“Making things right would mean making Dad pay for his crimes. Letting the courts sentence him. Looking out for us means putting us first. Above the man who got us all into this mess in the first place.”

Pain melted through her features. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I love him. And he’s better now. I swear to you. He’s not messed up with that crew anymore—”

My entire body went rigid. “Is he here? On Anchor? Or Shelter?”

My mother’s mouth snapped closed, and she didn’t say another word—her silence was answer enough.

“You always did love him more than us. This is just the first time you’ve said it out loud.” I met her gaze, staying silent for a moment, hoping she’d really hear what I said next. “Stay away from us. Until you’re willing to put your children before your loser husband, I don’t want to see you.”

Mom sucked in a sharp breath. “I understand. I’m sorry, Kitten. I really am. I love you. I do. I just…”

“You can’t give him up.” My voice broke on the sentence. It was too much. Never. Not once had I ever been someone’s top priority. Sure, I had people in my life who cared about me, who were wonderful friends. But not once had the people who were supposed to love me most come through on that promise. They let me fall time and time again.

I trembled as I sucked in a breath, tears filling my eyes. I hated that she still had this power over me after all of these years. That some part of me would never stop hoping that she would pull it together and love me. “You get to make that choice. But I get to make mine, too. And that’s walking away.”

I started towards the entrance of the store, tears falling in earnest now. Walking away was my only choice. Because if I let my mother back in, she’d take me down with her. In an endless cycle of unfulfilled promises and pretty lies. I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t.

Griffin’s face filled my mind. The burn of his blue gaze right before his lips met mine. The promise to see where things went between us. I’d been so excited to lean in to that exploration. But that’s all it was. A promise of a maybe. I wiped at my face as I unlocked the door.

“Running a little late, aren’t we?”

I turned at the sound of Patti’s voice. Seemed this day was just going to keep on giving. “We don’t open for five more minutes. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait.”

Patti opened her mouth to speak and then took in my tear-streaked face. Apparently, even the ice queen had a heart because she paused. “I can wait. Take your time.”