Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,81
seems to be hesitating, I add, “It’s in our friendship agreement. You signed it.”
We break out in laughter, and, as she bites her bottom lip, she says, “Alright, text me the details when you can.”
After lunch, and since I’ve got homework to do, I escort Emma back to the entryway. There, we hug each other again, and, before I can open the door, she asks, “You sure you don’t want me to stay until your Dad comes home?”
“It’s alright, don’t worry.” All of a sudden, though, my iPhone starts ringing, and, as I grab it from my pocket, my eyes widen in surprise as I see the name of the caller.
“Who’s calling?” Emma asks as she sees me not picking up.
“Um, my mom.” Well, of course she’s calling me. Now that she knows I’m awake and that Alex and I broke up, she’s gonna try to get back into my life. Too bad—I’ve got no intension of ever talking to her again.
“Are you gonna reply?”
“Nope.” And I mute the call just as fast. “Not even in a thousand years.” Then I put my phone back inside my back pocket and give Emma another hug. “Thank you so much for everything.”
“Always, girl,” she whispers, her head resting against mine.
I open the door and say, “Enjoy your time in Europe.”
“You sure you don’t want to come? After a break up, there is nothing better than traveling with your best friend, you know.”
The idea sounds really inviting. But there is no amount of travel, alcohol, or fancy villas that will fix my heart. And, unfortunately, I know that all too well.
I glance once more at my watch. It’s nine p.m., and, since Dad usually comes home around this time, I remain patiently waiting for him in his study-library, the contract lying on his desk. I text him: Are you coming home tonight? I’m in the library. I think we should talk. Then, lying on the sofa, I pick up my book and keep reading. Fifteen minutes later, Dad texts me back: Alright, see you there soon. I wonder what he means by “soon,” but as I hear the front door opening and footsteps walking in, there’s no need for more guessing. A knocking sound then startles me, and as I see Dad open the door, I pray we can have a civilized conversation that doesn’t end in tears and name calling.
“Hey,” Dad greets quietly as he steps inside. “Are you doing okay?” At least this time, he sounds calm and serene. That’s a good sign.
I invite him to sit beside me, and, as we look at each other, I decide to start. “Um, look, I don’t want to become your estranged daughter. But, as you might understand, you’ve contributed greatly to my unhappiness, my emotional instability, and my breakup.” I might sound overly formal, but I won’t let my emotions drive me mad again. I have an inheritance to protect, and that’s what I’m gonna do. “Can we at least agree on that?”
Dad winces at my observation, but doesn’t deny it. And to my surprise, he nods and says, “We can agree on that.”
“Great.” I stand up and take the contract from his desk. Then, as I sit beside him again, I continue to argue my case. “I never thought in my entire life that you’d want to disinherit me. Honestly, I don’t think I deserve it. I’m getting a degree in economics just as you wanted, I did the internship last year as you suggested, and I’ve always tried my best not to disappoint you.” As I say these words, he nods pensively, his focus on me. “So, um, I spoke to Emma’s lawyer, and she drew up an agreement for us that will ensure these kinds of threats don’t happen again.” I hand him the contract, and his eyes widen in surprise, but nevertheless he takes his glasses from his inner pocket and starts reading the first page. Instinctively, though, my pulse starts rising as I watch him do so.
“Well, I see she’s really got your back,” he comments as he turns to the second page. A smirk escapes me, but I lower my head to hide it. “Very well…” Dad removes his glasses and looks down pensively. After some more pondering, his eyes land on me, and he says, “I want to include something else in it.” My heart hammers against my ribs at the realization that he wants to make changes. “If you want to inherit everything stated here,