Page 8 of Exile and Embrace

How can the woman who birthed you have so much obvious contempt for you? Shouldn’t a mother love her children?

What did I ever do to her to deserve this kind of treatment? What did Zoe, for that matter?

Maybe we’re not the problem. Maybe she’s just incapable of loving.

If I ever have any kids, which I hope I do, from the bottom of my heart, I don’t want to be anything like her. I’ll show my kids every day just how much I love them.

“I am a grieving widow. I miss your father very much, even though I do not agree with some of the choices he made while he was alive.”

I take a long sip of my wine. “If you say that a few more times, I might start to believe you. Look, the only reason I agreed to come to the restaurant with you is because it’s a public place. I’m done with the abuse. I’m tired of being manipulated by you.”

Mom’s upper lip curls as she pinches the stem of her wine glass, her red nails shining. “You wouldn’t be anything without this family. I turned you into the woman you are, and I’ll be damned if you turn your back on me just like your sister did. Your father may be dead, Ava, but I am still your mother, and you will obey me and respect me at all times.”

“I’m a grown woman, I don’t have to put up with this anymore.”

“You will do whatever I tell you, you little brat, or so help me god, I’ll?—”

“And I’m done. Have a nice life.” I get up and turn on my heel, striding for the door.

I tried my best. I thought maybe my dad dying would change her. And it did. For the worst, if that is even possible. So, it’s time to cut ties with her and move on.

I don’t need her toxicity in my life.

I never gave it much thought to what my life would be, but I always knew I didn’t want this for myself. And then my dad sold my sister.

Her loss of choice, of control made me realize I do want something out of my life.

I want to be free. Free to choose if I want to love, who to love, how to love.

I know love is probably not in the cards for me, but I don’t want anyone dictating who I have to get married to.

And yet, Finn asked me. He gave me a choice. I can go with him under his condition, but he isn’t forcing me one way or the other.

He is letting me choose.

I need to go in order to have closure from my dad’s situation, but if I think about it, this is also my chance to get away from my mom. If I stay here, I’m never going to fully slip from her clutches.

I should talk to Finn. Find out exactly what being his fiancée means to him.

Even if the situation is less than ideal, I’m leaving one way or another. Playing along with whatever Finn’s game is could help me. Having his contacts could be useful.

Even if the last thing I want is to be associated with the Byrne boys again, he might be able to help get information on my father.

And he is right, we will be far enough away from his big brother that I never have to cross paths with him again.

The person Dad revealed to be in his last few days is a stranger, a dangerous one, so who better off to help me get information than a Byrne.

But should I get entangled with that family again? Those times… No, I won’t think about that. I refuse.

I get in my car and head for Zoe’s house. I need to tell her that I’m moving on with my life.

It’s only a short drive from the restaurant.

She’s sitting on the front porch with her guitar when I pull up. Her smile lights up her face as she puts the guitar to the side.

I turn off the car and get out, giving her a dramatic eye roll and sigh.

“That great, was it?” Zoe asks, jogging down the steps and over to me. She pulls me into a tight hug, rocking us back and forth.

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