BEAU
My hand scrubs over my face once Delilah is out the door. I have never felt more useless in my life than I do right now, which makes me angry. I could kill my cousin for calling my mother. This wouldn’t be happening if Harvey hadn’t found out I was investing in Delilah’s company, which I still don’t know how he did. Harvey came the night of the party hoping to talk me out of it-his presence was just as much a surprise to me as it was for Delilah-but it was already too late. Knowing Harvey, I bet he told my mother so she would come and ruin my plans for winning Delilah back. I punch the nearest wall as I realize all my progress from the past week is turning to dust as Delilah’s scent fades away.
Making my way back to the kitchen, the anger continues to course through my body. My mother and Harvey have ruined things for me again. I am pissed off beyond words. And what makes matters worse is I can’t do anything to either of them.
Mother gasps when she sees me. “Oh my God, son, why did you punch the wall?” She takes my hand, examining the bruised knuckles.
“When are you leaving?” I draw my hand away from my mother’s and step back, putting some distance between us. I love her, but the woman is the reason for more than half of my problems in this world. I don’t even understand why I care about her or even listen to her after everything she’s done to me.
“I don’t know when I’m leaving, but I plan to stay for a few days at least,” Mother says, following me up to my bedroom.
“I know you didn’t come here to take care of me. You can leave since you have accomplished what you came here to do.”
“Despite your beliefs, I am here to help you.”
“I don’t need help.”
“That’s not true; Delilah was here for the same reason. Why are you pushing me away, Beau?”
“Are you really asking me that question?” I ask, my brow arching.
“Don’t tell me you are angry with me because I threw out that…thing. I can’t even believe you were bold enough to allow her into your home.”
“She’s a person, Mother.” I sigh, not wanting to deal with an argument about Delilah. They never end well, and the last thing I want to do is take a visit to Grandfather’s-which is exactly what will happen if I push this right now. “Please, I would like to shower. If you don’t mind, can we continue this discussion later?”
“You’re trying to avoid talking about her? No problem. I never liked talking about her, either.” Mother replies, thankfully letting the subject drop. “I’ll leave you alone now.”
Thank God, I thought going into the bathroom and locking the door.
***
Later that night, I sit with Mother at Harvey’s restaurant for dinner. But I would rather be anywhere else. The food is taking forever, which unfortunately for me means there’s plenty of time for conversation.
Mother clears her throat before speaking. “So, Harvey tells me you are done with the business you came here for?”
“I am done with most of it,” I answer, even though my attention is on my phone. Delilah hasn’t replied to any of my messages or called me back. I’ve been worried all day about how she’s been since the incident this morning. She must be deeply hurt that I kicked her out, but I didn’t have a choice. I love her too much to not protect her from my vicious mother, even if she doesn’t understand. I protected her seven years ago by breaking up with her, and I will continue to protect her until I can find a way out of this situation. Maybe one day I can earn her forgiveness for all the pain I have caused her.
“That’s good to hear.” Mother’s voice interrupts my thoughts. “I’m going to see your grandfather next weekend. He has asked me to bring you along. He says the Clark family will be around and feels it might be a good time for you to finally meet them.” She gives me a pointed look. “I think so, too.”
My shoulders drop as I sigh. “We are back to this again?” I close my eyes momentarily and pinch the bridge of my nose. I hate when my mother talks about the Clark family. Yet another conversation that always ends up as a heated fight.
“What do you mean by that? It’s going to happen sooner or later.” She drums her fingers along the table and leans forward. “I know you think I don’t know why you’re here, but I do. I have allowed this stupid wish to float in your head long enough.” She sits back in her seat. “It’s time we meet the Clark family.”
“And if I say I won’t?” I glare at my mother.
“I know you wouldn’t do that because your love for that stupid girl won’t allow you to.”
“She is not stupid, and I promised you I would meet the Clark family when I turn thirty. I’m twenty-seven, Mother.”
“I know, but I fear we might never meet them unless it happens now.”
I close my eyes once more and massage my temple as I try to think of a way out of this. I want to continue to put off my meeting with the Clark family, but I know my thirtieth birthday is just around the corner. Maybe if I meet them now, my mother will give me some breathing space afterwards. That way, I can continue to focus on getting Delilah back.
“Fine,” I answer. “I’ll fly with you to meet the Clark family this weekend.”
“Thank you, dear. You are such a good son,” Mother says, patting my cheeks.