Page 91 of The Stranger
Nothing has changed.
Nothing more is said until my mother places the mug in front of me and takes the opposite seat. “I was going to ring you and ask for your new address, but since you’re here, there’s no need. I wanted to give you this.”
She reaches over to grab something off the pile sitting in the middle of the table. It’s a save the date card … for my sister and Kayne’s engagement. That was quick.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. If I’d been given this a few months ago, I probably would’ve broken down and cried, but if I’m being honest, my immediate reaction is far from that.
“I know this may be hard for you, Lilah, but?—”
“I’m okay with it,” I say, cutting her off, because I mean those words from the depths of my soul. What Spencer said was true.“You dodged a bullet with that one.”That weasel is Abigail’s problem now. “If this is what they want, I’m happy for them.”
“Oh,” is my mother’s response. I think she’s even surprised by my lack of reaction. “Your father and I were shocked at first. We didn’t see this coming so soon. Last week we went out to dinner with your sister, Kayne and his parents. I don’t think any of us were expecting a proposal, but when he got down on one knee and produced a ring?—”
“How sweet,” I say, cutting her off again. I don’t need the finer details. I just hope that piece of shit had enough class to buy my sister a new ring, and didn’t give her the one I threw back in his face the day I found my sister bouncing on his dick.
She sits up straighter in her chair. “I’m relieved you’re taking this in your stride.”
“Like I said, if this is what they want, all power to them.”
She nods her head, but I’m unsure if she believeswhat I’m saying. “Now that’s out of the way, how have things been with you?”
“Great … really good. I love my new job.”
“And Spencer?”
“He’s wonderful,” I say, unable to hold back my smile.
“I’m happy to hear that, sweetie. I’m glad you’re moving on with your life. I mean, I wish it was somebody other than him … you know, since he was Abigail’s first.”
“He was never Abigail’s, Mum. I could say the same about Kayne and me.”
She winces. “You know what I mean.”
I don’t respond to that, again choosing to pick my battles. “I came here today to get some more of my things … and my car. Are you okay if I take it?”
“Of course. Your father and I bought that for you … it’s yours to do with what you want.”
“Thank you. Damien, Spencer’s driver, has been taking me wherever I need to go, but it would be nice to have my car to get around. I’ve saved up enough money to re-register it.”
She reaches out and places her hand on my arm. “Look at you all fancy with your own driver,” she says, but I don’t hear any malice in her voice, which I’m grateful for.
“How are things with you and Dad?” I ask.
“You know, the normal.”
I nod, knowing exactly what she means.Boring and mundane, while doting on my sister’s every whim.
The next half hour is spent with small talk, nothing meaningful, which signals it’s time to go. These people will always be my flesh and blood, but that doesn’t mean I have to enjoy spending time with them.
After I pack the rest of the things that I want to takewith me, I look around my childhood bedroom, more than likely for the last time. Even if Spencer and I don’t work out, I doubt I’ll be back, other than for a visit.
As I’m wheeling my bag down the hallway, my sister’s bedroom door suddenly opens. I wasn’t aware she was home.
Her eyes widen when she sees me. “Crawling home with your tail between your legs,” she says like the smug bitch she is.
“Actually, no. I just came home to get the rest of my things. I got your save the date … congratulations.”
She rears back like I slapped her. Given how I’ve acted since it all went down, I can’t blame her for being sceptical, but I mean every word. These two deserve each other.
