Page 27 of Three Reasons
Mother calls for one of the housekeepers to bring an ice pack, and then she herself starts yelling at David. By now, Margo, Sally, and their husbands have joined the party, and I’m feeling decidedly more uncomfortable than if I were the one being yelled at. I hate being the center of attention, and it's obvious Margo and David are pissed that I’m the one being protected for once. Sally, on the other hand, has a little smirk on her face as if she’s happy this is finally happening.
“What’s going on?” I lean down to Pappy, who's wholeheartedly grinning.
“I do believe your parents have finally snapped out of whatever haze has been clouding their ignorant eyes for years.” He’s happy as a pig in mud about it, too.
“Dad,” I say before he can start in on David again as Mom takes a breath. “Why are you so upset?” I mean, I get it…for other families, but they’ve never really appeared to care before.
Waving his hand at David, Dad shouts, “He hit you!”
“You told me by any means necessary!” David counters, his face red with rage or maybe embarrassment. Perhaps a mix of the two.
“I didn’t mean violence!” Dad shouts back, and we’re just going in circles.
“Since I’m the one who was hit, how about we leave the anger to me? You and Mom haven’t defended me before, but I’m guessing this is because you want me to marry this guy, and you’d rather I didn’t show up like I went a round or two ina boxing ring?” Silence. It’s sort of the answer I expected. I’m disappointed because I thought the concern was genuine, but I’m not overly shocked, either.
“No,” Dad counters. “You’re right, Grace…Gray.” The correction ofmy name is more shocking than anything else today. “We haven’t stuck up for you. We’ve cast you aside and judged you for almost the entirety of your life. All that’s done is push you away, and yes, I want you to marry my soon-to-be partner's son, but never did I imagine that violence would be the way to get you here so we could talk.”
“My answer is no, no matter what, Dad. I wouldn’t be happy here as some housewife to some arrogant asshole. I grew up in that life; it’s not what I want. I’m happy in Ruby. I have my shop, great friends, a good reputation. I don’t understand why you guys can’t just be happy for me.” It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
“You’re sleeping with two men,” Margo hisses.
“You convinced me to sleep with your husband when I was sixteen, Margo, then married him. I don’t think you can judge me for anything.” A hush envelops the room as I finally blurt out the greatest torment of my life.
“You…” Dad looks between the three of us, paling again.
“What?” Mom screeches.
Margo and Jonathan's faces are beet red.
“Are you serious?” Dad whispers.
Sally finally intercedes. “When she was sixteen, when she tried to be the dutiful daughter. Do you not remember the hurt she carried like a shield?” Sally has never been overly rude to me in the past, but she’s also never made the effort to stick up for me, either.
Puffing out a breath of air, I don’t wait for anyone to respond. “I need a break,” I tell everyone and escape to my old room. Surprisingly, it’s just as I left it—my favourite band posters on the wall, black curtains still in place, and silly Lilo & Stitch teddybears on my bed. The black and pink shag carpet spreads out in the middle of the room, with pillows thrown around it. I did my homework there for years.
It brings back so many memories. Mostly bad. A few good ones. But, primarily, I’m sad.
I’m sad because if only they had stood up for me as they are today when I was younger and truly needed their protection. I needed this care and concern years ago. Now, I’ve learned to roll with the punches and when to fight for what I want.
For hours, I lie on the floor in the pile of pillows, thinking about my life up to this point, until Sally brings in my dinner.
“Hey.” She hesitates to enter but eventually sprawls on the floor beside me. “I’m sorry.” I raise a brow but don’t say anything. “Nobody took care of you or stood up for you. We treated you like a burden because you were different, and I’m sorry it’s taken me your entire life to address it.”
I shrug because what can I say? I forgave my family years ago, but I don’t trust them. I can never be certain whether they have my best interest at heart or not.
“David shouldn’t have touched you.” I snort; that’s an understatement. “I’ve argued with Dad over this arranged marriage crap, but he just isn’t listening.” Already knew that. “Will you tell me about them?” I do turn my head now.
“Who?” I can guess, but I want her to say it.
“The men you’re seeing. Margo was so fired up when she got home. I think she’s jealous.” I do laugh, then.
“They’re amazing. I could see a life with them, but David insists Dad will ruin their reputations and maybe go after their families, and I can’t be the reason they’re hurt.” My chest aches at the thought of letting Eli and Callan go.
Callan
Rolling up to Gray’s parents’ home after a lot of arguing yesterday with her employee Rocky about getting the address, and I have to say I’m impressed. I wouldn’t call it a mansion per se; however, it’s larger than I expected. At least three floors, probably eight bedrooms, and just as many bathrooms. They’ll likely have servants or housekeepers, even a private chef.
“You ready for this?” Eli asks as we climb out of my truck.