“And for the record, my love life isn’t any of your business. I’m an adult. I make my own choices. And those choices include who I spend time with and how I live my life.”
“River, darling, you’re making a scene?—”
“I don’t care.” I lean forward, keeping my voice low but letting the intensity show. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Mother. You’re welcome to stay in my house for the rest of the week if—and only if—you stop asking me to go to Stanford or move back to Los Angeles. You stop making comments about my documentary or my life choices. And you stop treating Kiera or anyone else on this island like they’re beneath you.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re issuing me an ultimatum?”
“I’m setting boundaries.” I stand up, pulling my wallet from my pocket and dropping enough cash on the table to cover the meal and a generous tip. “Those are your options. Accept them or leave. But I’m done with this conversation.”
I turn and walk out of The Portico before she can respond, before I can see the shock or anger or whatever expression crosses her face. My hands are shaking slightly as I push through the heavy wooden door out into the bright sunshine of the town square.
The warm air hits my face, carrying the scent of salt water and summer, and I take my first deep breath since sitting down at that table. My heart is racing, adrenaline flooding my system in the aftermath of standing up to her so completely.
I did it. I actually did it.
I told my mother no. Not just no, but drew a line in the sand and dared her to cross it. And instead of feeling guilty or scared or like I’ve made a terrible mistake, I feel?—
Free.
For the first time in my entire life, I feel completely, utterly free.
I pull off the tie she made me wear and shove it in my pocket, then unbutton the top button of my shirt. The tension in my shoulders starts to ease as I walk down Main Street, away from The Portico and its pressed linens and hushed conversations. I won’t leave her there, I’m not cruel. But I do need to breathe for a minute before we get in my car.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. A text from Mother.
You’re making a terrible mistake.
I almost laugh. Because if choosing happiness over her approval is a mistake, then I need to make more of them.
CHAPTER 20
KieraEmmerson
Tuesday, June 8
I pullinto River’s driveway and immediately notice the taxi idling near the front entrance, its engine running. Victoria Stone stands beside it in another perfectly tailored suit—this one navy blue—surrounded by her matching designer luggage.
She’s leaving.
Relief floods through me so powerfully I have to grip the steering wheel to steady myself. One day. She lasted one day before giving up and going home.
I kill the engine and climb out of my car, unable to keep the surprise off my face. “Leaving so soon?”
Victoria turns to look at me, and her expression is cool. The taxi driver is already loading her suitcases into the trunk, but she makes no move to get in the car. Instead, she crosses her arms and regards me like I’m a wine stain on white silk.
“I know when I’m not welcome,” she says, her voice crisp and cutting. “My son has made his priorities quite clear.”
There’s something in her tone that makes my stomach tighten. Something pointed and deliberate.
I should just nod and let her leave. Should take the win and not engage. But curiosity—or maybe masochism—makes me ask, “What do you mean?”
Victoria’s lips curve into something that’s not quite a smile. “Oh, don’t play coy, dear. It doesn’t suit you.” She takes a step closer, and I have to resist the urge to step back. “If you think you have a chance at a serious relationship with my son, you’re sadly mistaken.”
The words hit like a physical blow, but I force myself to keep my expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you don’t.” Her laugh is brittle. “He may be infatuated with you right now—playing house with the help, indulging in this little fantasy. But I raised River with high standards. Expectations.” She looks me up and down, and I’ve never felt so thoroughly dismissed in my life. “You’re a novelty. Something different from his usual social circle. But novelty wears off, dear. And when it does, he’ll realize what he’s given up for someone so far beneath him.”
My throat closes, and I can’t breathe. Every insecurity I’ve been trying to ignore, every fear I’ve been pushing down—she’s pulling them all to the surface and holding them up to the light.
