Page 90 of Give Me a Reason

Ireland turned to go, but Gia stood there. “What did you say?”

My whole world was crashing down around me. Ireland wasn’t happy we’d been sneaking around behind her back, and now Gia knew how irresponsible I was. I needed this job. How could I be so reckless?

“I think you should go, Aria. We’ll talk about this later,” Gia said as she turned on her heel and walked away.

Anger coursed through me that I’d trusted Finn. That I believed him when he said nothing would happen. That he’d always protect me. He never understood how important this job was to me. It was more than a paycheck. It was stability, safety, and security. And I was rooming with his sister. That relationship was done, and I was most likely out of a job.

How could so much change in a few minutes? I’d felt so high, and now I’d lost everything.

I blinked away the tears, not wanting anyone to see I was upset. I gathered my purse and keys and headed out through the reception hall. I kept my head held high even as the tears threatened.

Out of the periphery, Finn raised his head when I passed, but he didn’t stop playing. He couldn’t. And why would he? He had no idea what just happened. That my world was exploding, and my job was part of the wreckage.

I’d trusted the wrong guy yet again. When would I learn? Guys like Finn and Raymond didn’t have to worry about things like money and stability. They could throw caution to the wind and do whatever they wanted. I had to stop getting caught up in that.

I went to my apartment at Ireland’s and packed up. There was no chance Ireland would still want me here. It was quick because I didn’t have much. I threw my clothes into garbage bags because it was all I had.

I’d moved to this great apartment, but nothing had really changed. I was still that girl in a trailer park, one wrong move away from being back there. On the way out, I left my key and a note that I was sorry.

I could tell her I loved her brother, but what would that change? I’d screwed up. I trusted that things would work out, but that was shortsighted. I’d broken Ireland’s trust and Gia’s rules.

Now I’d have to deal with the consequences. I’d try to get a job at a school, if there were any left, and maybe pick up something else on the side. I’d survive. I always did.

The luxury of taking college classes was out. I wouldn’t have the money if I wasn’t working for Gia.

I called my mom on the way over.

Mom’s familiar and comforting voice came over the speaker. “Aria? Is everything okay?”

“I’m on my way to your place. Is it possible—” I barely broke off before a sob erupted from my throat. “Can I stay with you?”

“Of course, but what happened with your apartment? I thought you were in a good place?”

“I thought so too, but it didn’t work out.” It never did.

“You know your bedroom is always available for you.” Mom’s voice was sympathetic.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Drive safe.”

I hung up, wondering how I could have been so stupid. I trusted Finn. I believed him when he said he’d talk to Ireland. I hadn’t pushed it either, but it was because I was afraid if I did, it would be too much for him. Maybe he wasn’t ready for a relationship, not if he couldn’t be honest with his sister.

I was right not to fully trust our relationship. I had a good reason not to.

I parked in my parents’ driveway, carrying my bags of clothes inside. I hugged my mom and said I needed some time to myself. In my childhood bedroom, I sat on the twin bed, wondering how I was back here.

I was naïve to think I could leave the trailer kid behind. I never truly left.

People like Finn and Ireland had their trust funds to fall back on. I had my parents’ trailer. As I lay back on my childhood bed, I found comfort that I’d always have this room and my parents. I wanted more, but it was stupid to think I could have it.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was what I had. My parents and sister loved me. That was all that mattered. I finally let go, crying into my pillow so my mother wouldn’t hear me. I didn’t stop until my cheeks were swollen and my eyes were dry.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Aria

I woke to the sunlight streaming through the open windows. I cursed the lumpy mattress and the cramped space. Since I’d moved out, Mom made this her sewing room, and there were boxes of things in every corner. I couldn’t believe I was back in my childhood bedroom.

---