Page 112 of Wrecked
“I’m…I’m okay. I…sorry, I just felt a little dizzy,” she lies.
“Oh, honey. Come sit down,” Diane says, her voice filled with worry.
“I think…I need…I need to go.”
“Els…you can’t drive like this. Come on, I’ll help you to the bedroom. Mom, which one are we staying in?”
I cringe.
She could have gone without hearing that. I could have gone without seeing her reaction to hearing that.
My soul left my body when I saw Chris standing in the living room of Katie’s mother’s home. I was immediately in denial. Maybe Chris and Diane got divorced. Maybe he married Katie’s mother.
But then Chris left, and I was face-to-face with the woman I would move mountains for.
Nathaniel knew. That mother-fucking piece of shit knew. I bet he wishes he were here to see my face right now. To watch me as I realize he’s won, that there is no way I can ever have Ellie now.
Not when I stood there in front of her holding her sister’s hand.
I was slapped with a whirlwind of emotions, but I carefully suppressed them. Keeping my face unaffected by the devastation happening inside me.
No.
No fucking way. Nathaniel doesn’t win. Iwillget Ellie back.Even if I have to tie her up and hold her hostage. She’ll be mine again. This changesnothing.
We make eye contact as Katie directs her to the bedroom, our connection still overwhelming. It’s still there. It wasn’t a façade, or some high school obsession. Our hearts are linked for eternity. I didn’t imagine it. It’s clear as day as I watch her try and hold herself together.
Every part of her wants to run to me.
I feel it too, baby. Hold on just a little longer, I promise.
I pullup to the red brick building that was a staple of my childhood. A deep-rooted, familiar fear grips my chest, but I shove it down. I don’t fear him. I don’t fear this place. I won. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Most kids dream of going to work alongside their fathers. For me, I dreaded anytime I was dragged here against my will. Nathaniel’s office was the place where I suffered most of my abuse as a small child. But now, I feel subdued eagerness walking into this building. My father owes a debt, and I’m here to collect payment.
I put my car in park and walk toward the tall glass doors of Westin & Associates. A place I will never inherit because today is the day I walk away from my life as a lawyer. I haven’t even registered to take the bar exam.
This place will be sold to the highest bidder.
I balance the coffee tray I’m holding in one hand and press the elevator button with the other. Twenty-second floor. There is only one office on that floor, an office designed to have soundproof walls. It’s easier to beat your children that way.
The elevator dings, announcing my arrival. I step through the sliding doors and make my way toward Nathaniel’s office.He must have heard me arrive because he opens his office door before I get the chance to knock.
He looks pleased with himself.
“Son. I wasn’t expecting you. Did you enjoy meeting your fiancée’s family?” he goads, trying his best to appear innocuous.
“You can drop the act,” I say, shoving the coffee toward him. “We have things to discuss.”
“And what might those things be, son?” He chuckles as if this whole thing amuses him. He takes a large sip of his coffee and waits.
“I’m not marrying Katie.”
His face drops, the amused innocence transforms into annoyed anger, as if speaking with a petulant child.
“That’s not an option for you, Nathan. I know today likely stirred up some heavy…emotions, but don’t forget what is on the line,” he clips, thinking he still holds all the cards. “Your sister still has a very long health-journey ahead of her. It would be a shame if she lost funding now.” Another sip.
“She won’t. You’ll continue to finance her chemotherapy and radiation. You’ll pay for Emmy’s transplant. She has a donor lined up if you haven’t heard. I’m ending things with Katie, and you will still do all this. And do you want to know why?” I ask with smug arrogance.
