Nowshe’s asking?
–Me: Fine.
–Unknown: Glad to hear it. Can you forgive Aaron?
–Me: FORGIVE HIM???
–Unknown: Do you have to send him to prison? He’s your family, your brother.
I start to shake. She waited all this time, got a new number and finally reached outonly to save her son’s ass?
I call the unknown number. Sherry picks up immediately.
“Do you know he gave me to Judeto be raped?Do you know it wasn’t his first time?
“He’s remorseful,” Sherry says. Her calm voice is anathema to my ears. “He didn’t mean to. He’s your brother, Finn.”
“And how about me? What am I to you? Do I mean anything except as a tool for better reincarnation for Finley? Do I get to be treated with some respect and dignity?”
“I’ve always treated you as my own child. You know that.”
“If Finley were alive and Aaron did to her what he did to me, would you ask her to forgive him?”
Two beats, and no response.
“Exactly,” I say. “Never fucking call me again.”
I hang up and block Sherry, resisting the urge to hurl the phone against the wall. There’s no need for an answer. I know where she stands.
When it really matters, she abandons me with ease.
I clung to her so hard for so long, hoping and praying that she could be the family I desperately wanted, even though deep inside I knew it would never be. Why did I waste so much of my life trying to be perfect for her? Why did I sacrifice so much for someone who wasn’t worthy?
I feel stupid and ridiculous, but I don’t let myself cry. Sherry doesn’tdeserve my tears. After being around Bryce’s family, I’ve realized thatfamilyloves you unconditionally—familybacks you up without question. I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.
Chapter Forty-Six
Bryce
“Gotta say, I’m a little surprised you wanted to see me.”
I take the seat opposite Harvey at Merry. He already has a steaming coffee in front of him. I order an iced Americano and ask the server to prepare a box of desserts. Fiona’s been craving a lot of sweets.
“How’s your wife doing?” he says, crossing his legs. His expression is relaxed, but his eyes are sharp.
Just thinking about how she looked when I found her makes my blood boil, but I maintain a cool, indifferent smile. “Could be better.”
He makes a small noise in the back of his throat. “In case you’re wondering, it wasn’t me.”
“I’m not.” Harvey’s too methodical and rational to go after Fiona. Mom, on the other hand, is another matter. When it comes to family, she’s unable to think straight because she’s so hung up on how she isn’t part of it anymore—how she was robbed of her children. “Did Mom have anything to do with it?”
“Not sure, but…” He shakes his head. “Nah, probably not. Idiots like those two? She would’ve picked somebody more capable.”
I take a sip of the icy coffee placed in front of me. “Don’t you have spies?”
“Sure. But I can’t have her watched twenty-four seven.”
Doubtful. He just doesn’t want to show all his cards yet. “Fiona’s pregnant.”
