Chapter 15 - MICAH WENT TO SEE HIS FATHER
Micah called Brett himself.
Audrey did not know until afterward.
They met at a diner.
Public.
Neutral.
Audrey learned because Brett texted:
Micah asked to see me. I’m telling you for transparency.
Good.
She responded:
Thank you.
Then waited.
Three hours.
Longest three hours of the month.
Micah returned home carrying fries.
Audrey looked at the bag.
“Those for me?”
“No.”
“Excellent parenting.”
He smiled faintly.
Progress.
Then sat at the kitchen island.
“What did Dad tell you?”
“Nothing about your conversation.”
Micah looked surprised.
“He didn’t?”
“No.”
“That’s weird.”
“Healthy weird.”
Micah considered.
Then:
“I asked him why he sold Holloway Legacy.”
Audrey waited.
“He said because he was mad at you.”
No euphemism.
Good.
“He said he wanted to feel like he still had something you didn’t control.”
Audrey’s chest tightened.
“And?”
“I asked if he understood that he keeps treating things like people.”
She stared.
“What does that mean?”
“He gave Sierra your jewelry because he thought it was his to move around.”
Micah counted on his fingers.
“He tried to move your recipes.”
Another.
“He tried to move your job.”
Another.
“Then he sold the company that held all that stuff.”
Micah looked at her.
“He thinks ownership means permission.”
Audrey sat very still.
Sixteen.
Children grow.
Sometimes into mirrors.
“What did Brett say?”
“He cried.”
Audrey almost smiled.
“That appears to be happening more often.”
Micah did not smile.
“He said I was right.”
Good.
Then Micah whispered:
“I’m still mad.”
“You’re allowed.”
“I also still love him.”
“You’re allowed that too.”
He looked relieved.
That mattered.
Audrey had spent years believing feelings had to vote.
Love or anger.
Loyalty or disappointment.
Marriage had taught her otherwise.
Micah could love Brett.
And know exactly what Brett did.
May you like
That was healthier than worship.
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