Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Her mother stiffened in her seat. “You didn’t want to be a lawyer so you could one day take over the firm that’s been in the family for three generations? Fine. But you could at least try to give Elliott a chance for the sake of the firm and the business your father and his father built. Elliott is already a junior partner, and your father has high hopes for him.”
Of course her mother ignored the facts of what Georgia had said, instead focusing on her one and only goal. Anger surged through Georgia, and she tightened her already clasped hands on the table in an effort to maintain her composure.
“So let Dad give Elliott the business. It’s not my responsibility to keep it in the family, and my private life is just that. Private, and I’d appreciate it if you’d stop meddling and interfering or telling me what to do.” She drew a deep breath. “I’m an adult, I know my own mind, and I will never want to be in a relationship with Elliott.”
Her mother’s chin lifted. “I’m only doing what’s best for the family and the business.”
What was best for Nina Brooks, more likely.
And with that came the realization that she was never going to change her mother’s mind or get her to understand where Georgia was coming from or what she wanted in life. But she wasn’t going to cave to her mother’s expectations any longer, and she intended to make that crystal clear.
“Clearly, we’re at an impasse.” She stood up, because as soon as she had her say, she was leaving. She wouldn’t keep rehashing this issue and argument with her mother. “I love you. I love Dad. And I’m not doing any of this to hurt you, but you need to understand things are going to be different from now on.”
Her mother narrowed her gaze. “What does that mean?”
“It’s simple. If I walk into a family dinner and you’ve invited Elliott…or any man as my date, I will leave. If I go to an event with you, and Elliott or anyone else just happens to be sitting at our table for my benefit, I won’t stay. If I want to bring someone with me, that will be my choice and no one else’s.” Her insides trembled as she spoke, but she’d never been so certain of her words before.
The shock on her mother’s face, along with the way her mouth gaped open, was almost comical. Georgia had only stood up to her parents once before when she’d been in college, but this moment was far more extreme. She’d just set definitive boundaries with her mother that came with consequences, and judging by the disapproval gradually transforming Nina’s expression, she wasn’t happy with Georgia’s newly found confidence.
Once her mother recovered, she opened her mouth to speak, but Georgia held up a hand and cut her off before she could issue what would undoubtedly be a scathing reply.
“We’re done with this conversation, Mom,” she said firmly. “And I’m done with you manipulating my life. If you want a relationship where you make a genuine attempt to get to know me, then you know where to find me.”
Then, she turned and walked out of the house, proud of herself for taking control of her life.
* * *
It had been one helluva long week for Drew, including working at the office on Saturday and tying up loose ends on an agreement between a client and the company they were purchasing. But Saturday evening was all about spending time with Georgia…especially when his boss had asked Drew for a firm decision next week on whether or not he’d accept the offer to head up the European deal.
Drew hadn’t changed his mind and was still leaning toward saying yes. Passing up such a huge, lucrative opportunity wasn’t in his nature. He wasn’t about to settle for mediocrity in his career, and even though he’d recently made partner, he still had a lot to prove to the senior members of the firm. It was important to show he was a team player and could handle a client as important as EuroQuest Industries, which meant even longer hours at the office and a lot of traveling to Europe—especially during the initial months on the job.
The only difficulty in making the decision revolved around Georgia. He couldn’t keep leading her on, and he was certain if his emotions were involved, which they were, then hers had to be, as well. Heartbreak was all but guaranteed. Selfishly, he wasn’t ready to let her go just yet, which was why he’d agreed to whatever date she’d planned. Until he accepted that European offer, he was going to enjoy what little time they had left together.
After finishing at the office late Saturday afternoon, he made a quick stop at home to change into jeans and a more casual shirt, then picked up Georgia, who’d greeted him with a kiss and an exuberant hug. Her mood was directly related to the confrontation she’d had with her mother, one she’d told him about over the phone earlier in the week. She had a new, optimistic view of life and he loved seeing her recently discovered confidence. Her eyes sparkled, and her overall happy demeanor was infectious. It was obvious a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders and her constant grin had Drew forgetting his own troubles for a while.