Page 21 of Until the Ribbon Breaks

“You think?”

“I feel it’s important that we talk about this.”

“Talk about what? Your new boyfriend?”

“Harlow,” she cautions, but it only fans the flames of my irritation.

“I mean ... that’s what he is, right? That’s why you kissed him?”

“It’s a little more complicated than that.”

I shake my head. “You’re unbelievable. How could you do this to Dad?”

“I know this is confusing for you—”

“No, it isn’t confusing at all,” I tell her. “You’re cheating on Dad. All I want to know is why?”

“Marriage isn’t easy, and things ... well, things have been strained between your father and I, and—”

“And what? You’re bailing on us?”

“No,” she says quickly. “I would never bail on you. And you need to know that I love you.”

“What about Dad?” I ask as my throat tightens. “Do you love him?”

“Of course I do. I’ll always love him, but sometimes in life, love shifts.” She leans forward and folds her hands together. “Your father and I have been dealing with a lot lately.”

“You mean me?”

“No.” She stands and approaches me. “This has nothing to do with you, and I need you to believe me when I tell you that.” She reaches out to touch my arm, but I shrug it away. “This is between your father and me.”

“I called him.”

Her eyes widen. “You what?”

“I called him to tell him what you did.”

“You told him?”

“He didn’t answer.”

She releases a breath of relief. “I need you to let me tell him.”

“You should’ve already told him,” I snap.

“I know, but I have to find the right time. I still care deeply for him, and the last thing I want to do is hurt him. But it’s best that it comes from me, not you. The two of us need to be able to sit down and talk face to face.”

Emotions build, making it difficult to speak without breaking apart, but I force the words out anyway, asking, “Are you leaving Dad?”

She shrugs. “That isn’t something I can really answer right now.”

“I can’t believe you.” She reaches out once more, and I snap. “Don’t touch me! Don’t try to kiss my ass to save your own!”

“Watch your tone.”

“Are you serious?” I stride angrily across the room before turning back. “How can you say you love me when you’re throwing this family away for another guy?”

“I’m not throwing this family away.”

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