Page 128 of Beautiful Storm

“Thanks. And thank you for ensuring you’re the hot topic of conversation at Christmas. Ooh and you can bring Amelia now.” She lets out an excited little squeal. “You know, since it’s no longer a secret.”

A knot forms in my stomach but she’s right. The secret’s out.

Things are about to change. Let’s hope it’s for the better.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Amelia

My mom has her faults but I always thought she’d have my back when it really mattered. Until now.

I’m pacing my tiny apartment, staring at the baby furniture when my phone rings. I rush over, expecting it to be Luke but it’s my mom. Again.

I don’t know what to say to her. I must have asked her a million times not to share my private life with the world, but she continues to—Nooo. She wouldn’t have leaked it.Right?

“Did you speak with someone in the media?” I answer her call before it goes to voicemail.

“Excuse me? Is that how—”

“Just answer the question.”

“That wasn’t me.”

I let out a long sigh of relief until she continues speaking. “I think it was your father.”

Jesus. As if he hasn’t hurt me enough.

“The original photo didn’t name you—it only named Luke—but the second I saw it, I called your dad. I was excited, and I wanted someone to share that excitement with me. But when I saw the article again a few hours later, it had been updated.”

“Why him? Why not call one of your friends?”

“He’s your dad.”

“No, he’s not. He hasn’t been my dad for a long time. Not since he walked out of my life. And I know we’re different, that you were never able to cut him off, like I was, and I get it… you never stopped loving him. But didn’t you love me too?Don’tyou love me too? Because my child hasn’t even been born yet and I know with absolute certainty that I would never treat them the way you’ve treated me. No matter what happens with Luke, my child will always be my number one priority.”

“I’m sharing good news. Why would you assume that means I love you less?”

“Because I explicitly told you not to. Many times. And after I separated from Preston, Ibeggedyou not to talk to anyone about me, and yet I still got calls from both Preston and Dadwhen I got my new job.”

“They care about you.”

“I want it to stop,” I snap and then pause, shaking my head as a dizziness rolls through me. “I wish I’d never told you I was pregnant,” I add, softer this time. “But I wanted to trust you and I can’t do it anymore. Dad walked away when I was thirteen, and I left Preston over a year ago. It’s time you moved on or…” I trail off. I’m not someone that dishes out threats. That’s not me. But I can’t let her continue to bring me down. There’s too much at stake now.

“Or what?”

“Or you won’t see your grandchild at all.”

“Amelia, you’re being—”

“I can’t, Mom. Please, just give me some space.”

I hang up without saying goodbye and drop to the couch as my head throbs. It’s been a long time since I ended a conversation with my mom in a good mood, but she’s never made me physically hurt.

Taking a deep breath, I massage my temples to try and alleviate the stress, but it doesn’t work, so instead I lie down and close my eyes, hoping I just need to rest.

I’m not sure how much time passes, but I’m startled awake with a knock at my door. My first thought is Hayley, but I know she has a meeting about her new film today, which means unless someone’s found my address, it’s Luke.

I get up slowly and walk over to the door, but I don’t make it before he knocks again, and when I open up, his hand is raised, ready to go for a third time.

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