Chapter 3

My mom's voice was light when she spoke. "I went to the supermarket at six this morning. Got Ryan's favorite steak. Your roast chicken is marinating too. Didn't put a single onion in the soup. Finish up quick and come over to eat."

I went quiet for two seconds and tried to keep my voice steady. "Mom, things aren't done here yet."

She paused on the other end.

Then she asked carefully. "Did I do something wrong? Is Ryan unhappy? I'll apologize to him right now. Don't fight, you two."

My eyes stung.

All these years, because I loved Ryan without a shred of self-respect, my mom had been walking on eggshells around him too.

She was always careful around him, hoping he'd treat me a little better. She was terrified that she'd miss something and he'd love me a little less for it.

My throat tightened. "Mom, it's not you. There's a problem with the paperwork. Don't wait for us. Just eat."

She paused again and then forced a smile into her voice. "It's fine if you can't make it back.

"If he doesn't want to come, don't push him. Don't ruin everyone's mood. Let him go out with his friends first. The dishes are still on the stove."

I heard the microwave beep.

She'd been reheating the same dishes over and over, afraid they'd go cold.

Ryan had walked over at some point and plucked the phone right out of my hand. "Mrs. Carter, it's Ryan. Emily's just in a mood. It's nothing.

"We've got a few loose ends here. Might not make it for lunch. I'll come by another day and apologize in person."

My mom was already telling him not to worry, that it was fine, that young people have their own plans. "How many friends does he have with him? Why don't you all just come over and eat..."

Before she could finish, Ryan hung up.

Someone behind me cackled. "Mrs. Carter really went all out. Daughter's stuck waiting in the hall, mother's stuck waiting in the kitchen. Now that's dedication."

Chloe couldn't stomach it and muttered, "Come on, give it a rest. Mrs. Carter's always been good to us. Don't be cruel."

The guy next to her snorted and pointed at me. "Good to us? Only so she could marry Emily off to Ryan. Mrs. Carter's got no shame."

I shot to my feet and slapped him hard across the face. "Shut your mouth. If I hear one more word about my mother, I'm calling the police and having them check those videos on your phone."

The guy was stunned. Ryan yanked him behind him, his face darkening. "Emily, are you done? You're going to call the cops on my friend over a few jokes?"

He took a deep breath and reached over to straighten my collar, lowering his voice. "That's enough for today. Don't tell your mom about the ID. I'll go apologize another day."

That entitled, charitable act of his. It made me sick. His tenderness had always come at the cost of burying my pain.

Every time his friends hurt me, I was the one who caved. And not once had he ever made any of them actually apologize for what they did to me.

Something in me went cold right then.

My phone lit up. My mom sent a photo of the table, dishes covered in foil to keep warm. Below it was a single line.

Lillian: [The food's on the stove. I'll wait.]

I typed back coldly.

Emily: [Thanks, Mom. I'll bring my husband over for lunch on time.]