The Exception(49)

Just as she was about to leave, I heard Drew’s voice. As I walked into the living room, he stopped talking to Kristen and stared at me with a smile splayed across his face.

“Wow. You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks. So do you.” I smiled. “Look at that tux.” I walked over and placed my hand on his chest.

“Are you ready?”

“I am. Just let me grab my purse.”

“My mom called today and asked me over for a dinner tomorrow. I would love for you to come with me. I mentioned you to her.”

“What did you say?”

“I just told her that I met a beautiful woman and I would like them to meet you.”

“Parents. That’s a big step.” I grinned.

“Nah. They’re cool. Don’t think of them as my parents. Just think of them as people I know.”

“Okay. A barbeque sounds great. I’d love to go with you.”

****

“Wow, look at this turnout,” I spoke as we walked arm in arm into the Bank Ballroom.

“Connor’s events are always successful.”

As a waiter walked by holding a tray of champagne, Drew grabbed two glasses and handed me one. We mixed and mingled with his business associates and friends.

“I’m going to go find the restroom,” I spoke as I placed my hand on Drew’s arm.

“Okay. I’ll wait right here.”

Giving him a smile, I made my way to the bathroom. As I was sitting in the stall, the bathroom door opened and I froze when I heard a familiar voice. No. It couldn’t be. I sat there, literally shaking with my heart pounding out of my chest as I listened to the two women have a conversation. My breathing had become restricted while I sat there waiting for them to leave. After I heard the door open and then close again, the bathroom became silent. Quickly leaving the stall, I washed my hands and slowly opened the bathroom door. I needed to get out of here and fast. I had no time to tell Drew I was leaving as I made a beeline down the hallway and through the ballroom as quickly as I could. There was a crowd of people gathered around listening to Connor’s speech. If I could just get past them unnoticed, everything would be okay. My legs were shaking and I couldn’t seem to get a hold of myself. I was almost across the room where the exit doors were located when I accidentally bumped into a man.

“Oh, excuse me, young—Jillian?” His eyes widened.

I swallowed hard. “Daddy.”

He grabbed hold of my arm to prevent me from taking another step.

“My God. Have you been in New York all this time?”

“Let me go, Daddy.” Tears started to fill my eyes. “Please, if you ever loved me, you’ll let me go.”

“There is no way I’m letting you go. What the hell happened to you?”

“There you are, dar—” My mother stopped mid-word as her eyes popped out of her head. “Jillian?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“You have some serious explaining to do, young lady!” Her voice grew loud.

This was it. I knew one day this moment would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I needed to collect my thoughts and, for the first time in my life, stand up to my parents. I was a twenty-four-year-old woman with her own life and I needed to act like one. As much as I wanted to run out of the room, I would face them as an adult.

“What’s going on here?” Drew asked as he walked up and saw the hold my father had on me.

“Excuse me? Who are you?” my mother asked as she looked him up and down.

“It’s not important who I am. Please remove your hand from her now before I do it for you.” He glared at my father.

“Drew, these are my parents.”

“Oh shit,” he spoke.

“Like your mother said, Jillian, you have some serious explaining to do. What kind of person does what you did?” My father asked.

“Yes. Do you know the embarrassment you have caused this family?” my mother spoke through gritted teeth. “Not to mention what you did to poor Grant. He’s devastated.”

My jaw dropped. “Oh yeah, poor Grant. The two-timing, lying, cheating son of a bitch!” I yelled.

“Okay. Not here.” Drew placed his arm around my waist.

“Is this your new boy toy?” my mother scowled.

“I’m Jillian’s friend and this is not the place to have this discussion.”

“Fine,” my father spoke. “We can do it in our hotel suite. We’re staying at the Plaza. Jillian, come with us.”

“No.”

“Jillian, you heard what your father said. Now let’s go!” my mother harshly spoke.

“No.” I folded my arms.

“Excuse us for a moment.” Drew held up his finger and took hold of my arm, leading me away from my parents. “I know you’re in shock right now, but you knew eventually you’d have to face them. They’re here now, so you might as well get it over with. Once you’ve talked, it’s over.”

“There is no talking to them, Drew.”

“Jillian, you are twenty-four years old. They can’t hurt you anymore. Tell them how you feel and move on.”

“Will you come with me?”

“Of course I will.” He kissed my head. “Take in a deep breath. You can do this. You’re a strong, independent woman.”