Icing (Aces Hockey #1)(98)
The connection between them sparkled and flared, a coalescence of all their feelings. They’d gotten past some barriers and they both knew there were more challenges to face. But they were going to do it together.
Epilogue
“I just thought I’d let you know that Duncan and I are still together.”
Amber was between classes on Monday, cellphone at her ear, biting her lip as she waited for her mom’s response. She was sure Mom was going to be ecstatic, but if she said anything, anything about his money, Amber was going to lose it.
“I’m happy for you,” Mom said. “Are you keeping the car?”
Amber closed her eyes. “Yes.”
“Good. I’m sure he was trying to do something nice for you by buying it.”
“He was.” And she’d let him give her that. “He loves me, Mom.”
“Oh, sweetie. You love him too, don’t you?”
“I do. So much.”
“Then it’s all perfect.”
“I want you to know though that just because he has money doesn’t mean I’m rich. I made it clear to him that he doesn’t have to support me and he definitely doesn’t have to support my family.”
This was met with silence and Amber wasn’t sure if Mom was angry, hurt, or something else.
“I understand,” Mom finally said.
“Um, there’s something else you should know. Dad is here in Chicago.”
“What?”
“He came to see me last night at work. We’re having dinner tonight.”
“Amber, oh my God, what does he want?”
“I don’t know. But it better not be money.” She rubbed her forehead, hating that she was so cynical. “Duncan’s going to be with me.”
“I should be there too. Dammit, Amber, I could’ve been there if you hadn’t sent me home. I don’t want him hurting you again.”
Amber blinked at her mom’s protective tone. “I didn’t know he was going to show up. It’s okay, Mom. I’ll be fine.”
“Damn him.”
“I know, Mom, I’m still angry with him too. I don’t know how this is going to go. But he’s my dad, so…”
“Will you let me know what happens?”
“Yes.”
“Amber, I love you. When I got on that plane I was so upset. But all the way home I thought about what you said. You’ve done so much for me, and I started to feel a little ashamed.”
Amber’s throat tightened.
“I should have been looking after you. I was just so…destroyed…by what happened.”
“I know, Mom. It was awful. It would destroy anyone.”
“It didn’t destroy you. You kept your head up and did what you had to do, even though I know it was hard. I’m proud of you, sweetie. And I’m going to try to do better. I asked today if I could increase my hours at the gallery. And I think I’ll move somewhere less expensive.”
Amber’s eyes widened. “Really?” She’d been trying to convince her mom to do that for years.
“I started imagining what would happen if you didn’t send me money and I kept living the way I have been. And just like you don’t want to be me…I don’t want to be your father. I don’t want to end up turning to crime to make money, and ending up in jail. I felt so victimized and hard done by after what happened. I felt someone should look after me and make it all right. I felt like I was owed that.” She paused. “It took my own daughter to show me strength and conviction. You love Duncan for who he is, not because he’s rich and famous. To the point that you were going to walk away.”
“I thought you said it would have been stupid.”
“Well, yes.” She heard the smile in Mom’s voice. “It would be stupid to turn your back on love. But in a weird way, I had to admire that. It really made me stop and think about my own life.”
Amber’s throat closed up, aching ferociously. She blinked away tears. “Oh, Mom.”
“Anyway, I’m proud of you and I’m happy and relieved that you and Duncan worked things out. A lack of money can be a huge problem in a relationship, but a lot of money can too, so however you two handle it, don’t let that come between you.”
Amber nodded. “Good advice,” she choked out. “Thanks, Mom.”
She ended the call and tucked her phone into her purse as a tear spilled from one eye. Great, now she had to go to a meeting with her thesis adviser. She needed to duck into a ladies’ room and get a grip before she could do that.
The conversation with her mother had not gone how she’d expected. She felt slightly dazed as she cleaned up a little smudged mascara and washed her hands. Geez mama, she probably should have had that tough love conversation with her mom years ago, if Mom was going to finally get it. Or maybe this was just how long it had taken her to get it. Who knew?