“Seriously, I want to talk about this, it’s just that now’s not a good time.”
“I know now’s not a good time,” I told him. “Reason number two why we’re over. I’m not bloody important enough for you to take the time to listen to me. Reason number one, just in case you’re curious, is that even when you do you don’t actually listen.”
“I listen.”
“Yes? If you listened then why did my father fly to Colorado to have this morning’s infinitely loving father daughter chat?”
“He’s just concerned that you’re not making the right –”
“He’s not concerned about that, Niles. He’s concerned about my access to your trust fund and the cachet he’ll lose when he can’t link his family’s name to yours.”
“That isn’t fair.”
“It’s not only fair, it’s bloody true.”
“You’ve always been too hard on him.”
My vision covered in shiny, sparkling, white lights, I took the phone from my ear, looked at the ceiling and screeched, “Oh my God! Why am I even having this conversation?”
Max’s fingers dug into my hip and he murmured, “Honey.”
Again I didn’t answer Max. I just put the phone back to my ear and said, “We’re over.”
“Who was that?” Niles asked but I didn’t answer him either. I brought my phone down, touched the screen to end the call then threw the phone on the counter with a clatter.
“Nina, please, baby, look at me,” Max entreated putting pressure on my waist but I yanked from his hold, put my fingers to my engagement ring, tugged it off and then hurled it with all my might across the room.
I heard the tinkling sound of its bumpy landing but I simply picked up the phone again.
Max’s hand came to my wrist, circling it with strong fingers and stopping my phone’s progress so I finally looked at him. He looked a contradictory mixture of concerned and amused.
“Duchess, I’m guessin’ he got the message.”
“You’d guess wrong,” I informed him. “Niles doesn’t pay much attention and when he does he hears what he wants to hear. And anyway, I’m not calling him, I’m calling my mother.”
Max gave me a look, squeezed my wrist and then released it, muttering, “I’ll make coffee.”
“I’ll take mine with a shot of tequila,” I snapped and watched him press his lips together and move away.
Then I touched and slid my finger on the screen on my phone until I found Mom and then pressed to connect.
She answered on the second ring. “You’re an early bird today.”
“Dad was just here.”
There was complete silence.
Then a screeched, “What?”
“Yes. He. Was. Just. Here. Spreading his goodwill and love all around Max’s entryway. It’s a wonder there aren’t cherubs flying around sprinkling rose petals and rainbows erupting through the windows, an aftermath of his delightful visit.”
I heard the sink go off and then Max’s chuckle.
I turned to glare at him. He grinned at me then opened the top of the coffeemaker to pour the water in.
“What was he doing there?” Mom asked.
“Niles called him.”