Garrison stays quiet, processing. I’m doing the same. It’s a lot to digest.
Lo says, “Take it, man. The god has spoken.”
Connor grins.
Ryke groans. “Come on. He’s a fucking six-foot-four human being with good hair.”
“At least we’ve established one thing,” Connor says. “Ryke loves my hair.”
“I think you want to be fucking punched in a courthouse.”
Connor’s grin widens, but he plants his deep blue eyes back on Garrison.
My boyfriend’s brows are furrowed, still thinking over the offer, and he keeps glancing at me. The second time he does, I realize why. It didn’t really hit me until now, but if he accepts Connor’s offer, we may not see each other that much anymore.
At least not for the next four years.
My stomach is already churning, but there’s no desire to stop Garrison from this. Not for me. When he looks to me for the third time, I tell him, “Take it.” Our eyes lock in a heady beat. “You can do anything, Garrison.”
I truly, truly believe this.
Garrison looks back to Connor. “I’ll have to stay in Philadelphia?”
“Yes,” he says. “You’ve never done a start-up of any kind, and while you’re creative, you need me to teach you about business.”
Connor isn’t the type to just blindly invest in a person. This isn’t a normal job offer, and anyone receiving it would be jumping head-first at the chance. No questions asked.
Garrison angles towards me, confusion still pleating his forehead. His eyes carry raw, hard truths.
I’ve been accepted to Wakefield University, and I’ll be leaving for London in August.
Different countries.
Different continents.
A whole ocean separating us. And I see that he wants to keep me close. I want him by my side, too. That was the plan when I chose this college. But he can’t come to London and leave behind an opportunity as great and big as this one. Working at Cobalt Inc. is the road that will lead him in the right direction. I know it.
“Take it,” I repeat, sucking in a tight breath. Pain lances me. “I just want the best for you.” This is the best.
“The best for me is to be with you.” His nose flares, restraining emotion. “I’m a better fucking person when I’m with you.” He rubs his face a couple times, trying to stop himself from crying.
Our lives are about to split, fissure, and fracture by this one decision. But I think it’d break worse if he didn’t choose the job. I think we’d both resent each other in the end.
I lean closer to him, a breath apart. “Don’t be afraid,” I whisper. “You can do anything on your own. I know you can.” But can I be without him? The question rips through me, and my glasses fog up.
I take them off.
His reddened eyes meet mine, and he’s a little fuzzy in my vision now, but it’s not too bad. He clasps my hand, threading his fingers. “I love you,” he says.
Tears crease my eyes.
“No matter where we are,” he tells me. “You’re always going to be my girl.”
The future feels different now that Garrison and I are planning to live apart. More somber and up in the air. But I try to push the reality behind me to focus on what’s before me.
The courtroom quiets as Robert Moore approaches the bench. My dad and I already stand in front of it. I hold my arm to my chest, nervous that everyone is looking at me. Because everyone is.
I try not to glance at Robert. Not wanting to have my earth shattered today with a mental image of his expression.
The judge looks to him. “Since the means of Mr. Hale outweigh most, I wanted you here in person. I need to make sure you haven’t been coerced, threatened, or swayed by financial means to give consent.”
The court reporter’s fingers move quickly, capturing the judge’s words.
“This is what it’s come to. I’m not surprised.” Robert’s words are a battleax to my heart.
He did raise me. Before the divorce, before things soured, he raised me.
“Are you in agreement surrendering your parental rights, Mr. Moore?” the judge asks.
I glance over at that.
Wrong move.
Robert shrugs. This nonchalant, I don’t give a shit shrug. “All along, I think I knew that she wasn’t my kid. It’s not just about looks, but no one in my family needs glasses.”
It feels like a hole is being chiseled through my chest. I’d have loved going the rest of my life not hearing Robert’s opinion about me.
But he crosses his arms and keeps going. “She doesn’t act like any kid of mine. She’s practically mute half the time.” I can’t breathe. “She dresses more like a boy than a girl.” Please stop. “She has no friends.”
Feet clatter behind me, and I glance over to see Lily, Lo, Ryke, Daisy, Connor, Rose, and Garrison all standing to their feet. All silently saying she’s my friend.