Page 81 of Take Hold of Me

Mom gives me an open-armed hug, and I pat her back. She turns and looks at my date, blinks once, then puts her hand in front of her mouth. Eyes wide, she turns to FPU, then back to Ems. “Mom, may I introduce Emilie. Emilie, my mother, Molly.”

“Enchanté.”

Mom mouths the French word. FPU clears his throat and she startles as if remembering her manners. Extending her hand, she says, “How nice to meet you. Are you really dating my son? I mean, I saw a magazine photo of the two of you together, but I thought it was just,” she waves her hand, “you know.”

Can this be any more uncomfortable? “We’re dating, Mom.” Why did I confess this to her like I’m a teenager?

Next to me, Ems beams. Despite this situation, my gut—or somewhere slightly south—tightens.

“My son is dating a supermodel. How amazing.” She looks at Emilie. “You need a drink, dear. Come with me and I’ll show you what we have.” She takes Ems by the arm and drags her away from me, making sure to stop by everyone between here and the kitchen to show off her latest social trophy.

“You’re really dating a supermodel?”

I force my fist to open. “Yes.”

“Does she know how to read?”

I close my eyes and count backward from ten. “She’s literate and fluent in at least four languages. Three more than you.”

He shrugs. “Better enjoy her while you can, then. Women like that don’t stay tied down to gym rats for long.”

My teeth grind together but I concentrate on keeping my hands open. I can’t let loose on him. No matter how much he deserves it. Too many people are around. Besides, I promised Ems I’d try.

“So I heard you bought out David. He’s heading out of town in a couple of weeks, and you’ll be running Addie’s gym.”

Having nothing to add, I nod.

“Addie created a real positive environment over there. Like everything she did, she put her whole heart into it. Think you can do her justice?”

I can’t let his nasty innuendos go. Keeping my voice low, I bristle, “Just because I didn’t go into the military doesn’t mean that I can’t run Complete. I was a personal trainer, you know.”

He shrugs. “Right. But there’s a huge difference between being a foot soldier and an officer. Addie earned her stripes. And you just picked up a check from some rock star who let you follow him around.”

“I was Cole’s security detail. I saved his life.”

“And I’m sure the world is a much better place for it.”

Like a teenager, my belligerence explodes. “If you were half the father as the hotshot military man you claim to be, maybe some of that loyalty would’ve been channeled to your own goddamn family.”

A noticeable hush falls over the living room as guests give us space yet lend their ears. FPU’s face turns red. In an exaggerated whisper, he utters, “Maybe if you were half the man your sister was, she would be standing here today.”

Promise be damned. “I don’t need to stay here and listen to this. I came because Mom asked. And Emilie wanted to meet you both, even though I told her you weren’t worth it. And I’d say you just confirmed that truth.”

A gasp—complete with a French accent—reaches my ears.Fuck.

The noose around my neck, otherwise known as a tie, constricts to the point where my breathing becomes shallow. I’m so done with this farce. I turn to Emilie. “We’re leaving.”

Deep green eyes, swimming in unshed tears, meet mine. She doesn’t say a word, just nods.

“Mom.” I offer her a half-hearted hug and stride out of the room, not bothering to glance at the other partygoers. I presume Emilie’s right behind me.

When I reach the front walkway, I take a huge gulp of air, which feels condescending. Leave it to my father to figure out how to bend Mother Nature to his will, too. Nothing like being the General’s biggest, living disappointment.

My legs eat up the distance between the house and my Jeep. Soon, I’m ensconced in the driver’s side, the comforting steering wheel underneath my hands. I start the engine and classic rock immediately fills the vehicle. FPU always hated hearing “that noise,” so I lower the windows and turn it up all the way.

The passenger door opens and Emilie slides in next to me.Crap. I didn’t even help her into the Jeep. My fucking father screwed with my head, but that doesn’t give me the right to treat her the way he treats my mother.

“Ems. I’m so sorry. I tried to keep my promise.” She turns her face to me, her cheeks wet.

My heart breaks at how small she looks. I touch her delicate skin with my thumbs and swipe the tears away.

She’s managed to do the impossible—make me agree with my father. I’m not worth it. I’m not worth her, and I never will be.

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