Molten anger surges through me, hot and righteous. “You’re right,” I say, shoving my chair back. “It’s time I stand up to him, once and for all.”
38
IRIS
My friends scurry after me as I fly out of Joe’s, storming along Fruit Street.
“You’re going to talk to himnow?” Poppy asks in surprise.
“Why not?” I say, not breaking my stride. “He’s only a few blocks away.”
Maybe I should wait until after work and do this at home, but I don’t want to. There’s a fire burning in my belly that won’t be tamed, and I don’t want to lose my nerve.
But it’s not only that. At home, Mom will try to dismiss it. She’ll tell me not to cause trouble, like she always does. She might not torment me like my father, but her passivity is just as bad. She’s never defended me, never made sure I’m okay after Dad lashes out. I learned a long time ago I couldn’t count on her support, and I sure as hell don’t expect it now.
“Wait.” Violet matches my stride as we approach the office, something dawning in her eyes. “Is your father… John Prescott?”
I cringe, steps faltering. “Yes. I know you plan to work with him, but—”
“No.” Violet stops me with a firm hand. “We met with him yesterday, and I told Kyle there’s no way I’d work with that man. He was rude, arrogant, and dismissive.”
A bitter laugh escapes me. “Yep. That’s Dad.”
“God, Iris. I’m so sorry. I never would have met with him if I’d known.”
I rub my forehead, catching my breath as the others finally reach us. “It’s my fault. I should have told you.” I glance at her. “Did you ever find anyone to work on the carriage house?”
She shakes her head. “We’re still looking.” Her gaze strays to Prescott & Associates, across the street. “So, if you know of anyone, let me know.”
I nod, pushing the thought from my mind. I have one goal right now, and I need to focus. My pulse leaps as I glance up at the office. I’m going to confront my father after a lifetime of letting him push me around. Tell him I won’t tolerate it anymore.
But my feet hesitate, glued to the sidewalk, knowing I’ll see Aidan when I walk through those doors. Will he be glad to see me? Will he forgive me for pushing him away?
“You’ve got this,” Poppy says, squeezing my arm.
“Want us to wait here?” Daisy adds. “Moral support?”
I’m about to say no, that they can go, then catch myself. Daisy’s words from only a few moments ago come back to me—we’re here for you, lean on us—and I nod.
“Yes. Please. I won’t be long.”
Daisy smiles kindly. “Take as long as you need.”
Violet nods, expression intense as I turn back to the building. “Give him hell,” she says.
And I step inside.
My heart isa tornado behind my ribcage as I climb the stairs. Every atom in my body wants to turn back, but I don’t stop. I decide I’ll go straight to Dad, then see if Aidan wants to talk after. I need to speak to my father first.
But I can’t stop myself from stealing a peek into Aidan’s office as I pass, and my steps falter.
It’s empty.
My stomach plunges. I veer off course, going to the door to peer inside, as if I might find Aidan hiding in the corner, but nothing. The entire space is bare.
An icy chill washes over me.
Fuck. Did Dadfirehim? Dad’s been losing his patience the last few weeks with the way Aidan has defended me, and I’veneverheard someone speak to my father the way Aidan did the other day, but would Dad really go so far as to let him go, after all he’s done for the firm?
