Page 162 of Twisted Collide

“A few months before you graduated, I saw an interview on tv. Some sort of press conference, but there he was. Your father. It had to be him. Same first name and everything. I tracked down his number that very day, but I couldn’t bring myself to call him.”

“Why not?”

“When I found out I was pregnant, I cut everyone from that life out. I was too scared of meeting someone who knew the old me. I also didn’t know how I’d tell you. Here I was, always telling you to be a good girl. Get good grades, don’t sleep around, focus on your future. And I was—and still am—the biggest hypocrite. I didn’t have the guts to call him.”

“Until the morning you kicked me out.”

“I got in touch with him a few weeks before, but that day was when I asked him to take you. I messed up. I was so focused on preventing you from becoming me that I pushed you away.” She peers down at the floor before glancing back up. “I abandoned you when you needed me most. I’m so sorry, Josie. God, I’m sorry.”

Tears stream down her cheeks. I bite down on my tongue, forcing myself to hold it together. But then Mom sobs, and I can’t hold it in any longer. My own tears start to fall. Her words have opened up memories of my youth.

Scenes hit me in the chest like a ton of bricks. Every time she worked long hours to provide for me. When she tried to protect me from everyone, including myself.

Those are the moments that matter.

Yes, she should’ve talked to me. She shouldn’t have sent me away. She should’ve told me about Dad the second I found out.And she should’ve spent more time with me as a kid, making sure I never felt like a burden.

But she loved me.

Shelovesme.

She made so many wrong choices, but when it mattered, she did the right thing—she sent me here.

Working for Dad has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Mom sweeps me in her arms, brushing away my tears. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but can you ever forgive me?”

“You hurt me. You hurt Dad.”

“I wish I could take it all back.”

“But you can’t.” I pull away from her, staring into her eyes. “I can’t erase all the years I felt like you wished I was never born. I spent most of my life feeling like a burden, never having anyone to turn to for advice, and feeling inadequate in every sense of the word. But…”

“But?”

“But I know the truth now. I want to forgive you, but it will take time.”

“So, you’ll try?” Her voice sounds hopeful.

“Of course, I’ll try.”

I used to think I could never forgive her. But right now, right here, in this bed, in my new home, I know I can, eventually.

I thought I lost everything when she sent me away.

Instead, I found the most important thing—myself.

“Mom?”

“Yes, my love?”

“There’s nothing wrong with becoming you.” It’s my turn to wipe her tears. “I’ve always looked up to you.”

72

DANE

We have a game tonight,but that doesn’t stop me from driving to Coach’s house. After parking, I head to the door and knock.

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