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“That’s not what I was trying to do.”
“But that’s what you did,” her mom snapped.
“I just wanted him to pick me.”
“He’d already picked her.” The gentle tone didn’t soften the blow one bit.
Natalie wondered something. “Why isn’t Dad in on this?”
“I asked him to let me handle it. He’s upset because his two daughters aren’t getting along and one hurt the other.”
Natalie’s heart sank and the anger returned. “He tookherside.”
“Does it feel like I took yours?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Not really.”
“Because this isn’t about sides. It’s about taking responsibility for the hurt you’ve caused. Your father is upset that you and Summer are hurt and angry and upset. He doesn’t want either one of you to feel that way.”
Natalie slid off the stool.
“Where are you going?”
“To apologize.” Natalie knew this was only part one of the ongoing lecture/lesson her mom had in store for her, but the rest could wait. She needed to see Cody. She needed to make him understand she’d never meant to hurt him.
But when she reached the foyer, she stopped in her tracks and stared across the glass-enclosed entryway at the closed double doors on the other side.
Chapter Forty-Four
“Do you have any idea what time it is in New York City?”
Summer didn’t feel like playing this game today. “It was just after elevenpmyour time last night when I found Natalie in Cody’s bed ready to seduce him.”
“No fucking way.”
Summer could still see it so clearly. “Cody walked into his dark room and thought it was me. I arrived home from my rushed trip to Texas to surprise him and caught them both off guard.” Summer raked her fingers through her hair. “She thought he’d take her up on it. She really and truly believed he’d cheat on me to be with her.”
“Of course he didn’t.”
Summer appreciated that Lucy knew Cody was kind and honest. “She hurt him. Deeply. Badly. I know they’ll work it out eventually, but... It’s a mess here.”
“What about you two?”
“At first, I was just stunned. But we talked about it. It actually brought us closer together. But I’m afraid this is going to tear a rift in the family.”
“She needs to make this right. Not you. You didn’t do anything.”
“I know, but it feels like my being here set this in motion.”
“Even if it did, she’s responsible for her actions. Is your dad pissed?”
“I don’t think he or Miranda knew what to say or do last night...”
“That must have been humiliating for your sister, though she deserved that and more.”
“I don’t want her to hate me because I’m with Cody.”
“He made it clear from nearly the second you two met that he wanted you. You fell in love. That’s not something you do to hurt someone else, it just happens. She needs to respect the boundary of your relationship. While he has history and a connection to her, he wants to build a life with you. Don’t let her pathetic stunt chip away at what you and Cody want for your future.”
