Page 93 of Structure of Love
I lifted a staying hand at this. “No one can straighten out Cooper but Cooper. You can advise, love, and support someone, but you can’t change them. Cooper got the scare of his life and absolutely doesn’t want to end up like his friend. He’s determined to pull himself out of it. He is using me as an example, he’s made that much clear, which is fine by me. I thinkhe relates to me better because he knows I’ve been down this road, so I’m not going to judge him for screwing up.”
“Just being there relieves a lot of the burden for Gage. Ash said he was downright perky on the phone even as he was asking for the locksmith, so that told me a lot.” Zar shrugged. “Just wanted you to see the facts, that’s all. And I offer my support, because if Cooper has finally seen the light, I’m all for supporting the kid. It’s about damn time he did.”
“Fair enough.”
“Now, to the other topic. Your sister’s birthday is in two days?”
“Yup.”
“Gage told me a little about your parents, and how they’re basically controlling assholes, but give me a better idea of what they’re likely to do.”
So he could brace himself for it? I’d ask the same in his shoes. “My father’s the physical type. I’ve never seen him hit a woman, but he punched me in the face once. He likes to get in people’s faces and shove them backward, keep them off balance. I don’t think he’ll be able to do it to you, though. You’re a bit taller, and you’re definitely in better shape.”
Zar stared at me for the longest moment. “He’s punched you?”
“Years ago, man. I was being a little snot and told him to his face he was the worst father on the planet. He socked me right in the mouth. To be fair, I punched him back. Knocked him on his ass, too. This was before I had therapy, so it felt good to see the stunned look on his face, as if he just realized his son was strong enough to punch back.” Honestly, it still felt good. Therapy could only do so much, I guess.
Zar blew out a breath, glancing away, and he didn’t look happy. “Why do so many of my nearest and dearest have shittyparents? My father would rather cut off his hand than hurt one of his kids.”
“That’s because he’s a good father. I can tell by watching you. Now, as for my mother, she’s not the physically violent type. She’s kind of like Gage’s mother, where she’ll scream, bemoan her life, and guilt-trip people into doing what she wants. The guilt trips stopped working years ago, but it’s the only method she knows to get her way, I guess, ’cause she keeps trying it. Erin—my sister—told me that in the past week, our parents have sat her down twice and told her she needs to be kinder to them. In other words, she wasn’t acting all blissful at having her parents’ attention nonstop, and it hurt their feelings. She just grey rocked them.”
“Good for her. Sad she knows how to do that already, though.”
“Only way to survive that household. So, Zar, if you’re wondering how much of a fight you’re going to handle on Friday, the answer is yes. I think they’ll lose their ever-loving minds when their precious baby girl gets in my car. They’ve lived and breathed for her, built their entire lives around her, for eighteen years. They’ll be completely lost without having her to fixate on.”
Zar rubbed his jaw. “About what I expected, but I wanted to double-check. Do they know she’s a lesbian?”
“I don’t think so? Erin hasn’t said boo to them. Won’t even flirt with girls because she’s afraid of the fallout.”
“So they’re homophobic?”
“Very much so.”
“This is going to be a shitty birthday for this poor kid.”
“Don’t look at it that way, man. She’s finally escaping hell. It’s a great birthday, according to her. Our grandmother’s coming to my house with cake and lunch, her friends from school are dropping by, so she’ll still get a party. Feel free to joinus. You’re giving her the best birthday present of all: peace of mind.”
Zar lit up with a smile. Damn, go Asher. Zar was incredibly handsome when he smiled. “Thanks. I’ll join you for a slice of cake, at least. Just be aware they might try to follow her to school or pick her up from there. When parents are obsessed with children, they will kidnap them.”
“Ouch. That’s not a possibility I’d considered.” I stared at the polished cement floor, thinking hard. “I should have.”
“Maybe get her one of those handheld alarms, or something she can use to fight back. I want her to have my number so she can call me if they approach her.”
“Zar, you’re seriously awesome. I’ll feel so much better knowing she has you on speed dial.”
“Of course. I’d do this for any teen, but especially one who’s gay, y’know? Because they’re already facing too many people who won’t give them help just because they’re gay. I won’t let her be stuck in a situation where she has to somehow defend herself. I know you’ll fly to her rescue too, but if I’m responding, I can lay the law down on them.”
“Which definitely will be better. If I handle it, I’ll need bail money.”
“Exactly.”
“Just so you know, my parents have no idea where I live. I’d rather keep it that way.”
“Understood. That’s definitely safer for Erin. Will you go no contact with them after you get her?”
“I basically am now. They only call me to yell, saying I have too much influence over her. Or so they say.”
“Wow.” Zar rolled his eyes. “Yeah, okay, this isn’t going to be wrapped up easily.”