Chapter 26
Hannah
Another month goes by in marital bliss. Each day, a new story about me and Brooks is released, until we become old news in the public’s eye. It’s exactly what we want to happen.
Today we’re meeting in downtown Dallas to go furniture shopping. Since we’ve decided to make Dallas our full-time residence, I want Brooks to feel at home. That means turning one of the guest rooms into an office for him. We’re still keeping the house in Denver and will use it for vacations and getaways.
Brooks is running late and was kind of vague about what was keeping him, so I’m curious. I check my phone, but there aren’t any new text messages from him.
He rounds the corner, smiling.
“Sorry I’m late, Angel. My appointment ran late.”
“Appointment?”
He holds up his right hand, which is covered with a dressing. “New tattoo.”
“I wish you would have told me. I’ve been craving ink therapy.”
He puts his hand over his chest. “A woman after my own heart. We can get inked any time you want, Angel.”
“What did you get?”
“It’s a surprise.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “I’ll show you if you’re a good girl.”
“Tease.”
He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. “Where to, Mrs. Henderson?”
“There’s a new Thai place a few blocks over. I thought we could try it out before we go shopping.”
“You know I love Thai. Lead the way.”
We hold hands as we walk, talking about our upcoming trip to Los Angeles.
“Grant’s people said the fundraiser will last a few hours. They’re expecting it to be a star-studded event.” He smiles down at me. “Of course, we don’t have to stay late.”
I poke at his side. “We never stay late.”
“Like I told Grant, we’re still in our honeymoon phase.”
I hum. “Yes, we are.”
I’m about to say something suggestive when I spot something out of the corner of my eye. No, not something. Someone. My mother and stepfather, to be precise.
“Brooks,” I say under my breath. “My mom is walking toward us and I’m pretty sure she’s already noticed us.”
“Fuck. Want to run?”
Part of me does, but I don’t want to give her the satisfaction. I try to figure out why on earth she’s here. My stepfather’s church is in Fort Worth, or was the last time I saw them.
It’s strange seeing her after all this time. We look so similar, or so I’ve been told, but where my hair is blonde, hers is now grey. She’s aged a lot since the last time I saw her, too. Deep wrinkles stand out on her forehead as she scowls at me. Well, that’s one thing that hasn’t changed.
I slow my pace, coming to a stop as my mother and her husband approach.
The Pastor looks the same. Still as evil and terrifying as ever. I haven’t seen either of them in years. Five and a half, to be exact. Brooks squeezes my hand, letting me know he’s got my back, and I smile at him in thanks.
I’m not sure what I expect to come out of my mother’s mouth, but it’s certainly not, “You harlot! How dare you show your face around here, where your father works!”
Heat rushes to my face, and I feel Brooks tense next to me. There was a time when I would bow my head, staying silent just to avoid confrontation. Maybe it’s because Brooks is here, or maybe it’s because I’ve finally had enough, but I’m not going to let this slip by.
“One, that monster is not my father. My father is Dennis Foster. Two, how dare you call me a harlot! Aren’t you the one who cheated on your husband with your drug dealer?” Her cheeks flush, but I’m not done. “Three, how on earth would I know that Jeremiah works in this area? I haven’t spoken to either of you in over five years.”
The Pastor’s chest bows out, likely because I called him by his first name.
“Young lady, do not speak to your mother like that.”
Brooks straightens his shoulder, standing tall.
He towers over the Pastor by at least five inches.
“I’m going to have to ask you not to speak to my wife in that tone.”
Mom’s gaze darts between the two of us.
“Wife? You got married and didn’t tell your own mother?”
I nod. “Yes.”
Brooks adds, “The ceremony was small. Only close friends and family members were in attendance. I’m sure you understand.”
“No, I don’t understand.” She puts her hand on her hip. “How can you do this to us, Hannah? We’re your parents.”
There’s a dull throb building behind my eyes.
“Like Brooks said, only close friends and family members were there.”
“Hannah Lee Foster, how dare you speak to me like that!”
“How dare I? How dare you! You weren’t there, Mom, because I didn’t want you there. You would have only ruined my special day with your venom!” I exhale. “I know Brooks came looking for me after the accident. And you didn’t tell me.”
“No, I didn’t,” she agrees. “What good would it have done?”
“What good would it have done? Are you serious?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Mom, I was a mess after the accident. Knowing Brooks was looking for me would have changed everything.”
“It would have changed nothing.”
I shake my head in disbelief.
“I’ve never understood why you hated me. Why you didn’t just let me live with Dad after the divorce? Tell me, Mom, does your God approve of the way you’ve treated your only child?”
“Don’t you dare bring religion into this.”
“Because you know I’m right.” I shake my head. “I’m done. From this moment on, you’re dead to me. Don’t try to contact me. Don’t even think about me.”
Brooks grips my hand, making me feel better.
“Goodbye, Mom.”
Pushing past her, I walk away, already feeling lighter.
Brooks pulls me to a stop when we round the corner, glancing over his shoulder before speaking.
“Angel, we don’t have to go out to eat. I know that was a lot.”
“It was.” I wipe at my eyes, which are suddenly full of tears. “My god, I can’t believe I did that. I’ve wanted to tell her off for years.”
“I’m proud of you, Hannah. I know that took a lot of courage.”
“I’ve thought about what I’d say to her if I saw her. Part of me wishes I said more, but I know deep down that what I said was enough.”
He jabs his thumb over his shoulder. “We can probably still go after them, if you want to say more.”
I let out a watery laugh. “I’m good. Let’s eat. I’m starved.”
I mean it, too. I’ve said my piece to my mother. She’s not someone I want in my life. I can finally let go of all the negative feelings I have toward her and her husband and move on.
It feels freaking great.
Mostly.
So, why do I feel like I want to cry?