Page 11 of Miss Treated

Why did my happiness have to revolve around having a man? Easy answer: to her, it always did.

“No, I haven’t met anyone. But I’m happy doing my job.”

“Darling, the fact you have to work when you have a billionaire father is a testament to how selfish he is.”

It was a tired argument. Somehow, she accepted my attending college because a good school was expected for my pedigree, but it didn’t make sense for me to have a respectable profession and make my own money.

“Then again, if you’d married Joel, you wouldn’t have to work at all.”

And there it was. Because of Joel’s family money, I should’ve stayed with an abusive narcissist. “I can’t talk long; I have work to do.”

“Working for your older half brother at one of his seedy nightclubs is hardly an assignment worthy of your education.”

So many insults, no time to address them all. “I’m not working for Chance. I’m working at a tech company.”

“Which one?”

I hesitated to tell her, but reasoned if she hadn’t given my new phone number to Joel, she’d keep this confidence too. Besides, the assignment was temporary, not permanent. “It’s Chambers Tech, a reputable firm.”

“If you say so, darling. Anyhow, the reason I’m calling is to tell you I’m staying in Florida a while longer. Things with Larry are progressing very nicely. Could be we’ll be planning my next wedding before your first one.”

My eyes rolled. “Glad he makes you happy.”

She scoffed. “Happiness is fleeting. What you need is security.”

Right. Financial security. No doubt Larry was loaded. Had to be if my mother was leaving New Hampshire to spend time with him in Florida. If I remembered correctly, he owned an investment firm.

“I almost forgot. Are you heading home for your father’s anniversary party in a few weeks?”

Funny how my father had been married four times, but the only anniversary he celebrated was the date in which he’d started his first company. Made sense. He’d never loved anyone more than he’d loved the job. He threw a massive party on the estate and invited his business colleagues. Then he paraded his family out in case any of them forgot he had one. I’d gone every year for as long as I could remember, yet this time I hadn’t made plans.

“I’m not sure yet.” It wasn’t as if she was invited, but she’d insist on seeing me if I went home to New Hampshire and she was in town.

“If you’re coming, I’ll make plans to fly up.”

“I doubt I can get the time off.” Even if traveled home, I wasn’t ready to see my mother. No doubt she’d take exception to the five pounds I’d gained, the highlights I’d put in my hair, and the tan I’d received from the uncouth California sun. No wonder I’d needed antidepressants for most of my life and now was in therapy. Just one conversation with my mother had me taking the rocky trip down memory lane. “I have to go. Enjoy Florida.”

“I’ll be in touch and let you know how things are progressing.”

Not a “good luck with your job.” “Hope you’re doing well.” Nope. All about her.

“Sounds good. Love you,” I said automatically, ready to hang up.

“You too.”

After disconnecting, I let out a long breath. My relationship with my mother had always been complicated, but lately my therapist, Ruby, and I had been discussing the possibility Joel hadn’t been the only narcissist in my life.

“You all right?” came the husky voice from the doorframe. “More issues with your computer?”

Damn. I’d left the door open. I glanced up to see Dominic standing there, concern etched on his beautiful face. “No. I’m good. Is it time already?” Flicking my gaze to the clock revealed the allotted forty-five minutes had passed.

“Yes, but if you need more time…”

I stood up, clearing away all personal baggage from my mind. “Nope, I’m ready to meet some people.” I locked my computer, gathered my notebook and pen, and walked out into the hall with him. After closing my office door, I locked it.

“Is it an East Coast thing to lock up everything so securely?” Amusement sparkled in Dominic’s brown eyes.

No, it was an investigating-fraud thing. “Perhaps. I’m simply careful.”