Page 219 of The Way I Hate Him
While I watch him, I ask, “Do you think Cassidy trusted me?”
“Yes,” he says immediately. The automatic response should make me happy, but it doesn’t settle well.
“You’re just saying that to appease me. I want to know if you really believe those words.”
“I do,” he says, placing a pan on the stove. He turns toward me and says, “She considered giving you custody of Mac but didn’t want to tie you down. She didn’t want to give you a responsibility that took over your life before you could even start it.”
“She was going to give me Mac?”
He nods. “But we both knew it wouldn’t be fair. So do I think Cassidy trusted you? I do.”
“But what about the shop?”
“We went over this. She wanted you to graduate.” He cracks a few eggs into a large white and blue bowl and tosses the eggshells into a bowl of water to rinse before he composts. “I know what Hayes said to you has hit you hard, but when I say he was saying anything and everything to push you away, I’m not kidding. The relationship you had with Cassidy was strong. She wanted you to reach a position in your life where you decided what you wanted, not have it decided for you.” He meets my eyes with his. “You need to remember that. She wasn’t going to let her illness dictate your future; she wanted you to be able to do that yourself.”
“But—”
“But nothing. That’s what she wanted.”
“Then why force me to go to school? I don’t want to go back, Ryland. I want to be here. I feel comfortable here. I feel like this is home. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.”
“Then don’t finish school. Stay here.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“It’s pretty damn easy if you think about it. It’s your choice. We can make it all work.”
“But won’t you be upset if I don’t finish school? I only have one semester left.”
“I’ll be upset if you don’t do something with your life. I’ll be upset if you let a man ruin the confidence you have in yourself. I’ll be upset if you don’t want to be a part of Mac’s life. Everything else, that’s just inconsequential. I think we learned quickly after losing Cassidy that family is more important than anything. I want you close too, Hattie. I like having you around, even if you make your coffee weird.” He smirks at me, which pulls a smile from me as well.
“I kind of like being around you guys too.”
“Good.” He nods toward the pantry. “Now make yourself useful and toast some bread. You know that Mac will demand an egg sandwich.”
“On it.” I hop off the counter, and for the first time since Hayes pushed me out of his life, I actually have a feeling that maybe . . . maybe everything will be okay.
ChapterTwenty-Five
HATTIE
Maggie:Are you excited to see me? I bought some fresh donuts this morning.
Hattie:I am excited to see you, but I told you, I’m feeling better.
Maggie:Doesn’t matter, I still want to see you, and I picked some things up from your apartment for you—mail and those sleep masks you’ve been begging for. I’m a good friend like that.
Hattie:I appreciate it. And you. But . . . where are you sleeping?
Maggie:We’re investing in a blowup mattress, and I’ll sleep next to you and hold your hand while you sleep. Why? Because no man will ever take the spirit from my girl.
Hattie:I told you, I’m doing better. Still sad, but better.
Maggie:I’d appreciate it if you could at least conjure up a little bit more sadness so I have an excuse to eat three donuts in a row with you.
Hattie:Oh right . . . I’m sobbing right now. The only thing that will fix it is donuts.
Maggie:Much better. (Yells in a Mrs. Doubtfire voice) HELP IS ON THE WAY, DEAR!
