Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Preston narrowed his gaze but smartly remained silent.
She glanced up at Maddox, hoping he knew she was doing this performance for herself, yes but also for them. After this, her parents would leave her alone and that was exactly what she wanted.
“Yes.” Maddox nodded. “I used to work at Preston Barrett Jr.’s firm.” He didn’t elaborate further, nor did she need him to.
Her father stared, assessing Maddox. “It doesn’t matter what he does for a living. You are not going to continue living with him.” He turned his angry gaze on Gabby. “Yes, I heard that too. And I won’t have it. I’m not funding this vacation.” Aaron’s voice rose and people around them turned to watch.
Gabby’s face burned with embarrassment, but she was determined to see this through. “I don’t need your money. You cut me off weeks ago and I’ve done just fine.”
“You cannot make enough money cleaning up at this bar to live in the Hamptons,” her mother said, her blue eyes staring at her, daring her to disagree.
Madeline was in for a shock. “Then it’s a good thing I have a job at the gallery since my work here is for free. I help out when things are busy.”
Maddox squeezed her waist. Tipping his head, he whispered, “We’ll need to get you on the books.”
Gabby stifled a laugh at his timing.
“But…” Her mother paused, caught off guard, then seemed to collect herself. “Even gallery work won’t keep you in the lifestyle you’re accustomed to, Gabriella.”
“Then it’s a good thing I don’t want that life.”
Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “That’s easy to say now.”
Preston turned to Madeline. “Don’t worry. Give her more time and she’ll change her mind when she gets tired of living like a peasant.”
Gabby shook her head. “You are such an ass. And I won’t grow tired of anything.” None of them had ever understood her at all. “I’m happy here. I love living with Maddox in his house.” She pretty much loved the man but didn’t think he was ready to hear those words after not quite one month.
But she reached back and squeezed his hand before continuing. “For once, I have the freedom to paint, to wear whatever I want…” She shrugged off the cardigan, leaving herself in her shorts and sports bra, to the utter horror of her mother, whose mouth gaped open. “And it feels good to help at the bar and work at the gallery.” This next part wasn’t as easy but it was true. “And even if Maddox and I aren’t together for the long term, though I hope we are, I’m not leaving the Hamptons.” Or the man unless he insisted, but that discussion was for them, alone. “In other words, mother, father, you can all go home without me.”
Madeline gasped, probably more for effect. “I raised you better than to talk to us in that tone.” She sniffled but again, it wasn’t real. “Mark my words, you will come back eventually, and you’ll be lucky if someone in our social circle is willing to have you.”
Gabby sighed. “I’m not changing my mind but only time will prove that to you.” She pulled in a deep breath. “Oh. And the best news of the night? My paintings are hanging in the gallery in town. In fact, I sold my first one today. So I’m more than certain I’ll survive on my own.”
Her grandmother started to clap and though Gabby grinned, she shook her head. “One more thing. You are my parents, and though I may not like your views or beliefs you are my family. You know where I am if you ever want a normal, parent-child relationship. One where you accept me for who I am.” She slid her hand into Maddox’s and he grasped her tight. “And who I choose to be with.”
She ignored Preston. He wasn’t worth another breath.
The little girl who had always wanted her parents to just be her parents and not wardens with rules and expectations, hoped they would come around. But Gabby, the adult, wasn’t counting on them to change. She’d always have her grandmother and Penelope. With a little luck, she and Maddox would have a future.
Her grandmother clapped in earnest and her father huffed, his shoulders stiff.
“Let’s go, Aaron.” Her mother’s cheeks were flushed with anger.
“Have a good trip back to the city.” Maddox spoke. “And don’t worry about your daughter.” Without warning, he bent his knees and picked Gabby up, tossing her over his shoulder in a fireman’s hold. “She’s in good hands.”
Gabby let out a shriek but she really didn’t mind. And in case he was worried, she squeezed his ass hard.
“Aaron!” Gabby’s mother yelled. “Get me out of here.”
“You always were a prude, Madeline,” Annabelle said.
Gabby let out a laugh at her grandmother’s antics and the entire bar broke out in applause that could have been in reaction to Maddox’s caveman routine or her grandmother’s comment. No matter, her family was in for a long ride home, she thought, suddenly feeling the jolt of Maddox moving.