Page 127 of Enthrall
I gestured to the bag. “That’s my answer.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“You’re not even sure what it is you’re leaving.”
I stood my ground.
“Prove to me this is what you want,” he said. “That you won’t panic and desert Richard. Something tells me this relationship you have with him is about to get heavy. I don’t want him hurt. And equal to that is your fulfillment. Your happiness too, Mia.”
I swallowed hard, my heart and head racing in response to what he was saying.
I stepped closer to him. “Soon after my mother died I snuck into the attic to explore her personal items. You know, find out more about her from things of hers stored in a few dusty old boxes. I wanted to know her better. Understand who I was, I suppose. My mom loved to read, and amongst her collection of old books I found this one by Ayn Rand. My father had bought it for her according to the note inside. Well, I took that book and hid in my bedroom and read it under the covers with a flashlight. I was staying with a neighbor until they could get in touch with my father and ship me off to him. There was something comforting about knowing I had a piece of my mom. From the dog-eared pages, both my parents had read it.”
“Atlas Shrugged?” said Cameron.
“It was hard to understand most of it. But I was determined to get what the book was about. I reasoned it might help me grasp a philosophy for living. Maybe even show me how to survive. A message from my mother from beyond the grave. Like she’d wanted me to find it.”
Cameron’s expression was calm. His focus never wavered, as though those intense brown eyes could read every emotion matching each word.
Shakily, I went on, “Ayn Rand made it quite clear that if you came across a child in need of help... you should let her die.” A sob caught in my throat. “This was apparently not an uncommon philosophy. Even politicians have raved about how amazingAtlas Shruggedis and marveled at her philosophical system.”
“Objectivism,” said Cameron.
I took a deep steadying breath, hoping to make him understand. “Cameron, I...”
“You werethatchild.”
“One week away from digging around the garbage for food.”
Cameron’s eyes watered though his expression remained still, focused.
I gazed down at the envelope he’d given me and ripped it in half. “When I first came here all of you were so kind to me. A kindness I’ve never known. My step-mother took me in because she needed me. Where others turned their backs on me you all opened your arms and welcomed me in.” I moved closer, close enough to touch. “Richard paid off my debt. We’re talking thousands of dollars. His kindness was unconditional.” I caught my breath, trying to remain calm and let him see I could handle talking about this. “Don’t push me away, Cameron. Please.”
Mia, I--”
“I know that condo I’m living in is yours. You did that for me to get me out of that studio.”
He leaned his elbow on the desk and caressed his forehead. “How did you figure it out?”
“You used Lotte to entice me.” I tilted my head. “I wasn’t certain but now I am.”
“Clever girl.”
“Who’s idea was the fish tank?”
“Richard’s,” he said. “We needed to think up a reason why you’d be asked to house sit. Do you want me to get rid of it?”
“I’m not sure I want to stay there.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“What I do know is this, I love Richard and he loves me. I belong here.”
“That’s a half million dollar check you ripped up.”
“I don’t want your money. I want Richard.”
