ChapterFifteen
Glenda
Leave it to Cora to try and break the ice in a tense situation. The woman really is an angel. My mother turns a glare toward her, and I know it’s because she’s never been her biggest fan. I heard her mutter a few things about her under her breath during my brother's wedding. Jealousy really is a nasty thing.
“We won’t be staying for the cake,” my mother all but hisses at her. “We’re leaving.”
The anger I’m already feeling starts to bubble up inside me. I tell myself to stay calm, but my grip on it is quickly slipping. It’s not just me that’s having to take their rudeness now. They’re lashing out at people who have been nothing but kind and loving to me.
Cillian’s hold on me tightens. Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. I wouldn’t try to, but I adore that my Cillian isn’t backing down from them. He’d even offered to give my greedy parents more. That wouldn't be happening either. I’m sure whatever Cillian already offered was more than generous. They have gone too far now.
“Let’s not forget that we’re family,” I remind everyone. “Felipe and Amelia are married, and I’m sure grandkids will be coming along shortly.” I do my best to try and reason with my parents. I’m still holding on to a glimmer of hope that we can save this.
“You’re right. We’re supposed to be family, and the Floreses should respect the fact that we have said no. Don’t be selfish, Glenda. Did you not hear what I said? The Rollins family could crush us.”
I want to roll my eyes but manage to control myself. I could be wrong, but I find it hard to believe that they would sink a company they have stock in over an arranged marriage. I think my parents are being dramatic because my father doesn’t like that he’s not in control of something. That something being me.
“This is bullshit,” I snap, and my parents' eyes widen in surprise that I’m pushing back. “This tradition isn’t supposed to be about business deals. It’s about what you think is best for your daughter. You’d rather pawn me off to Travis Rollins, who makes my skin crawl. Not that you know that because you never asked, but I’m sure you’re more than aware of his reputation. Only you don’t seem to care. In fact, it’s clear now what you really care about. Your business is your priority, which is probably why your own marriage is the way it is. You have no clue what’s truly important. And you wonder why Felipe went out and made his own way. You two were perfect examples to us of what we would never want in life.”
Everyone stares at me while Cillian smiles and leans down to softly kiss me.
“I love you,” he says, and I can’t help how I light up at the words.
“I love you too.” This time I lean in and kiss him, not caring who can see. I’m picking Cillian, and I don’t need anyone else’s approval.
“I think this has gotten out of hand. Maybe we should all take a breath,” my father announces loudly.
No, I think he’s realized that he's losing control, and he can’t truly force me to do anything. Before Cillian came along, I’m sure my parents thought they could force my hand by making me think I didn’t have anywhere else to go. If I didn’t do as they wanted, I could end up on the street. Felipe would never let that happen.
“Yes, that does sound like a good idea,” Cora says. Her husband has moved to her side, where he’s tucked her into him protectively. Not that I think she needs it.
“I agree. Felipe would want to be a part of this conversation as well,” I say in agreement, remembering my brother's words to me at his wedding. I think he knew my father was up to something. As much as my parents don’t get along, my mother still tends to move in the direction he instructs.
“He has no part in—”
“I already spoke to him,” Cillian says, cutting my father off.
“You did?” I tilt my head to look up at him.
“Of course. I know how much you respect and love him.”
“Cillian.” My eyes fill with tears, and I could melt right now. “What did he say?”
“He said as long as I love you and you’re happy, then he was happy for us.” Cillian’s thumb comes up and sweeps away one of the tears that managed to escape.
“Well then.” Cora claps her hands together. “Would you all like to join the party now since we’re putting this on ice? We can also have a room made ready for you.” Cora once again tries to be cordial to them.
I want to tell everyone nothing is on ice and that this is happening. Maybe enough has been said for today because we’ll end up going in circles, and really I’ve said what I need to.
“This is done for now, I suppose. I expect you home sometime tomorrow, Glenda.” My father starts to leave, thinking for some crazy reason I’m going to obey him. Did he not understand what I said?
“She won’t be there tomorrow.” Cillian responds for me. “Did you miss the part where I said she was pregnant with my child?” Although nothing is one hundred percent confirmed, and Cillian might be getting a little ahead of himself, the odds are in his favor.
“Pregnant?” Cora’s whole face lights up with excitement. I forgot she wasn’t in the room yet when Cillian let that cat out of the bag. At least someone is happy.
“Yes, your son knocked up my unwed daughter,” my father barks. For the first time ever, I see Cora’s face transform. The smile falls away as she lands a hard glare on my father. Oh shit. He’s done it now. He must know it too because he visibly tenses.
“Well, I wouldn’t saddle your high horse just yet. Your son was climbing into my daughter’s bedroom window before they were married. So maybe put those rocks down.” I snort a laugh. Leave it to Cora to smack someone right upside the head in the sweetest of ways. The woman truly is a gift.
My mother opens her mouth and then closes it quickly. Cora’s got her there.
After a moment, the smile returns to Cora’s face, and she addresses my parents once again. “Now, come and have cake or see yourselves out.” She steps out from under her husband's arm and comes over to me. She grabs my hand and leads me out of the library and back into the party.