I hold her hand as we take the lift in even more silence. I don’t even know what to say to her to try and make this better.
I know more than anyone how much a parent’s rejection hurts.
First mine, now hers.
They don’t even know me.
We walk into the apartment, and she heads straight for the stairs. “I’m going to bed.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m having a drink.”
“You don’t have any scotch left.”
“I’ll go down to the bar to get some.”
“Whatever,” she replies flatly.
Whatever? For fuck’s sake. I’ll give fucking Edward whatever when I see him. He’s done exactly what he wanted to do by causing trouble between us.
I leave and head straight for the hotel bar.
“What will it be?” the waitress asks.
“I’ll have a bottle of Black Label to take away, and a scotch on the rocks for now.”
She smiles as she wipes the bar down. “Sure.”
Moments later, she hands me my drink and I sip it sadly. I go over the conversation with Edward in my head.
“You’re not going anywhere, Charlotte. He’s a player, he’s using you.”
I run my hands through my hair in disgust. I hate that I’m perceived this way.
I honestly love her.
Wyatt and Anthony walk in, and I gesture to the seats beside me.
They sit and both look at me like I just killed a man. “Don’t.” I sigh as I sip my drink.
“Where’s Charlotte?” Anthony asks.
“In bed.”
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I dig it out to see a private number flashing up on the screen.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” Anthony says before standing and disappearing around the corner.
“Hello,” I answer.
“You hurt her, and I’ll fucking kill you,” Edward snarls. I listen for a moment and then the phone goes dead.
Adrenaline surges through my body.
Fuck me, what next?
I exhale heavily and stare straight ahead.
“Can I ask you something?” Wyatt says.