Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 116597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 466(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
I didn’t know why my body reacted like this was shocking news, like there was any other wish my mother would have. I knew when she turned her back on me as a teenager that I didn’t matter to her.
But I was still just a girl.
And I wanted my mother to love me.
My eyes fell to my nails. I needed a manicure. My brain chose to focus on that so I didn’t slip too far into my emotions. “Of course, she doesn’t want me there,” I continued. “She can’t hide me if I’m in the same room as her and all her friends.”
Maven’s brows shifted inward. “And what do you want?”
“To not be in this position,” I answered honestly. “I love Lacey with all my heart. I’m so happy she’s found love, and I want to be there to celebrate her. But I don’t want to be anywhere near Mom and Dad. I don’t want to have to make nice with them when they… when they…”
I couldn’t say the words out loud. Fortunately, Maven already knew the story, so I didn’t have to.
I don’t want to have to make nice with my parents when they covered up their friend assaulting me.
I don’t want to pretend everything is fine when they cut me off the minute I said I wouldn’t stay quiet.
I don’t want to be in the same room with the person who abused me, who my parents sided with over their own daughter to keep their perfect little world intact.
I never let my thoughts get too far down that road before I ripped them right back on track. I was not a victim. I was over playing that part by the time I turned twenty.
I was a survivor, a woman who took back the narrative and control in my life despite those closest to me who tried to stop me.
“Lacey still doesn’t know everything that happened, does she?” Maven asked.
“You asked me that already,” I reminded her. “At my condo.”
“That’s because I was trying to do the not-so-subtle best friend thing and plant the seed in your mind.” She paused, her eyes softening. “Liv, you need to tell your sister.”
I shrugged, though my stomach bottomed out at the thought. Maven was the only one I’d ever told the whole story to other than my parents.
And Maven was the only one who believed me.
I couldn’t handle it if I told my sister and she reacted the same way my parents did.
“I find it hard to believe she hasn’t put the pieces together,” I said softly, chest aching with the truth in that confession. “But just like Mom, I think she’s afraid to ask me about it. She knows if I tell her, if I confirm her suspicions, then she’ll have to act on that discovery. And just like Mom, she doesn’t want to lose access to their little slice of society.”
Maven’s lips curled. “God, and you wonder why I had such a thorn in my ass about rich people for so long.”
“I never said you were completely wrong,” I pointed out. “Only that the actions of your snooty ex were not indicative of the actions of the hot rookie you were being paid to follow around.” I took a sip of my drink. “And I was right. So, you’re welcome.”
“I’m really sorry you have to deal with this,” Mave said, reaching out to squeeze my arm. “It’s not fair. How can I help?”
I sighed. “Just be there with a bottle of wine on the other side of their nuptials. And maybe save a night for me to curl up on your couch — emotional state to be determined.”
“Consider the date saved.”
“Thanks, bestie. Now,” I said, grabbing her hand in mine. “Let’s get back out there with some chicken nuggets in hand before Ava—”
“Oh, no you don’t.” The cute little brat flipped her hand up over my head and twirled me until I was right back at the table. “I am sorry to hear about your terribly misguided mother, but not sorry enough to let you get out of telling me what’s going on with you and Carter.”
“Nothing is going on between me and Fabio.”
Maven smiled sweetly but picked up the nearest utensil. “Lie to me again, and I will stab you.”
“That is a plastic spoon.”
“They say the dullest knives are the most dangerous.”
I laughed through my nose, but then covered my face with my hands and let out a long sigh. “Fine,” I clipped when my hands dropped. I pointed a finger at her. “But you cannot tell a soul, and you need to keep your reaction in check to what I’m about to tell you.”
“We listen and we don’t judge,” she promised. “Although, now I’m very intrigued.”
“I’m serious about not telling anyone. We signed an NDA.”
Her eyes shot wide as she sipped her wine. “An NDA? Jesus, Liv, what’s going on?”