Page 22 of Ice-Cold Truth

“Oh, you know me—keeping busy as always. Your father and I just got back from the community garden, but enough about us. How are you doing? You sound…troubled.”

I let out a shaky laugh, marveling at her intuition. Should I really be surprised? She’s always had an uncanny ability to readme and Sam. “I…I’m not sure, to be honest. That’s why I’m calling.”

“You know I’m here to listen, no matter what it is.” Her voice is gentle, soothing, and I instinctively relax.

Drawing a fortifying breath, I launch into the situation, carefully omitting specific details about the lawsuit against Reginald and the Firebirds. “It’s about my internship. I’ve been given an assignment that could be…ethically questionable. On the one hand, it’s a huge opportunity that could really help my career, but on the other, I’m not sure I feel right about the methods involved.”

There’s a weighted pause before Mom speaks again. “I see. Your father and I have always emphasized the importance of ethics and doing what’s right, no matter the personal cost.” I can picture her warm smile, her eyes shining with pride. “But we’ve also taught you to think for yourself, to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.”

She pauses. “Ultimately, you need to search your heart and decide if this assignment truly violates your core values and beliefs. If it does, you have to be prepared to walk away, no matter how enticing the opportunity might seem.”

Her words strike a chord. She’s right. My integrity has always been paramount, but what if the ends justify the means this time? What if exposing Reginald’s misdeeds protects countless players from harm? Doesn’t that make it worth bending the rules just a little?

As if sensing my internal conflict, Mom continues. “That said, not every situation is black and white. There can be shades of gray and nuances to consider. If you truly believe this assignment, while unorthodox, could ultimately lead to a positive outcome that aligns with your principles, then you might decide it’s worth pursuing—but tread carefully.”

I nod slowly, her advice sinking in. She’s giving me the freedom to make my own choices, just as she’s always done, but she’s also reminding me to stay true to myself and not lose sight of who I am in the pursuit of success.

“You’re a good person with a strong moral compass, Elyse,” says Mom softly. “I have faith that you’ll make the right decision, whatever that might be. Just don’t let ambition cloud your judgment or cause you to compromise your values unnecessarily.”

Her words soothe me. I’m still torn, but her wisdom has given me a clearer path forward. “Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that. You always know just what to say.”

She chuckles warmly. “It’s what mothers are for, dear. Now, tell me more about this young man who has you so flustered…”

I can’t stifle my groan, but a smile tugs at my lips, nonetheless. Typical Mom. She can always read between the lines. “It’s…complicated,” I say, feeling my cheeks flush.

“Isn’t it always?” She laughs. “You know I’m here whenever you need an ear—or advice on matters of the heart.”

We chat for a while longer, the conversation drifting to lighter topics as the weight on my shoulders eases somewhat. Eventually, we say our goodbyes, and I’m left feeling calmer and more centered.

After hanging up, I clutch the phone to my chest, close my eyes, and simply breathe for a few moments, letting Mom’s words of wisdom wash over me. I know what I need to do—pursue the truth, but only through ethical means that don’t compromise who I am. I’ll just have to figure out how to do that.

A sharp rap on the door jolts me from my reverie. I glance at the clock—has it really been over an hour since I started my call with Mom? Time seems to have slipped away as I wrestled with my turbulent thoughts.

“Elyse?” Sam’s voice filters through the door, tinged with concern. “You in there?”

I draw a steadying breath, swiping at the dampness on my cheeks. “Y-Yeah, I’m here.”

There’s a pause, then, “Can I come in?”

I hesitate for the briefest of moments before replying. “Sure.”

The door creaks open and Sam slips inside, his athletic frame filling the doorway. His piercing green eyes, so like my own, study me intently, brow furrowed. “You okay? I could hear you talking earlier…”

I manage a wan smile, appreciating his brotherly instincts. He still looks out for me. “I’m fine, just…processing some stuff.”

He nods slowly, seeming to accept my vague response for the moment. Crossing the room, he settles on the edge of the bed, one large hand coming to rest on my knee. “Listen, Elyse…Jack told me about the situation with your internship.”

My stomach dips as realization dawns. Of course, that’s why he’s here—to protect his team, not me. A fresh wave of hurt washes over me, quickly followed by simmering anger. How dare Jack discuss my private affairs without my consent?

Sensing my rising temper, Sam hurries on. “I know he probably should have let you explain first, but you know how protective he can be, especially when it comes to the team.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a placating hand. “Just hear me out, sis. Jack’s…well, he’s been through some stuff that makes him wary of letting people in too close, you know? Especially when it comes to the Firebirds—that’s his whole life.”

A pang of sympathy cuts through my indignation as I recall Jack’s haunted expression when confronted by his ex. Jack has been hurt before, badly enough to scar him. Is it any wonder he’s so guarded now?

Sam leans forward, his expression earnest. “I get that this internship is huge for you. You’ve worked your ass off to gethere, but…the team…we’re family too, and some of the stuff you might uncover…” He shakes his head slowly. “It could really mess things up for a lot of people who had nothing to do with it.”

My heart sinks. He’s worried I’ll inadvertently implicate innocent parties—maybe even him. The thought of betraying my own brother leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

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