Page 64 of Cruel Promise
“Sweetheart, your father and I know you want to wait until graduation—“
Kasey sucks in a ragged breath as Deacon says, “Come on.”
I don’t need to look to know he’s pulling Kasey away.
“Wait.” I reach for her, my fingers brushing the bare skin on her arm.
“Dominique—“
“Mother. Stop!” I snap, raising my voice. I won’t let her ruin this for me. I am done letting my parents dictate my life.
My mother rears back. “Young man, don’t you—“
I cut her off. “Tamara and I are friends. There is no engagement and there never will be. Get the idea out of your head because hell will freeze over before it ever happens.”
My friends each give me a nod of approval, but if they think my mother will give up that easily, they’re in for a surprise. Sheridan Price doesn’t give up when she doesn’t get her way. She buckles down for the fight.
“Don’t be silly. Your father and I have it all planned out.“ She laughs, but the sound is brittle. “It’ll be in the spring. Or maybe summer. There will—“
“Is everything okay?” Tamara steps up beside my mother, and Sheridan Price uses the opportunity to take another shot.
“Everything is fine dear, we were discussing your impending engagement—“ She gives Tamara an expectant look and Tamara turns wide eyes toward me. Her gaze begs to know how she’s supposed to respond.
I shake my head, giving her a look she thankfully understands. With a nod, she gives me the final push I need to blow up the carefully planned life I’ve led up to this moment. It’s been a long time coming.
“There isnoengagement. Get that through your head.” I enunciate each word, saying it loud enough that a hush falls over the room and the people closest to us turn their heads and stare.
My mother cringes at the unwanted attention. “You are causing a scene,” she hisses.
“I don’t care.” Reaching out, I grab Kasey’s hand and tug her into my side. “Mother, this is Kasey. The woman I’m seeing.” I dip my head to Tamara. “T’s been nice enough to act as a stand-in for your benefit, but there’s never been anything going on between us. It’s always been a show.”
Kasey’s mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out. That’s okay. I have plenty to say for the both of us.
My mother sputters. “I will not allow you to—“
“And you’ll see the press release soon enough, but I’m dropping out of college.”
She staggers on her feet, hand clutched to her chest like my words pain her. It’s all an act.
“I accepted an offer to play for the Royals.”
That, more than anything else I’ve said, twists her face with anger. “You will do no such thing.”
My sister chooses that moment to join the conversation. With a hand on our mother’s arm, she tries to defuse the situation. “Mom, breathe. Why don’t I drive you home? You can call Dominique tomorrow, or maybe in a few days after you’ve had some time to process things.”
Her nostrils flare.
Monique tries again. “Mom—?”
“You’re Dom’s sister?” Deacon asks, stepping up beside me. It's then that I notice Kasey’s wide, worried eyes.It’s okay, baby girl. We’ll leave in a few minutes.
Monique doesn’t let his interruption distract her. “Yes. I’m Monique.” She tugs on our mother, who’s still not moving. “You are?”
Deacon blinks hard and glares at me. “You have a sister!”
I do. So what?
“Fuck,” he curses, running his hand over his hair. “You knew about her?” His question is directed at Kasey. Her head dips into a barely perceptible nod. What am I missing here? His light eyes slice through me like I purposefully withheld my sister's existence from him.
