“It wasn’t about being good enough,” I say softly. “It was just about being a way to get what he wanted.”
Kelly brings me a warm cup of tea and then he takes my suitcase from my hands. I didn’t realize I was clutching it so tightly.
“Let me put what’s in here out to dry. I’ll give you a shirt to wear. You can stay here as long as you need, Av.”
I smile at him, grateful. “Thank you, Kel. I won’t be here long, though. I’ve got enough savings that dad can’t touch to get myself a place and get set up, then I’ll just have to focus on getting a full-time job.”
He nods. “Well, no hurry.”
Keanu walks in and sits down on the couch beside me.
“He need to be taught a lesson?”
“No,” I squeak.
“Good.”
Then he gets up and leaves. I blink a few times, then I dare to glance at Nate again. He’s sitting on a chair in the corner of the room, staring at his clenched fists. His jaw is tight and he looks as though he’s about to explode. I want to talk to him, to know what’s going on, but I can’t. Not here, anyway.
“If you don’t mind,” I say, standing, “I might just get some sleep and leave you guys to it.”
Kelly nods and points down the hall. “Room second on your left, it’s got a shower right across from it. There are fresh sheets on the bed.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head against his chest.
“Anytime, honey, anytime.”
I give everyone else a pathetic little wave and then I disappear down the hall. I find the shower first and I duck inside, locking the door behind me. I take a long, hot shower, washing my hair and trying my best to feel fresh and clean again. When I get out, I throw on Kelly’s shirt, which sits just above my knees. Then I gather my clothes in my arms and rush across to the room he directed me to.
It’s a nice room with wooden floors and walls, just like the cabin. It’s got light-blue curtains and a double bed in the middle. There are a few paintings from Kelly Lane on the walls. I smile; I’ve always liked her work. I find it bright and beautiful. Aside from the few paintings and the bed, the room is mostly plain. It’s nice; I like simple. I throw my clothes onto a chair in the corner and then I peel back the covers, sliding into the bed.
I’m exhausted even though I’ve not done anything to warrant it.
I glance over at my phone, and I can see the screen flashing with calls. I have no doubt news has travelled to my father by now and he’s desperately trying to ring to talk some sense into me. I decide to leave it on silent and where it is. I don’t want to read any of it right now. I settle back into the pillows and stare at the roof, wondering where I’m going to go from here. What if I can’t find a full-time job or the library won’t give me more hours? What if I can’t pay for my dancing? There are so many what ifs, and so few answers.
“Knock, knock.”
I hear Max’s voice and look up to see him standing at my door. I didn’t even hear it open. He gives me a small smile and hesitates.
“You can come in,” I say, and I notice my voice is tired and worn.
Max walks in and sits on the bed beside me, staring down at me with a worried expression. “You okay?”
“I’m all right, Max.” I smile weakly.
He narrows his eyes as if he doesn’t believe me. “It’s never easy to do what you did, even if it’s for the best.”
“I know, but I’ll be okay. I’ve had far worse.”
He nods, his eyes softening. “How did your father take it?”
“I haven’t spoken to him,” I mumble. “I don’t need his lecture right now.”
“He won’t understand?” he asks, looking a little annoyed.
“Of course he won’t. He wants this perfect life for me. But the thing is, it’s not really for me. It looks good if the company stays in the family. It looks good if Jacob is running it and I’m his wife. It’s all been a big set-up from day one, and it’s why my father has gotten me everything I ever wanted. He’s bribing me so that I won’t pull away, so that I won’t ruin his plan. But when was I ever considered in this place? When was my happiness ever taken into account?”
Max nods, reaching out and taking my hand. “You had every right to walk away, and if he doesn’t understand that then he doesn’t deserve a daughter as amazing as you.”
I feel tears well in my eyes again.
“Don’t cry, petal. It’s going to be okay. I’ve got a two-bedroom apartment. Why don’t you come and rent off me for a while, until you get on your feet?”
“Thank you, Max,” I say. “But I think I can do this one on my own.”
“You’re always welcome, you’re like a daughter to me, Petal."
I burst into a fit of uncontrollable tears and Max pulls me into his arms, making soothing sounds.
“It’s times like these I wish she were here, Max,” I croak. “I miss her so much.”
“I know honey,” he murmurs. “I know you do. We’re not your momma, but we’ll do the best we can to get you through this.”
I don’t say anything, I just cry until I feel like I’ve got no tears left, then I pull back and swipe the damp skin under my eyes. Max takes my face in his hands, staring at me with an expression filled with hope and determination. “You’ll be just fine, I promise. Come over tomorrow with your things and if there’s anything you need to get from Jacob, just let me know and I’ll go.”