Page 77 of Toxic

Fiona's glare intensifies, but I stand my ground.

Jeremy nods. "Okay, Ms. O'Connor. Sorry to upset you."

I force myself to smile. "It's okay. I just need you to adhere to the rules when you're at our house."

"Yes, ma'am." Jeremy grabs Fiona's hand. "Come on."

Fiona doesn't move. She has the same eyes as me, and they turn a dark blue. She lifts her chin, defiantly pinning them on me. "This is my room. Jeremy, you can stay. Just ignore her."

Anger sweeps through me. This isn't the polite, respectful daughter I raised. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

I take a deep breath and focus on Jeremy. "I'm sorry, but you need to leave now."

He shifts on his feet, runs his hand through his dirty blond hair, and his gaze darts between us.

"Out. Time to go home," I reiterate.

Fiona grits her teeth and straightens her shoulders. "No, you can stay."

Jeremy releases her hand and kisses her on the cheek. "I'm going to go. Call me later."

Fiona continues to throw me daggers with her eyes. They intensify as Jeremy slides past me.

As soon as he's out the door, I shut it, then step toward Fiona. "There are very clear rules in this house. You were in the kitchen when Sean and I had this discussion about his girlfriend. No matter how upset with me you are, you still have to obey my rules."

"You're such a hypocrite."

I jerk my head backward. "And why is that?"

She sarcastically laughs. "You're a liar. You act all high and mighty, but you're no better than anyone else."

I swallow the hurt her words cause. "I'm sorry you feel that way. You're grounded until it's time to leave for the Marinos' tomorrow night."

"What! You can't do that!" she cries out.

Fresh oxygen feels stale as I take a deep breath. I've never grounded either of my children. Before our rift, they never disobeyed me. I lower my voice. "I can and just did. Give me your phone."

Her eyes widen. "No."

"Yes." I hold out my hand.

She shakes her head and puts her hand over her pocket. "You have no right to take my phone."

I step closer and keep my hand out. "I'm your mother. I pay the bill. Now, give me your phone, or I'll ground you through the holiday weekend."

She scowls. "You would. Then I would have more time away from my family. That would make you happy, wouldn't it?"

It's another sting, but I ignore it. "What would make me happy is for you to return to the respectful daughter I raised. Now, this is your last warning. Give me your phone, or I'm extending your punishment."

She clenches her jaw, stares me down a moment, but finally pulls her phone out of her pocket. "Fine. Take it." She spins and walks into her bathroom and slams the door.

For several moments, I close my eyes and try to calm my racing heartbeat. I leave her room, go into mine, and put her phone on my desk. My phone vibrates, and I glance at the text.

Dante:I heard you're attending the party tomorrow night.

My stomach dives, thinking about facing the O'Malleys and all the memories of previous Marino parties. Once upon a time, I loved them. Hell, even Sean loved them once Dante and he became friends. There was always something magical about holiday parties with the Marinos, and Sean fit right in. Going to a party without him and having fun somehow seems unfair.

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