Page 85 of Headstrong Like Us
His chest rises and falls heavily. Hand on his heart, he tells me, “There are going to be some things in life that you’re not going to be able to change. Or fix. And I don’t care if you don’t like it, but you’ll have to live with it.”
My pulse jackhammers in my temple. He knows I’m ready to beat against a metal wall until my fists are bloodied. I can’t give up that easily. On any person I love.
“Just tell me, Dad.”
My mom springs off the chair and zips to the door.
“Lily.” My dad is wide-eyed in concern.
“I’m just locking it.” She turns the lock, then shuffles back to him. My dad catches her sleeve and tugs her into his chest. Their arms tangle up together.
That one move eases me a bit.They’re good.
They’re good.
I convince myself—they’re good.
“Is it about Luna?” I wonder. “Thesex addictheadlines after she was at that club?”
My dad layers on a patented glare. “Those sick fucks can rot in the center circle of hell.”
“We expected it.” My mom nods resolutely. “It’s nothing we weren’t prepared for.”
Right…
So whatever’s getting to them…they weren’t prepared for it. “Why can’t you just tell me?” I point to my chest. “You usually don’t keep shit from me. I don’t understand why this is different.”
“Because you’re going to want to fix it,” my dad says. “And you still haven’t told me you won’t.”
“I won’t.” It’s my automation.
My line.
He stares at me like he knows, but he still speaks anyway. “It’s your grandmother. She’s been throwing a gigantic goddamnfitover not being invited to the wedding. Even before you mailed out the invitations.”
“But we’re dealing with her,” my mom adds quickly.
This…
I didn’t expect.
My muscles solidify. Rusted shut. “That’s it?” I lick my dry lips. “It’s only Grandmother Calloway?” I know she’s the root to a lot of issues in my family. But I hate that this old crotchety woman still has the power to cause such a fucking impact.
My mom nods strongly. “Just her.”
“What is she doing to you?” I ask, eyes flaming. Protective. Wishing I could just slam a door closed and lock her away from my mom forever.
“It’s…” She stares sadly at her hands. “It’s complicated. Words have been passed around, and they’re not-so-kind—but we’re dealing with it. Right, Lo?”
My dad is glaringmurderouslyat the door. He mutters under his breath, “Can she fucking die already.”
“Jesus Christ,” I breathe.
He flashes me a smile. “Kidding.”
“No you weren’t,” I tell him.
He widens his eyes on me. “I forgot a Hufflepuff was in the room. Cover your ears next time.” Silence lingers in place of where we’d normally smile.
