“Duty to family, Emery. There’s nothing more important.” He sat on the edge of his desk, looming over me. “I know that you know that, which is why I’m so proud of you.”
I could hardly believe what I was hearing. “You are?”
“Of course. It’s natural to have a slip up now and then. But one must never lose sight of the goal.”
He took my hands and drew me to my feet.
“Never forget, Emery, infatuations come and go. At times, we’re led by our hearts, but hearts are foolish. Impractical. What the heart wants usually leads to pain and will rarely keep a roof over our heads. You’re smarter than that. You have every advantage in the world, and I know you won’t throw it away over a soft moment or two, will you?”
I stared. Everything he was saying was at war with what I felt, but he was right—my own heart had led me straight to pain. And why was that? Because of a “soft moment” seven years ago that Xander himself said didn’t mean to him what it did to me. A small part of me screamed not to listen to either of them, to hold on to the truth in my heart, but where would it get me? Out on the street. In the cold.
I shook my head. “No, Daddy.”
“Of course not. Because that’s something only stupid people do. Are you stupid?”
My throat went dry. “No.”
He smiled then, so proud. Pleased. Happy with me.
“That’s right.”
And then to my utter shock, he wrapped his arms around me in a warm hug. It was over before I could move or think and was followed by a pat on my cheek.
“It’s late. Get some sleep.”
He returned to his desk, bent over his papers, and got back to work without another word.
I left his study and headed upstairs feeling numb, hollowed out. Before I found my door, my mother opened hers.
“Emery…” She was dressed in her silk pajamas, her eyes shadowed but clear. “I thought I heard you come in. Is everything all right?”
“Yes, Mom. Everything’s fine. I’m just…tired.” I managed a smile. “It’s been a long day.”
“Did Tucker drop you off?”
“No, my friend. Harper.”
“And things are good with you and…him?”
“Great,” I managed weakly. “Our costumes were a big hit.”
“Emery.” She took a step closer. “Does he…treat you well?”
It was the first time she’d ever asked me something like that.
I swallowed hard. “Sure. He’s fine.”
“And that other boy? Xander?”
“He’s just a friend. Actually, I don’t know if he’s even that anymore,” I said, fighting back tears. “You don’t have to worry, Mom. You won’t see him here again. I promise.”
My mother’s brows came together, and she wore an expression I couldn’t read in the dim light. “Oh. Okay, then.”
“Goodnight,” I said, and hurried into my room.
I shut the door, kicked off my shoes, and crawled into bed. For a long while, I lay still, staring at the ceiling until the numbness thawed, and then I cried until there was nothing left.
Chapter 20
