“Coffee would be great,” I said, answering for the both of us.
I still didn't feel quite right from the previous day, but Daimon made sure I ate before we left. Thankfully, my stomach had settled but was still a bit off. Daimon's eyes drifted the moment his mother’s back turned and she made coffee for us. I followed his line of vision. There behind the couch facing us, were four open bottles of scotch. I reached out, took Daimon's hand into mine and held onto it, his eyes never leaving the bottles.
“I’m glad you two decided to visit,” she shouted from the kitchen. Daimon’s body grew ridged.
“You should thank Addie,” Daimon responded bitterly.
His mother stopped for a mere moment, her body seemed to sag as she continued to gently place the elegant black painted coffee cups down on a tray.
“Either way, I'm still happy.” She forced a smile as she walked over to us. I watched carefully, worried she might spill the tray but she didn’t. She placed it onto the coffee table between the couches, and sat down.
“How have you been, Addie?” she asked, picking up her cup and smiling.
“I’ve been well.” I smiled back.
“Has my Daimon been good to you? I’m sure you know he has quite the nasty mouth on him.”
“It’s okay, I can hold my own,” I replied.
“Can you both not talk like I'm not in the room?” Daimon hissed.
“Sorry, honey, you’re right,” Daimon’s mother said. “How have you been? Do you still play your violin?” A small light in her eyes lit up, waiting for his answer.
“No. I hate music,” he spat out. She lowered her head; the light in her eyes snuffed out.
“But you used to love it?” her voice broke. “I still play the piano, you know the song you and I played together. It makes me feel closer to you.” She stood up and started for the piano.
“I don’t play anymore.” She stopped midstride. I remained silent, knowing what he was doing. I wanted to say he was lying, but I would be doing the very thing I promised him I wouldn’t.
“Do you still drink?” he said gruffly.
“Not as much as I used to. I'm getting better. I promise,” she said, running over to the couch and reaching for the hidden the bottles. “I know it looks like I do, but trust me, it’s not like it used to be.”
“Sure it’s not,” he scoffed. “You always said you were getting better. Ever since I was a kid.”
“Daimon, I promise. I’ll stop if it means I can be in your life,” she pleaded. “Daimon, I miss you so much. I have the picture of us. Remember? The one in Central Park and you were running around and I pulled you in and took a picture of just you and me? Remember? If you just let me back into your life—”
“Deidra, as much as I hope you get better, don’t you dare throw this on him. You have to want it, not Daimon,” I spat out. How could she put this on his shoulders?
“You’re right, Addie honey. I’m sorry. It’s just, he’s my boy and I love him.” she cried.
“Enough!” Daimon bit out and stood up.
“Daimon?” I called after him, watching him leave.
“It’s okay, Addie, go. Thank you though for trying.” She smiled quietly wiping her tears away. I nodded and ran after him. He stood by the elevator with his arms crossed waiting for me.
“I tried what you wanted,” he said harshly. “Now let’s go home.”
As the doors to the elevator opened, I could faintly hear the quiet playing of a piano. Daimon stepped inside the elevator, ignoring the gentle sounds. I calmly followed, not uttering one word.
The Final Push
“Do I seriously have to go?” I asked as I walked down the steps wearing an evening gown he had delivered for me. It was a stunning black and navy blue dress made entirely of French lace. The high sleeves came around the top of my shoulders, while a small collar dipped down to show off my cleavage. The dress was long and tapered off around my knees. The back of it is what made me hesitate.
“The contract stipulates you have to come with me to every social event,” he said, staring out through the window in the library. He stood with his back to me and his hands in his tuxedo pants.
“But the back...” I murmured quietly.
“The back is all lace. No one will see your scar,” he reassured.
I finally made it to the final step, adjusting the silk belt tied neatly around my waist.
“Addie,” he breathed.
I looked up and met his eyes. The moment I did, he let out a breath.
“You look incredible.” He smiled, walking over to me. “Here.” He picked up a square velvet box and handed it to me.