“Okay, then. After this, we’ll get dressed and I’ll drive you over there. It shouldn’t take too long to get what you need.” Oliver nodded, chewing on the rest of his toast. “Don’t worry about where you’ll stay. You can crash here and I’ll sleep on the couch.” I went to argue with him, but he wouldn’t hear it.
“As much as I think it’s romantic, I may have a better idea,” Molly offered, wiping her mouth with a paper napkin. “Come live with me. I know I’m in a one-bedroom apartment, but we can figure something out. The rent’s cheap and I can cover it until you get a job. You’ll have your own space and you won’t have to worry about these idiots all the time.”
“Hey, I resemble that comment!” Blake pretended to look wounded, his hand over his heart.
Rolling her eyes, Molly laughed. “See, you just proved my point.”
I glanced over at Oliver. The thought of living with him was exciting, but I wasn’t sure we were ready for that. There was still so much he didn’t know about me and vice versa. Staying with Molly was definitely a better choice.
“Sounds like a good idea. And I think it’ll be good for you.” Once again, Oliver showed just how much he understood.
“You girls can braid each other’s hair, talk about us, and have pillow fights in your underwear.”
“You’re talking like you won’t be there, Blake.” I quipped, trying to keep a straight face. “You are, after all, a big girl.”
“Not you, too!” He slumped back in his chair, shaking his head slowly.
“You walked into that one, dude,” Oliver added. “Looks like the balance has shifted. Molly’s got back-up now, for your smart ass comments.”
“Is there any chance I can sway you over to my side, Liberty?” Blake batted his eyes pathetically, in an attempt to persuade me.
“Not a chance. Sorry.”
“Then I guess it’s you and me, Olly.” He leaned over and slapped Oliver’s arm. “Bros before hos.”
“Dude, don’t include me in the grave you’re digging yourself!” Oliver raised his hands in surrender as both Molly and I erupted at his statement. “Fill that mouth of yours with food.”
“Yes, Blake. Eat!” Molly grinned, cramming a handful of eggs into his face. “It’s the only thing that will save you!”
“You guys are crazy!” I exclaimed. My stomach hurt from constantly laughing over what was being said and there was no stopping the tears in my eyes. Looking across the table at Blake, who had egg stuck in his eyebrows, sent me into another laughing fit, this time ending with a snort.
“Now that’s real attractive.” Blake grinned.
“So is the food above your eye.” I retaliated.
Oliver finished eating and leaning back, rested his arm across the top of my chair. On impulse, I placed my hand on his thigh, which earned me a warm smile. I’d been accepted, wholeheartedly, into this tight knit group of friends, and it showed.
“I’d love to come live with you, Molly,” I said, bringing the topic back on track. “Maybe you can also help me find a job?”
“Absolutely.” She beamed and started bouncing on Blake’s lap in excitement. “In fact, I think I know the perfect place!”
Blake groaned, making Oliver bust out laughing. “How about we get started on moving Liberty out, first? You finished?” His last question was aimed at me.
“Yep, whenever you are.”
“Then maybe we should escape before these two . . .” He didn’t need to finish his sentence. Blake abruptly grabbed Molly’s hips, stopping her movements, and began kissing her. She protested for a second, struggling in his embrace only to wrap her arms around his neck.
“Wow.”
“Yeah, you’ll get used to it.” Oliver helped me up, and cupping my face with his hand, brushed his thumb across my cheekbone. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Kissing me softly, I whispered that I was, as well. There was no doubt in my heart this was where I was meant to be.
“I’m taking your car, Blake. Also, clean up after you two are done, please,” Oliver added as we headed toward the front door.
Blake and Molly didn’t answer; her happy laughter the last thing I heard before leaving.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
My keys were already in my hand when the elevator doors opened, the loud ding signaling we’d reached our destination. All the way over, we’d talked about my immediate plans; especially how I was going to tell my parents about my decision. It wasn’t something I was looking forward to, but we both agreed the sooner they were aware, the better. To have the fresh start I craved, there could be no unfinished business.
“Huh, looks like someone’s moving out,” I commented, stepping aside quickly to let the young guy pushing a dolly stacked with boxes enter the elevator. There was a fleeting flutter of regret about not getting to know my neighbors better, but I pushed it aside. It was what it was. All I could do was try and do better in the future.
“This doesn’t look good, Liberty,” Oliver added, grabbing my elbow as he cautioned for me to slow down. “Your door’s open.” Sure enough, another guy walked out, this time carrying two of my lamps.
“My parents,” I whispered softly as fear stiffened my body. “They know.”
“They may not be in there.”
“Oh, they wouldn’t miss this. They’d want to be here, front and center, ready to tell me how disappointed they are.”
“We can always come back. You don’t have to do this now.” He placed himself between me and my apartment. “It’s your choice when and where.”
My first thought was to run. It didn’t matter how many times we’d talked about it or all the different ways I’d contemplated having this discussion. The moment I faced them, everything would become real and there could only be one outcome. They would do all in their power to stop me. Fleeing was tempting, but it wasn’t the answer. I was tired of postponing my life to please others, especially them.
“No, this needs to end. I can’t keep hiding from the truth. Now’s as good a time as any.”
“Well, you’re not alone. Remember that. I’ll be by your side the whole time.” Oliver grabbed my hand, lending me his strength. “You can do this. You’re stronger than they ever gave you credit for.”
“Thank you for being here,” I whispered again. Not moving, I took in a deep breath, gathering all the courage and faith I had. My parents may have years of experience in pushing the right buttons, but if they thought they’d win this next battle, they were in for a fight. I was determined to never be underestimated again.
“Always.” Kissing my forehead, Oliver’s lips were like the cherry on top of my independence cupcake. They sealed the deal—the die cast.
“Don’t loiter in the hallway, Liberty.” My father’s stern voice confirmed his presence. He was here and waiting. Like always, his summons lacked any common courtesies like please or thank you.
“Be brave,” Oliver reminded.
Taking one more fortifying breath, we left the safety of the corridor and entered the apartment. One glance told me everything I needed to know. This wasn’t a family gathering; it was an appointment with a firing squad, loosely disguised as an intervention.
My father stood in the center of my emptying living room, his hands behind his back and a look of utter disappointment on his face. My mother was by his side, a deep frown wrinkling her brow, and to my horror, Dr. Stein hovered close by. He was busy cleaning his glasses with a cloth from his pocket, returning them quickly when he heard me come in.
“It’s about time you showed up!” Erica snarled, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She caught me by surprise when she slapped me hard across the face, the force making me stagger a step or two back. “How dare you do that to Andrew! You are nothing but a common whore.”
When she moved to strike me a second time, Oliver intervened, capturing her hand mid-air. “Don’t ever hit her again.”
She curled her fingers as if to scratch his eyes out, furious that he’d s
topped her from getting her revenge. Struggling against his tight grip, Erica yanked her arm back, ready to let him have one of her vicious verbal assaults.
“Erica! Enough!” My father’s tone stopped her from following through. “Come stand by your mother.” Even though Oliver had spoken loud and clear, no one acknowledged him. Knowing this was something I needed to do myself, he didn’t speak again, remaining by my side in case he was needed.
If looks could kill, Erica’s were lethal. “But . . .” she began, not once taking her angry stare away from me. “I don’t have a fiancé now, because of her jealousy. You heard what Andrew said!”
“Liberty will be properly punished. Now, do what you’re told.” When she obediently complied with his order, my father turned his focus on me. “You’ll be returning home, today. Pack up some of your belongings. Dr. Stein will drive you to his facility. There will be no argument from you. Andrew’s family called, distressed, this morning and told us the entire story. Accusing him of rape is unacceptable. You are obviously out of control.”
“Do these bruises look like he’s innocent?” I pointed to the purple coloring over my left cheekbone. “How can you not believe me?”
“Because we know Andrew, and he isn’t capable of such violence. The other company you keep, however.” There was no denying it was a slam Oliver. “Further proof of how wild you’ve become. Now pack your things.”
Oliver squeezed my hand supportively, reminding me that regardless of whatever plans my parents had for this moment, I didn’t have to stand here and submit to it.
“No. I won’t be going anywhere with you or him.” I was proud about how strong my voice sounded. Expecting it to shake, there was no hint of tremor or fear—only confidence.
“You’re in no position to make such choices, young lady.”
“I beg to differ, Dad. I’m twenty-one years old and it’s time for me to start making my own decisions.” Standing firm, I didn’t lower my gaze when he failed to look away. “Oliver and I have come for a few things and then we’re leaving.”
They still hadn’t acknowledged his presence. Whether it was to show they felt he was beneath their notice or something else, I had no problem showing my family Oliver was not only important to me, but they hadn’t stopped me from being with him.
“You need to leave.” Contempt dripped from my father’s words as he finally addressed Oliver. “This is a family matter that doesn’t concern you.”
“With all due respect, anything that involves Liberty concerns me.”
“I’m her father.”
“And you haven’t acted like it. I’m here to see that she’s no longer treated like someone’s possession and that no more harm is done to her. The fact you stand there and blame her for what that monster did, proves just how much you don’t know your daughter.” Coming forward, Oliver spoke his mind, not caring whether it offended or not, because it was the truth.
“You’ll either leave or I’ll have you removed.” Once again, everything boiled down to a threat with my father.
“We won’t be staying,” I said.
“You’re not going anywhere, Liberty.” My mother joined in the conversation. “We feel it’s best that you go with Dr. Stein.”
“You don’t have a say, Mom. Not anymore.” Turning away, I leaned and whispered in Oliver’s ear. “I don’t need to pack any clothes. I’m sure Molly will let me borrow some clothes until I figure out a new wardrobe. All I need is my treasure box.” Once I told him where it was hidden, he nodded and walked past everyone, entering my bedroom.
“He’s not to be here.” The vein in my father’s forehead threatened to explode.
“He’s with me and once I have what I came for, we’ll go.”
“I don’t think you understand what’s happening here, Liberty,” Dr. Stein interrupted, moving away from the fireplace and joining my parents.
“I don’t think you all understand,” I fired back. “What you want doesn’t matter. My whole life . . . all I’ve ever done is obey your every wish. You’ve dictated everything—my choice in school, boys, clothes, friends. Whenever I stood up for myself, you used threats to manipulate me and I let you. Enough is enough. No more.” Taking a step closer to my parents, I refused to cower before them. “This is my life. Mine. I’m sorry if you don’t understand that, but I won’t live this way, anymore.”
“I don’t accept this, Liberty, and I blame that boy you’re consorting with.”
Oliver had now returned with my treasure box securely under his arm. “This is all your daughter, Mr. Montgomery. Her choice.”
“She didn’t want anything different until you came along.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. She’s always had hopes and dreams, goals for her future. You were just too arrogant and controlling to ever listen.” With his free hand, Oliver grasped mine and we once again a united front. Watching him speak up for me formed a small lump in my throat.
“And I suppose you know her better than me?” My father snorted in disgust, raking his fingers through his hair. “Enough. What you think means nothing. Liberty, do what you’re told and say goodbye. We’ve wasted enough time here. It’s time to go.” Turning his back dismissively, he spoke low to Dr. Stein.
“Goodbye, Dad.” Despite it all, sorrow filled my words.
“Liberty, think about what you’re doing,” my mother pleaded.
“Let her go. Good riddance,” Erica retorted, earning a scolding glance.
“I can get official documents giving me the right to take you with me.” I wanted to smack the arrogant expression from Dr. Stein’s face.
“I’m a legal adult. You have no authority.”
“I do if the court grants them to me. I’m convinced you’re a danger to yourself.”
“Then good luck with that. You are a fraud,” I answered back.
I was done here. My heart hurt over the realization my parents would likely never change. They were so set in their ways; they’d failed to see that the real threat wasn’t in giving me my freedom, but in ignoring it. Things wouldn’t be the same once I walked back out that door. Our relationship would break—possibly to the point of being irreparable.
“Let’s go,” I said, tugging on Oliver’s hand.
“Walk out that door and you won’t ever get another dime from us,” my father warned.
“Don’t you get it?” I exclaimed, unable to keep the anger out of my voice. “It’s not your money that I want. All I ever wanted or needed was your love and support . . . for you to listen and understand me. And understand why letting me be me is important.”
“Stop being emotional. We’ve heard you. We simply think you’re not ready.”
“It’s not for you to decide, though!”
“You’ll be alone if you follow through with this. You won’t survive without our help.”
“Then watch me prove you wrong.” With nothing more to say, I walked out, Oliver following behind me. Thankfully, the elevator was ready, preventing my parents from firing additional threats. When the doors closed, I slumped against the wall, exhausted.
I’d done it. I’d face them and was stilling standing.
As Oliver pulled me into his arms, I felt relieved.
I was finally Liberty Jane Montgomery—my name was actually me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
That first breath of fresh air had never smelled sweeter than it did as we exited the building. Everything looked different—bigger, brighter, more intoxicating.
“You okay?” Oliver asked, a huge grin curling the corners of his mouth. The elevator ride down had been a quiet few minutes, neither of us speaking. He may have been waiting to see how I’d react to the biggest showdown between my parents I’d ever endured. I couldn’t find the words to describe the incredibly liberating feeling that had hit me the second the doors had slid closed. It still seemed unreal, but the proud look on Oliver’s face confirmed it.
I’d really done it. I’d said no and survived.
/> “Was that really me up there?” Stopping in my tracks, I glanced upward. “Me, Liberty, the people pleaser and obedient daughter?” I started laughing, and even that sounded different.
“Yes.” Oliver returned to where I stood and loosely held me around the waist. “You were fearless. I’m so very proud of you.” He kissed my forehead, tightening his embrace.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it. When we walked in and they were there, I was terrified I’d cave like every other time.”
“But you didn’t. You told them exactly how you felt and didn’t let them bully you.” Using his finger, Oliver tilted my chin so he could hold my gaze better. “Never forget it, Liberty. Remember this moment whenever you begin to doubt just how amazing you are.”
“I know it was easier because you were there, beside me. Thank you for defending me. The last thing I wanted was to get you involved in all this drama. No one’s ever spoken to my father, like that. I’m just sorry he didn’t listen.” I searched his face, wanting him to see how totally grateful I was. His words had touched my heart, engraving them.
“I knew he wouldn’t.” Oliver shook his head. “But it didn’t stop me from saying what needed to be said. Just because your family failed to recognize your worth, doesn’t mean others haven’t noticed how great you really are.”
Tears now filled my eyes. Not because of my father’s threats, but because I’d found someone who believed in me so strongly. Somehow, despite all my parent’s controlling methods, they hadn’t been able to stop this. Meeting Oliver had been the catalyst to this mighty change inside me. His friendship would be the constant I could rely on as I faced an uncertain future.
“Please don’t cry, Sweetheart. Everything’s going to be okay.” His knuckles rubbed over my cheek, catching each droplet.
“These are happy tears, I promise.” I offered him a soggy smile, unable to stop. My emotions had been stifled for so long, even the smallest bit of happiness was hard to contain.
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