I want it to be as low key as possible.
“You know why I don’t want to,” I reply. “We’ve been over this.”
She sighs, watching me.
“Mom, I need you to know that once this show is over, I’m going back to Montana.”
I already have my travel plans in order, I’ve alerted Bishop so he can arrange the detail accordingly, and I’ve packed up everything I want to take from my apartment.
I’m going home.
Her eyebrow climbs and her eyes narrow, but she doesn’t interrupt me, which honestly shocks the hell out of me.
“I’m proud of you, Mom. I know that I’ve never told you that before, but I am. You chose this life for all of us. You’ve been a good president. But I don’t want this life for myself, and I don’t have to choose it.”
“Lena,” she says with a sigh. “You would make an excellent First Lady. Howey plans to go into politics. You know what it takes—”
“Absolutelynot.” I shake my head adamantly. “I would never choose to marry a politician.Never.That’s not the life for me. I can’t wait for your term to end so I don’t have to have Secret Service anymore. I want Gideon, Mom. I love him with my whole heart, and being away from him for two months has only reiterated that for me. I choose him, and the life on the ranch.”
She slowly shakes her head and takes a deep breath.
“Of course, I only want what’s best for you. I’m a shit parent, Lena. We all know it. I’ve never denied it. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you and want wonderful things for you.”
“Wonderful thingsdoesn’t have to mean the lifeyouwould choose,” I remind her. I’ve never been this frank with my mother, and it’s only because of Gideon, and how he’s empowered me, made me feel loved, that I’m able to stand up to her now. I know what I want, and I’m going to make sure my mother knows it too. “I’m taking happiness in both hands and holding on tight. Because let’s be honest, Mom, there hasn’tbeen a whole lot of that in my life. My own best friend betrayed me so horribly, she was willing to get me killed.”
Mom swallows hard, but I keep talking.
“Gideon is my happiness. I love him. And it honestly pisses me off that you gave him orders to stay away from me.”
“I was terrified,” she admits, sitting back in her chair. “You’d been in harm’s way, and I needed to blame someone.”
“It wasn’t his fault.”
“He was hired to protect you, Lena, not fuck you and fall in love with you.”
I recoil at the harsh words, scowling at her. “Don’t demean what I have with that man.”
God, I hope I still have it.
“It’s the truth.” She shrugs a shoulder. “However, with some time to calm down, I can see that you love him. He loves you too. So if the two of you can make it work, I won’t do anything to stop you.”
I blink at her in surprise. I expected much more of a fight over this.
“You’re giving us your blessing?”
“I’m shocked too.” She finishes her coffee. “Now, good luck tonight. Call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.”
“Okay. Thanks, Mom.”
I’ve never been so nervous in my life.
No one knows it’s my work.
No one will be looking at me, judging me. As far as anyone else is concerned, this artist can’t attend tonight.
I’m just here as an art lover.
“I hope you enjoy the showing.” Kylie, the owner of the gallery, winks at me. “I think it’s extra special. You look stunning, by the way.”
