Page 66 of The Promises We Break

She leans back on the bed, taking me with her, and thank god, because I’m not even close to done with her yet.

34

EMBER

Iwoke up this morning, my phone treating me like I am a scandalous celebrity with news no one but paparazzi cares about.

Mom: You got married?! Your father is furious. WE are furious!

Mom: Stop ignoring my calls.

Cody: Mom and Dad are pissed. I can’t believe you got married, Em. What the hell?

Mom: Ember, I am so disappointed in you. What were you thinking?

Dana: Cat’s out of the bag. I don’t know who said what, but the whole town knows you got drunk married in Vegas. Including your parents…

Mom: Ember, you need to call me so we can figure this out. You can still getthis annulled.

Mom: It’s time to come home now.

Dana: Suzy slipped and they know you got a job, too. That went over well. Don’t be mad at her. She was trying to defend you and it just came out.

Mom: Elliot has been waiting. How could you do that to him?

Cody: Have you been brainwashed? This is so not you. What’s going on?

Mom: You call me immediately!

Dana: Okay, for real. Elliot’s been acting weird. And your parents are on another level.

Mom: The whole town’s talking about this, Ember. How could you embarrass us with reckless behavior? This is over now. Call me.

I reread through the plethora of text messages from my mom, brother, and Dana, and as much as I’ve dreaded this moment, I’m relieved it’s out in the open. Timing is bittersweet with the trip back home this weekend. It’ll be like choosing to fly into Hell, but at least they know I won’t be staying.

I can only assume Elliot was the one who finally told them. I didn’t race after him when he was here, and now that he knows where I stand, I just need to make my parents understand how I feel and what I’m doing. I’m permanently moving to Seattle. I’m with Hudson, albeit temporary for us, but they don’t need to know that.

Another text message pops through and I dread looking at it, but like a car crash, I can’t turn away. A smile instantly tugs on my lips when I see it’s Hudson.

Hudson: Are we still going to check out the building before our flight?

Me: Yup! So excited to show you everything!

Hudson: Can’t wait ;) Pick you up at 2?

Me: Perfect.

“So, Hudson has been helping you with your sexual research, huh?” Cruz shocks me with his question as he walks into my office with our morning coffee.

Why have espresso when you can just have a shot of Cruz?

“What makes you say that?” I ask, trying to hide my blush.

“It’s obvious you are totally getting laid, like a lot,” he replies. “You try to hide it, but I’m sort of a professional at smelling sex from a mile away.”

I scrunch up my nose.

“Figuratively, of course, silly girl.” Batting a hand at me.

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