Page 171 of Invisible String
Within seconds, he’s already snoring.
Once again, my thoughts are filled with a mixture of emotions. I think of the man who’s never forgotten me. He didn’t let go even when I pushed him away months ago. But this time it’s different. It’s me who might need the space. I love him too much to always be the trigger in his life. He deserves a woman who’s had a normal life. I thought it was me, but I’m far from that now.
I close my eyes, hoping the rest will give me better headspace.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
RAINEY
The sun has just risen. It feels as though I slept twelve hours, but looking at the clock, I find I only slept four hours. It’s close to five in the morning. Max is sleeping soundly. Daisy is snoring on his foot. Quietly, I slide out of bed, praying I don’t wake them up. I tiptoe into the restroom to shower.
Max is still asleep when I get out. I shoot Isabella a quick text that I’ll be out for a couple of days. She sends me a text and asks how I’m doing. She said Max told her what had happened when he was looking for me.
Once I’m dressed, I lean in to kiss him on the cheek softly. He must be tired. He doesn’t move. Yesterday was a long day for him as well. “I love you,” I whisper. “I just need a few days to clear my head on an open road.”
If he wakes, he won’t let me go alone. He’ll be worried. I need this. No, Johnny following me. Just me.
On the way to the pharmacy, I call my brother, who left many messages.
“Rainey. Damnit, I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m okay, I guess.” I stay quiet, unsure of what to say. He’s known.
He sighs. “I love you so much, baby sister. You know that. Nothing changes. I’m sorry Dad wouldn’t let me tell you.”
“Do you remember when you first saw me?”
“I do, I was excited. You were quiet. All Dad told me at first was that you had amnesia, and it would be safer to never mention it to you. He pulled out photo albums and started showing you pictures of some kid. I even thought it was fucked up. Mom also agreed. They said it would be for the best if you never remembered your old life. They had wanted to adopt. I had heard them talking about it once. That’s why I agreed at the time.”
“It wasn’t their decision to make. Sure, I was young, but fuck them for not telling me at the right age. Dad always wants control. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate they gave me a good life, and I have you and Beth.”
“I know. I’ve been telling him for fucking years. Mom even told him before she passed. He kept insisting that we not tell you. I think Mom and Dad talked about a lot behind closed doors.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. I love my mom. I’m lucky I’ve had two sets of parents.
“It’s all so fucked up. Did you know about Max?”
He takes a deep breath. “I did, but when you were in high school, Dad told me he wasn’t a good kid. He said he had to get rid of him.”
He sent him to another home.
“God, just… I hate him for what he did.”
“I know. Mom is the one who told me he was at the cabin with you. She was so happy that she said it was fate. You know, Mom’s always championed true love. But I didn’t know Dad had shown up. I was pissed when he mentioned he tried to pay Max off. We got into a big argument. I told him to let it be. Then he was worried because of all the lies. He made up stories of yourchildhood.” He sighs. “Dad is all about the wealthy staying with the upper class. He has fucking issues, considering he didn’t come from money. Mom was the one with money. Grandpa, Mom’s dad, paid for him to attend law school.”
I never knew Grandpa paid for his schooling.
“Oh, I guess there’s a lot I don’t know.”
“Grandpa is the one who told me. I think Grandpa made him that way, putting him down and making him go to school. He probably felt he wasn’t good enough for Mom. That’s why I think it’s strange for Dad to judge Max. Now Max has money. He worked his ass off to keep you.”
Tears slide down my cheek.
“Once he goes pro and gets popular, money will be rolling in from every corner, leaving Dad with his fucking mouth unhinged.” I take a deep breath. “I’m so angry at Mom and Dad. I’m sad for not remembering my parents passed and the boy whom I feel for.”
“I know, baby sis. I’m here for you. Always. You know, not to get sappy, but what you two have is special.”
“Yeah, I know.” I close my eyes. “I’m going to drive somewhere, anywhere, to get away. If Max calls, tell him I love him. I don’t know how much, but I need time alone.”
