I tried calling a few times while she was away, but every time my mom picked up, Elsie was off in the background—laughing, splashing in the water, completelywrappedupin the adventure of it all. And I didn’t want to interrupt that.
She sounded so damnhappy. And really, that’s all that matters.
“Okay, sounds good. But, Mae, I’d love to meet Elsie at some point. You know, whenever you’re comfortable with it, of course.”
I hesitate because I knew this was coming but I’m not sure when that should be. As if he senses my unease he smiles, and kisses my lips gently.
“There’s no rush. I’ll see you soon or just stop by the office so I can get my fix of this sweet cunt,” he murmurs. Then before he can move to the doorway to leave, a knock interrupts us.
"Who is it?” I call out, panicking only a little bit.
“Hey Mae, it’s your dad and mom,” My mother’s shrill voice calls through the door.
“What the hell?” I whisper to Cody who instantly looks as nervous as I do.
“Were you expecting them to stop by today?”
“No, they were supposed to drop Elsie off at school then fly back to San Angelo.” I rake a hand through my rumpled hair, wondering just how disheveled I look right now. Suddenly, I feel like I’m eighteen years old again, an adult with my independence yet feeling wholly controlled by my parents’ money and judgment. I straighten up taller, determined not to let this happen again.
“Guess it’s as good of a time as any to tell them we’re back together.”
Cody’s hand rests on my arms to stop me. “Are you sure you’re ready to do that?” he asks gently. “Sure, I’d love to tell them that, give them a big ole’fuck you, you couldn’t keep us apart for forever, but not unless you’re ready.”
I nod and smile. “We aren’t eighteen years old anymore. And they don’t control me. I want them to know that I'm in love and happy.”
He lowers his face, cups my cheek and kisses me again more passionately this time before another, more urgent knock comes through the door.
“Open up, Mae!” my mother’s voice screeches as I tilt my head back with a loud sigh before moving to the door and flinging it open. Time to face them.
“Hi Dad. Hello Mom.”
My mom peeks around me into my office, her eyes landing on Cody instantly who’s standing by my desk waiting. At least he was able to adjust himself enough not to look turned on. That and the sound of my parent’s voice is enough to kill the mood instantly.
“What the hell is he doing here?” my mother demands, pointing a shaky finger directly at Cody.
“Mom…” my voice is measured as I try to contain my anger and diffuse the situation. This isn’t the greeting I was hoping for. “Cody Cameron is a client of mine.”
“A client? What trouble is he in now?” she says rolling her eyes. I can feel Cody’s uncomfortableness as he shifts on his feet, probably wondering how much I want him to step in versus me handle it. That’s the thing, I can handle this now. I don’t need anyone else to save me. She doesn’t control me anymore.
"He's not here as my client. He's here as myboyfriend," I stress the last word intentionally.
My mother's mouth drops open and for the first time in her life, Ithink she's at a loss for words.
“Now, Brooke, settle down. You don’t want to cause a scene in the middle of Mae’s office, do you?” my father cautions as Cody takes a step closer to me.
“Hey Cody, why don’t I call you later?” I ask with a sweet smile. “I’m just going to catch up with my parents.”
“You sure you want me to leave?” his eyes search mine for any hesitation or fear, but he won’t find any. I’m stronger now. I don’t need their approval even if it’d be nice to have it at times.
I force a smile, “I’m fine. Thanks.”
He nods his head and then turns to leave before gripping my hips and giving me a kiss that’s more claiming than anything. I smile at him and say goodbye as he closes the door behind him.
Once I’m sure he’s out of earshot I whip around, my hands flying to my hips. “What the hell is your problem with him? You’ve had an issue with me dating him since I was eighteen years old, and he’s never done anything to you. I’mhappywith him. I’mhappythat we’ve reconnected. I’m the happiest that I’ve ever been in years.”
“He doesn’t deserve you,” my mom snaps.
I throw my hands up, frustration boiling over. “Oh, but Ibetyou’d justloveit if I got back together with Vance, huh? Even though heput his hands on me. Even though he putme—and your granddaughter, the one youclaimto love—in danger with his drug use.”
