nothing to say because I think he already knew I was right. He got off on making others feel weak.
“I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I’ve picked up the rest of her things. I’ve also taken the liberty of gathering all the items her mother left for her.”
“That’s breaking and entering.”
“No.” Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out the key that Ruby threw away in my room weeks ago and placed it on his desk. “It’s not breaking and entering when you have a key.”
I turned around and walked toward the door, grabbing the handle and giving it a little twist. Looking back over my shoulder I had to toss in one last dig at this ass. “How long do you think she’s gonna stick with you? Two months? Two years? Maybe long enough to get you to support her shopping habits while she still goes around campus screwing all the young guys she’s drooling over? I think it was just last weekend I saw her sneaking out of the Alpha house carrying her red heels in her hands doing the walk of shame. A guy like you can’t keep up with a woman like her. But your pocketbook, that’s what she’s truly after. I think we both know that no little blue pill will ever make you man enough to satisfy a hungry lady like that.”
And with that I left him glaring after me, knowing without a doubt that he didn’t need me to tell him all the things I just did. He already knew.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ruby
The year was over, my finals were complete, and I felt like nothing could bring me down. I felt accomplished and excited for the future.
I made a huge decision today, one that I didn’t regret, not even a little. A decision that would forever change my life.
I changed my major. It was scary but also thrilling. I would no longer allow myself to be led by my father’s expectations. I would be the person I always wanted to be. I’d spend years in school, many long hours of studying, and clinical hours that I was sure would be grueling but in the end I will be proud, because I was following my own dreams.
Still floating along on the high I’d felt all afternoon, I entered my room and freeze in the doorway. Looking over the comforter of my bed, I take in every little item. Picture boxes that I recognize immediately, the bright orange scarf that I used to sneak out of the attic and wear on the days I knew my father was not in town. There was even my mother’s housecoat and slippers that were both so worn, but it didn’t matter because my mother loved them.
Empty bottles that held her favorite perfume, a box containing journals my mom kept during her college years.
Tears pooled in my eyes, unable to peel my eyes off of all the items I thought I’d never see again and I couldn’t bring myself to move.
How did they get here?
Each breath I took I felt my chest burn more intensely as I tried to hold back the tears.
These were all the memories I had of my mother. All the items I’d loved and had always made me feel like a part of her was still here with me.
Finally able to make me legs move, I walked toward my bed and reached out to lift the locket that I’d admired so many times but was always terrified to wear. It was in the shape of a heart and on the inside was a picture of my mother holding me as a baby.
Falling to my knees, I allowed the tears to fall as I gripped the necklace tightly in my palm and held it close to my chest.
“He brought it all over about two hours ago.” My breath hitched and I turned to see Vera standing in the doorway of my room. “He was so sweet about it too, a little nervous but—”
“My father has never been sweet a day in his life.”
“Not your father, hun.” She stepped in closer, kneeling at my side. “Jay.”
The tears that were still pooling in my eyes ran over and a sob escaped me. Jay did this?
“He said that those things belong to you.” She placed her hand on my back and offered me a soothing rub. “And he was right, Ruby, they do. Your mother would have wanted you to have all these things.”
Unable to speak