care that he needs right here.”
“Son,” my father said gently, “your mother means well. But you’re right. I won’t take you from where you want to be.”
“Gerald!”
Ignoring Mother, he went on. “Find your happiness, son. That’s all I want.”
