Page 75 of Cruel Embers
It’s hard to deny the pleading tone in her voice. So, I tell her about the conversation with my dad and my slip up with my mum.
“I’m just tired, Char. I don’t want to compete with a ghost. I don’t want to compete full stop.”
Her eyes cloud over in understanding.
“I think this talk with your parents is well overdue, Vi, but it’s time.”
She’s right, of course, and surprisingly talking it out loud with her already has me feeling lighter. Not that Nathan hasn’t been great, because he has, but Charlotte is my soul sister.
ChapterThirty-Nine
VIOLET
It’s Sunday dinner at my parents, only today I’m bringing Nathan. My mum rang me to check if I was still coming and I told her I was. She’d asked if I was bringing anyone, specifically Nathan.
I wasn’t sure how to take that because it’s all still very new, but clearly, she must have seen something between us, or she was hopeful. But when she said he was welcome to join us, I asked him, expecting him to say no. Except, like most things with Nathan, I’m beginning to expect the unexpected.
Tanya only came here twice the entire time we were together, which I know upset my mum. Even though it was always an open invitation, Tanya chose not to accept.
“Okay, you sure about this?” I ask again as Nathan opens my car door for me to get out. Has he always been so considerate?
“Of course. Why, aren’t you?”
I see the uncertainty in his eyes, so I wrap my arms around his neck and go up onto my tiptoes, brushing his lips with mine. “No, I’m glad you came, thank you,” I whisper against his mouth.
His hands go to my arse, and he lifts me enough for my feet to leave the floor, causing my breath to hitch and my pulse to race.
“No need to thank me, Tink. I’m right where I want to be, which, in case you haven’t already guessed, is where you are.”
He lowers me until my feet touch the ground but doesn’t let go straight away, and I’m grateful because my legs feel weak. He disarms me with his words and honesty.
He opens the back door to grab the wine and flowers, and I reach for my bag.
“Come on, Romeo,” I say, taking his hand and tugging him alongside me up the driveway.
Turning my key in the door, I take a deep breath and push it open.
“Mum, Dad?” I call out, almost tripping on a box in the hallway.
“Oh, sorry, love,” my dad says as he grabs the box and moves it into the living room.
“Nathan, good to see you again,” he says as we follow him.
“Hi.” Nathan holds out his hand and my dad gives it a shake.
“You having a clear out?” I ask, noting a couple of boxes. “Mum making you do another car boot?”
He smiles, but it's a little sombre as my mum rounds the door.
“Hi, Mum,” I say, kissing her on the cheek.
“Hey, sweetie,” she says, moving towards Nathan, going up on her tiptoes, and greeting him with a kiss on the cheek.
“I brought this,” he says, handing her a bottle of cava and a small bouquet he insisted on bringing.
“That's so thoughtful,” she says, sniffling. “I’ll just go put these in some water.” She turns away and retreats to the kitchen.
“She okay?” I ask my dad.
