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“And he’s…” she presses, and I take a deep breath, trying to ready myself for this conversation.
“He’s Parker’s son.”
Her face is a picture. It goes from confused to surprised to disapproving in seconds. I guess some things never change.
“Parker as in your boss, Parker Hawthorne?” I don’t answer, unsure what to say. She knows full well who he is. “Summer,” she sighs, looking at me like a problem child who has lost her way. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, unsure where this is going to go.
“You’re too young to take on so much baggage.” Her nose scrunches up at the thought. “Why don’t you find a man at the same place in his life as you are?”
“I thought his big bank account might win you over,” I snipe back sarcastically, sick of her judgment on what’s right for me. Who the hell does she think she is?
“Stop it.” Her tone is chastising, and her face heats in frustration. “What if a year down the line he decides he’s done with you? What happens to you? How would you feel having to walk away from the child?”
“Jesus Christ, Mother…why do you always have to be so cynical?”
Easton starts to fuss in the other room, and I turn back to him, making sure he’s okay. My aunt is giving him a cuddle and scowling at my mother but impressively biting her tongue.
“You’re too young to be a mother figure,” she reiterates just as Parker walks in behind her. “I know he’s rich—I’ve heard plenty of stories about the Hawthorne family. As enticing as it may be, it doesn’t mean you should take on their problems, especially a child, for Christ’s sake.”
What perfect timing.
20
PARKER
The tension surrounding us is inescapable as my gaze flits between Summer and her mother. Miranda shakes her head while staring down at her feet. This isn’t what I expected from her after the conversations Summer and I had about her back in LA. Perhaps she really is trying to make amends by looking out for her daughter.
I can’t blame her for doubting my ability to make Summer happy. Although Miranda’s right about the fact that my life is beyond complicated, she’s dead wrong if she truly believes Summer isn’t strong enough to handle any of the crazy shit we’ve faced so far.
“You know, if you really knew Summer, you’d realize that she’s already an incredible mother figure,” I say, ignoring the fact that everyone is staring my way. Probably waiting for me to lose my shit. It’s not my style though, and Summer deserves better.
“She’s not a mother,” Miranda grumbles back.
“Seriously?” Rosie laughs dryly.
“Ro…” Summer shakes her head at her.
“This is bullshit.” Her cousin groans, walking out of the kitchen.
“She’s right. It’s ridiculous that you’re forcing this on a child.” Miranda levels me with narrowed eyes. “Summer is still so young—”
“And she’s right here,” I snap, wrapping my arm around Summer’s shoulders and bringing her into my side. “Age has nothing to do with your daughter’s ability to love.”
With a scoff, Miranda stares up at me, annoyance at my remark and possibly my very presence twisting her unnatural pouty lips.
“Just stop, okay?” Maria, Summer’s aunt, blows out an exasperated breath before she leaves with her husband in tow.
“I know my daughter,” Miranda finally spits.
“Do you?” Summer asks, holding on tighter to Easton as he squirms and whines. Softly, she presses her lips to his forehead, cooing, “It’s okay, baby boy.”
“Is this really what you want? Come on, you have so much ahead of you…so much potential…”
“Stop,” Summer growls at her, trying to keep her voice soft through her irritation. “It’s too late for you to try and make up for the fact you left by giving me life advice I didn’t ask for.”
“I’m your mother, and I know how hard it is to raise a child when it’s your flesh and blood, let alone when it’s someone else’s.”
