“You want me to see a shrink?”
“Yes. If you think it will help. Yes…I want you to get help. I think you need it.”
“Wow. Subtlety is no longer your strong suit. What happened to my sweet little girl?”
“I’m sorry.” I sip my whiskey, thankful for the burn and the numbness that follows. “I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.”
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing, I’m fine. We’re talking about you.”
“Then I’m fine.”
“Will you stop with that shit, Mom?”
“No, I will not.”
“I am fine. I’m just…tired.”
“Same
guy?” The insinuation in her voice brings all my wandering thoughts of Tobias to a crashing halt. Even if it’s my head he’s invading, he’s got me vulnerable. I hate that she can hear it.
Just like that, all my shields snap back into place.
I’m done. I’m done thinking about him. I’m done fantasizing about him.
“Mom, we’ll talk about this some other time, okay? I’m going to wire you some money as soon as the funds are transferred. Life-changing money. You be happy about it.”
“You know I can’t take money from you.”
“Then take money from Roman.”
“He’s truly not the cold-hearted man he makes himself out to be.”
“It’s much too late.”
“I don’t want his money, Cecelia.”
“What do you want from him?”
I can hear the flick of her lighter, and her exhale. “Nothing. He gave me the best thing he could ever give me.”
“Why won’t you talk about him? If you’re so determined that I give him a chance, then give me a reason to.”
“Because he’s your father.”
“Not good enough. Does he think you tried to trap him? Is that why he’s been so stingy with his money?”
“You mean baby trap him? No, no, nothing like that.”
“Then tell me what it’s like. I really would like to know. Don’t you think I deserve to know?”
“There will come a day when I’ll explain things to you, but for now, can you just try to be patient with him?”
“No,” I’m adamant. “My patience has run out. He’s given me nothing, and I’m only here…” I cut myself off mid-sentence. I don’t want her to ever know I spent my time in Triple Falls to make sure she’s taken care of.
“Parents love their children, Cecelia, even if some are incapable of showing it the way they should.”