Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Carter
The clink of china and soft murmur of voices surround us. I fidget with my napkin, twisting it between my fingers as I search for the right words. I’ve been on a real streak this week, offending and running off the people closest to me. Now it’s time to do the same thing to my mom.
I can’t stand the disappointed look she’s going to give me. Dragging a breath in, I steel myself.
“Is everything okay, Carter?” Mom sits across from me, perfectly poised in her blazer, her manicured nails resting on her wine glass.
"Thanks for meeting me, Mom. I know you're busy."
She sips her wine, her eyes on my face. "Of course, darling. But I have to admit, I'm curious. You only take me out when you want something."
Her tone is sharp, and I wince. She’s right. I’ve never been able to hide things from her.
"I…" I pause, unsure where to start. "There’s something I need to talk to you about."
Mom sets her glass down, raising an eyebrow. "I gathered as much. Well, out with it. What’s on your mind?"
I hold my water glass. "It’s about my future. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want, about where I’m going."
She leans forward, eyes intent. "And?"
I swallow, my throat tight. "I’m considering making some big changes."
The waiter appears, listing the specials and giving me a moment to breathe. I glance at Mom, but her expression is unreadable.
When he leaves, Mom folds her hands on the table. "Carter, I support you. But I hope you’re not about to tell me you’re throwing everything away on some whim."
Her words sting. "It’s not a whim, Mom. It’s about following my heart. About being happy."
She sighs, a frown creasing her brow. "Happiness is nice, but it doesn’t pay the bills. You have responsibilities and a career. Are you prepared to give that up?"
I feel her expectations pressing down on me. How do I make her understand that sometimes love is worth the risk?
"Mom, I’ve decided to leave my position at the university."
The words hang in the air. Mom’s eyes widen, her hand pausing on her glass.
"Leave your position? Carter, you can’t be serious. You’ve wanted this for years. You’ve worked so hard."
I nod, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, Mom. But things have changed. I’ve changed."
She narrows her eyes, studying me. "This is about a woman, isn’t it?"
My heart races. I think of Eve, her warmth, her determination. I clear my throat. "Her name is Eve. She’s a medical student. Being with her has made me realize what I want."
“Eve? As in Aiden’s little sister?” Her facial expression is strangle muted and unreadable. “I just want to be clear who we’re talking about.”
I nod. “Yes. She’s one of my students. We’ve been spending nearly every hour together. And I’ve made the decision that I’d rather be with her than teach at the university.”
Mom’s expression hardens. "And what you want is to throw away your career for a student?"
I lean forward. "It’s not just about Eve. It’s about living authentically. I want to pursue a relationship with her. But it’s more than that. I’m choosing happiness."
Mom’s voice rises, drawing glances from nearby tables. "Happiness? You have a respectable position and security. Are you really willing to sacrifice all of that?"
Her words cut deep, but I stand my ground. I think of Eve and the life we could have. I know this is the right choice.
"Mom, my feelings for Eve are real. This isn’t just a passing thing."
Her eyes narrow, lips pressing into a thin line. "Oh, Carter," she says, disappointment heavy in her voice. "I thought I raised you to be sensible."
The clinking of silverware around us grows louder. I resist the urge to look around.
"I am being sensible," I say, my voice low but steady. "Yes, I’m following my heart, but I’ve thought this through. Eve makes me want to be better. She challenges me."
Mom scoffs, lifting her glass. "And you think that’s enough? Challenge and warm feelings?"
My frustration rises, but I keep it in check. "It’s more than that. It’s about fulfillment."
"Fulfillment?" she interrupts. "What about your duties? The students who rely on you? The colleagues who respect you?" She leans forward, her gaze hard. "You’re being impulsive. Have you even thought about the consequences?"
The word consequences hangs between us, hinting at more than my career. Mom’s financial support is there, unspoken but clear.
I take a deep breath, fingers gripping my napkin. "Mom, I appreciate everything you’ve done. I truly do. But this isn’t just about Eve. It’s about finding my own path."
Her face shifts to something colder. She sets her glass down with a sharp clink.
"So, you’re prepared to do this without my support?"
My heart races, but I hold her gaze. I bob my head, but don’t speak. I know she isn’t done yet.
"The apartment I pay for?" Her tone is icy. "I expect you out by the end of the week."
The ultimatum feels like a blow. Part of me wants to argue, but I know it’s useless. Her mind is made up.
I nod slowly, feeling a mix of sadness and resolve. "I understand. Thank you for being clear."
I glance around, taking in the chandeliers, the white tablecloths, the polished silverware. The restaurant feels suffocating. The soft murmurs and clinking glasses grate on me.
“Carter,” her voice softens, and I look back, surprised by the concern in her eyes. “I know you think you’re following your heart. But please, reconsider.”
She reaches across the table, resting her hand on mine. “I sacrificed a lot to give you the best opportunities. Your father would have wanted?—”
“Don’t,” I interrupt, my voice tight. “Please don’t bring Dad into this.”
“Carter,” she calls, her voice softer, filled with resignation. I pause, looking back. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I nod, my throat tight. “I do, Mom. I really do.”
Mom pulls her hand away, pats her lips with her napkin, and stands up.
“Call me when you realize that you’ve made a mistake.”
Then she picks up her designer purse and walks away. I heave a frustrated sigh. That went exactly as badly as I thought it would. So far I’ve pushed Mom, Aiden, and Eve’s father away.
And god help me, I have one more chain to break before I’m free.