Page 26 of That Emerald Vow

“My mother isn’t great either.” I quickly add, “Not to compare! But she’s part of the reason I’ve had a shitty day . . .” I snort out a fake laugh. “A shitty life. I grew up in a cookie cutter household. The American dream with a white picket fence, both parents, successful father with a rising business and a perfect homemaker mother. But behind closed doors, it wasn’t the case.” I pause, wondering how much I’m willing to say. The topic is one I’ve only felt comfortable talking to Lily about. But as much as it’s painful to talk about, it’s also easy to talk to him. It’s not the same story, but I have a feeling he understands. “My mother is a bitch, to put it lightly. Nothing is good enough for her.”

At this point, we’re both done cleaning and are just standing aroundthe island. He looks directly at me, nodding as I speak. “My dad was cheating on her. The money and power of owning the growing business got to his head. He wasn’t a terrible father to me, but he was also never a good husband. I went to visit them today. It was a long drive there and back, and an even longer dinner.”

“Why do you still go?” he asks, curious but not judgemental.

I smile, but it comes out pained. “‘Cause they’re my family.”Even if they don’t act like it.“And despite my terrible relationship with her and not seeing my dad often, I care for them because they’re my parents . . .”

“Does he know?” My heart stops. “Does he know how terrible she is?” I thought for a second he knew about Uncle Demetri. Which is stupid because how could he?

“No. She is good at giving a great housewife and motherly impression. Only I see her true colors,” I say, looking at my hands resting on the counter through tears. I quickly blink them away.

“I hate her.” I gasp at Damon’s words. He’s found his way to my side of the island. “You are so beautiful, kind, and perfectlyyou.” He picks up my hands and kisses the back of them. “I think part of you knows that. But I get how hard it can be when that nagging voice comes from the one person who should’ve been protecting you, telling you otherwise.”

I smile at him, new tears forming in my eyes. These are for the validation I feel in his words. “I hate her too,” I croak out. “You are such an amazing and sweet man. Maybe a little playful.” I laugh which makes him laugh too. “Someone who I am loving to get to know.”

“Man, our mothers did a number on us, right? We’re so fucking awesome.” He snorts. I don’t think he believes he’s a great guy; that makes me sad for him.

I take the hand he’s holding. Flipping it, I bring his hand to my cheek and lean into it. “It’s their loss. It’s yourmother’sloss.”

Damon rubs his thumb over my cheek. “My little gem, how preciousyou truly are.”

I smile at him. “You’re not so bad yourself, Day.”

He flattens his lips in a thin line before saying, “She used to call me that.”

My mouth drops open as an anvil falls on my chest. “Oh my God. I’m sorry! I’ll stop.”I’m such an ass.

“Don’t you dare.” He grabs my face by placing his other hand on my cheek too. “Hearing you say it feels perfect.”

“But your m—” I start.

“Hearing you say it is different.”

Feeling like I owe him an explanation, I say, “I call you ‘Day’ because you’re so dark and moody. Head to toe, you’re a grunge, motorcycle-riding badass.” He smirks at me. “Shut up, I’m speaking objectively.” But I still wink at him. “Yeah, you’re a goofball and silly. But you’re so much more than that. Your humanity radiates from you—it shines like daylight. So it’s a play on that and your name.”

His eyes fill with so much emotion. “She ruined it for me, but you are redeeming it.” I hear the secret “she ruined me” behind his words because that’s what I think about my own mother. “But you . . . you, my little gem . . .” He pauses to smile at me. “You are the wonderful reason who is healing that little boy. Thank you.”

“How?” I ask as my heart thunders in my chest. I don’t disagree with him, because without having the words for it, I know I feel the same way. These past few days have left me feeling seen and taken care of in a way I didn’t think possible.

“I wish I could tell you. But all I know is that getting to know you has been the best part of my day since seeing you at that damn lounge,” he rasps.

I feel coolness wash over my veins. That’s everything a girl ever wants to hear, but instead of filling me with happiness, it fills me with fear. SoI do what I do best, I ruin it before it can ruin me. “Thisfriendshiphas been the best thing for me too.”

I can see the quick flash of pain at the word friendship. He brings my face towards him and kisses my forehead before pulling me into his side. “Come on, that’s enough heavy talk. Let’s go watch a movie and enjoy all this food.”

I roll my eyes at him. “It always goes back to the food.”

He laughs in response as we gather the food and drinks to the living room. After several minutes, we settle on watching a comedic action movie.

Halfway through the movie, we’ve gravitated towards each other until his right arm is around me and I’m nestled into his chest like it was molded just for me. Neither of us acknowledge it and just let ourselves enjoy this. There are no words to express how nice it is to just sit and be with someone. No need for words to fill the space. Just knowing they’re there in this moment with you. There’s a calming comfort in it, and he has very quickly become my favorite comfort.

I don’t know when I fell asleep, but I woke up in my bed with the comforter on. Damon must have brought me up here. I sit up and realize he’s not here—not that I would have expected him to be lying in bed with me. I find a note on my nightstand and start laughing out loud at this crazy new man in my life.

Isuggested that we go out to blow off some steam since Lily had an uncomfortable run-in with one of her difficult clients, Craig. There have been several allegations of sexual misconduct, which forced him into mandated therapy by his job, which is what brought him to Lily’s office. But with every passing session, she’s more convinced that the allegations are true. We don’t make a move until we know for sure, but he’s definitely getting there and may soon be a new addition to our files.

We’re sitting at the bar, at the same club we were at a few days ago with the guys, waiting to have some fun getting rid of assholes.

I am incredibly nervous to talk to Lily about Damon. This is the first time in a long time I’ve kept something to myself, but I worry if I say it aloud, that means this is serious. And I don’t do serious. I take a deep breath in and exhale before swinging my bar stool to face Lily. “Sooo, there’s something I want to ask you.”

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