Chapter 29 #2
Zar blew out a breath, glancing away, and he didn’t look happy. “Why do so many of my nearest and dearest have shitty parents? 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 join us. 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.”
“Nooope. But still, I have hope. Erin’s plan is to finish high school here and then go to another city entirely for trade school.
One of our other brothers has a bedroom set up for her, though, so if she needs to leave the state to finish high school somewhere outside our parents’ reach, she has the option. ”
“So there is a Plan B?”
“Yuppers.”
“Thank all of you for being smart.” Zar’s radio squawked and he paused to listen. “Hmm, that’s near me and sounds like a problem. Seems I have to go. Logan, give Erin my number now. Just in case.”
“I’ll pass it along today.”
“Good. Keep me posted. And see you on Friday.”
I let him back out, locking the door behind him. Then I promptly texted Erin, sending along Zar’s number.
Me: Hey this is my friend, Zar. He’s a cop. He’s going to escort you safely out of the house on D-Day
Erin: Fr?!
Me: Fr
Me: Said to call him if you need help
Erin: Thank you so much. Imma text him thanks
Me: Do, so he has your number
Erin: Will he really protect me
Me: He’ll come in guns blazing promise
A whole string of smiling emojis followed. She was clearly happy to have some backup. Honestly? Me too.
Dating Gage came with such amazing perks. His friends alone were a great one. And to think men had only wanted to hook up with him. I couldn’t believe how stupid people were sometimes.
Well, back to the payroll. And then, after that, seemed like I needed to buy a personal safety alarm. Just in case.