Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“Oh, my goodness, I can see Ryder’s resemblance to both of you.” Nicole was the first to extend her hand in greeting. “It’s so wonderful to meet you finally. I absolutely adore Ryder.”
“Pleasure,” my mother said in an uppity tone that contradicted the word. She shook Nicole’s hand, and my dad followed suit with a stiff nod.
“Lovely to meet you,” my father said, rigid and formal. “We’ve met your son.”
That was all. No compliment or kind sentiment about my boyfriend, Nicole’s son, whom they’d met multiple times. Granted, the last meeting didn’t end on a positive note, but their unwavering adherence to polite society rules should have led them to at least express to Nicole that her son was a good guy.
In the perfect demonstration of money not buying class, Nicole smiled. “I want to tell you both what an incredible young man you’ve raised. He’s an absolute gem, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that.”
An awkward silence loomed as my mother forced a polite nod.
“That’s nice to hear,” my father finally said as though Nicole had told him it wouldn’t rain on a day they’d planned a park picnic.
“You must be so proud of him going for his master’s in education. It’s so wonderful when young people can pursue their dreams. Alex tells me how incredible he is with the children at the youth center.” She turned her beaming grin my way. “He’s going to be a gift to the education world.”
A lump lodged itself in my throat. Had my own parents ever sung my praises with such intensity? It’s what a mother should do, yet I couldn’t think of a time they’d told anyone anything besides what they considered the cold truth—I will someday take over my father’s corporation.
Of course, that’s when my mother found her voice. “Yes,” she said, nose turned up. “We were proud.”
My face burned so hot that I could have warmed the entire restaurant. I wanted to sink beneath the table and hide until these rude people, whom I wish I didn’t have to claim, disappeared.
Nicole’s forehead scrunched in confusion, but she recovered well. “I look forward to getting to know one another. Perhaps the next time I see you, it’ll be at the penthouse. Alex and I are finally all settled in. I hope you haven’t felt the need to stay away because of the move.”
Oh shit.
My mother’s eyes widened, and my father’s jaw ticked. Poor Nicole had no idea the minefield she’d just plowed through.
If you had X-ray vision, I guarantee you’d see my father’s insides coiling like a loaded spring ready to shoot off at any moment.
“Dad…”
He turned to me with fury in his eyes. “This woman is living with you?”
Nicole sucked in a breath and stared at me with wide-eyed shock. “I… um…”
I refused to let her bear the weight of their judgment and condemnation. She didn’t deserve their mistreatment because of my decisions. Decisions I stood behind one hundred percent. Decisions that made me happier than I ever thought I could be.
Straightening my shoulders, I locked eyes with my father. “Alex and I moved in together,” I said with confidence. “Nicole lived with Alex, so it was only natural for her to move in as well.”
“Into your penthouse.”
Was that a question?
My mother focused her glare on Nicole. “How lovely for you.”
Nicole’s smile slipped. “I’m lucky,” she said in a measured voice. “I have a wonderful son who takes excellent care of me, and he has found an incredible partner who loves and respects him. A partner who is as generous as he is kind, and who recognized that I am unfortunately unable to live without assistance, is invaluable. Instead of viewing me and my situation as a barrier to their future, Ryder welcomed me with open arms. I think your son is the type of man every mother hopes her son will become.”
I was the one who should have been standing up for my life choices, but Nicole jumped in and praised me so much that I was left unable to respond. I sat there like a lump with my tongue frozen in my mouth.
My mother cleared her throat. “Well, we’ve taken up enough of your time. Hope you enjoyed your lunch.” She met my gaze for a moment, and I’d swear I saw a softening, an admiration she never gave me.
But it was probably wishful thinking.
“Good to meet you,” my father said to Nicole before he pulled my mother along without sparing me another glance.
It hurt, as their disapproval always did, but as I looked across the table at Nicole, I realized their scorn didn’t cut as deep as usual. I had people in my life who loved and appreciated me for who I was and what I chose to do with myself.
“Thank you,” I mouthed to Nicole, unable to project my voice past that damn lump.