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He gave me a small smile before he went inside, and I was left with a cold ring in my hand. I was tempted to throw it, but knowing Trevor, he’d sue me for it.
“It’s time for cake and singing!” Mom called from the door.
“Coming,” I said as I shoved the ring deep in my pocket.
“Everything okay?” she asked as I passed by.
“Yeah. I just have a lot to think about.” I could tell she wanted to know more, but I walked to their expansive dining room, where everyone had gathered. Dad and Trevor had thecake, and they called for her to join. As everyone sang happy birthday, I considered my options. I watched everyone Mom knew. I watched the way Trevor acted so nicely to her by clapping and hugging her after.
And I realized I didn’t like most of these people.
I was going to leave at the end of the night. And go home. To the farm. To Cain.
I grabbed one slice of cake and nibbled at it in the corner. As time went on, the decision only felt more right.
As the first guests left for the night, I figured it was my turn. I’d brought my laptop, so I grabbed it out of my car, taking it to my dad’s office. After leaving it on the desk, I walked back outside.
“Mollie!” a voice called after me. “Did your dad not talk to you?”
I paused and turned toward Trevor.
“He did. I’ve made my choice.”
“You’re throwing itallaway,” he said incredulously. “Everything you have here.”
“I have things back in Strawberry Springs.”
“What, like that guy you live with? You’re a fool.”
The words hit me hard. Ididfeel like a fool.
But only when I thought about how much time I’d wasted with him.
“Or maybe I’m taking control of my life. Which obviously pisses you off.”
“Only because you don’t know what to do with your life.”
“And you do?”
“Yes. I do.” He took a step closer, and I took one back. “I saw the finances for that farm. You’ll barely have enough to live off of. You’ll be in the middle of nowhere, and I’m not gonna come back for you.”
“I’m fine with all of that. In case I haven’t made it clear, I don’t want you in any capacity.”
“Fine,” he said. “But you’re also leaving your parents behind. They’ve been a mess without you. I’ve been picking up the pieces.”
My heart ached, and he knew it.
“I sincerely doubt they’ll talk to you after this,” he said as he stepped far too close. “You don’t know the things they’ve confided in me, the worry they have that you’re destroying your life. And you’re proving them right.”
This was the real ultimatum, and I knew it. The job wasn’t enough, so he was bringing my parents into this.
“Walk away, and you’ll lose everything,” he warned.
“I lose everything if I stay,” I replied.
“Not from my perspective.”
I gritted my teeth. That wasn’t the answer I needed, but I’d never once had a conversation with Trevor where he hadn’t told me he was right.