Page 89 of Crossing Lines

“He’s just old school. A lot of the owners are like him.”

“I’m serious. Harold doesn’t seem like the type of person to try to help someone.”

“I know, but it’ll be fine. I’m used to dealing with people like him. I’ll meet him to keep the peace, but I don’t want advice from him. He ruined the business and is clearly not good at managing a team.”

“Okay,” I say, letting it go.

The conversation moves on to more neutral topics, like our favorite movies or music, as I enjoy my waffles, eggs, and bacon.

When we’re almost finished, my phone rings and I glance at the screen. Mom, again. I silence the call and then put my phone on do not disturb. She wants an update on the nonexistent lawyer that I haven’t called,and I’m hoping to keep her at bay by delaying the meeting with said fictional lawyer.

“Is she why you don’t like to have your phone on you?” Evren asks.

“I…maybe?” I never thought of it like that before, but it tracks. I hate getting her calls. I hate being responsible for her. I hate feeling so used when it comes to her.

“What kind of relationship do you want with her?”

“I don’t know…”

“You do,” Evren insists.

I sigh. “I really don’t know. Some days, I wish she’d get clean, and that we could start over. I’m not sure how much her addiction is influencing her personality, and I’d like to get to know the real her. But on other days, I don’t want to ever see or talk to her again.”

“And today? How do you feel?”

“The latter. She’s calling about the jacket or to ask for more money, or both.”

“And do you give her more money?” he asks. It’s his nonjudgmental and curious tone that keeps me talking. Every time Rose brings up Mom, it’s with an undercurrent of judgment like I should know better.

I nod, hating to admit that. “I send it to her because I feel guilty that she’s had such a hard life because she had me.”

“Why do you feel guilty?” he asks, surprise coloring his tone. “She’s the one who got pregnant, not you. She’s the one who signed away her rights to Mick’s support, notyou. Sounds to me like she’s been using you as a scapegoat forheractions.”

“I… You’re right. I get that, I do. But I don’t know how to change how I feel towards her.”

“It’ll take time, and probably some therapy.”

Therapy is something that was never on my radar due to my lack of funds. But it’s also something I could realistically budget for now that Evren is paying me a salary. It’s strange to think that I could pay for it, but I’m not used to spending money on myself, except for the basic necessities. Maybe it’s time to change that?

“I’ll think about it,” I say. For the first time, talking about Mom isn’t a one-way street that leads to sadness and helplessness. Instead, there’s another way I can take when it comes to her, one that involves me healing and perhaps there might be some healing for her too.

And it’s all because of Evren.

The elevator doors slide open, revealing a world of vibrant colors and eclectic decor. The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of perfume and leather, and the hum of conversations. Lila Lark’s headquarters are nothing short of a fashionista’s dream.

After brunch, we hopped on to Evren’s jet to New York City. Evren somehow knows that Lila is my favorite designer, and I have no idea how. When I was a kid, I’d flip through every magazine in the grocery store,looking for the photos of celebrities wearing her designs. There’s only one person who knows about my obsession with her. Taking out my phone, I snap a picture and send it to the girls.

Me: Way to tell Evren all my secrets, Elodie.

Elodie: Boo hoo, you’re at your idol’s fashion house. Send more pics!

Aria: I take it you two made up?

Me: We did and we’re officially together.

Stella: OMG! YAY! I’m so happy for you.

Elodie: Same! Eek, I knew you two were meant to be.

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