Broken Promises

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER NINE

I called my parents and asked if it was okay for Oliver to join us for dinner tonight. When they asked why, I told them it was because we didn't to talk to them about something important. My father sounded a bit hesitant when he said okay, which probably meant they thought Oliver and I were secretly together and about to come clean. My mother did point out that we seemed to be getting too friendly with another. I didn't know what she meant by that.

Oliver pulled into the driveway, and I gave a shaky breath. There was no turning back now into telling my parents about Rodney and his threats, and deep down, I still didn't want to tell them. Rodney made it clear to keep my mouth shut in the text message, and when I told Oliver it was a bad idea, he just shook his head. Whether I told them or not, they were going to find out from Oliver.

I sat there for a moment contemplating on how to tell them. Should I just say that Adam was in trouble and it might cost me my life? Or that Adam owed money and they should pay within the thirty days? This was frustrating. How do you tell someone something like this?

My hands were trembling when I reached for the handle, and it slipped through my hands. Thankfully, though, Oliver was able to lean across me and opened it for me. But did he have to do it like that? Couldn't he just get out first and open it from the outside? More importantly, did I have to let my nerves get the best of me? I was being pathetic.

You got this, Sierra.

No, I didn't.

The aroma of rosemary and garlic came to my senses, and my mouth began to water. I forgot about everything momentarily, excited that my father was probably doing the cooking. He was part Italian and when he cooked, he would make Italian dishes from his grandmother's cookbook. I bounced on my heels before strutting into the kitchen. Sure enough, there was my father, leaning over the stove, whisking away.

I walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Hi, daddy. Where's Mom?"

"In the study," he answered, sending me a smile. "Do me a favor. Taste this?" He brought a spoon with some of his sauce up to my lips, and I blew on it a little before sipping it into my mouth. "Is it good?"

I nodded. "Perfect."

"Thanks, kiddo." He ruffled my hair a little before he went back to cooking.

I turned to face Oliver. "My dad should have dinner ready soon. You can watch TV if you like."

He nodded and went to the living room. I found my mom in the study, going through some of her papers. Her glasses were perched on top of her nose, and she looked focused. I knocked on the door to gain her attention. She looked up at me, smiling a little.

"Hey honey."

"Hey."

I sat down in the chair across from her. She gazed quizzically at me, a knowing look in her eyes. She knew there was something I needed to her, but she didn't force it out of me. My mother was good about that. Letting us tell her whatever we needed to at our own pace.

My mouth opened, but I closed it almost immediately. I needed to tell her. I had to tell her. It was the only way to get me out of this mess, wasn't it? It shouldn't be that hard. Come on, Sierra. Your mom deserves to know the shit your brother is putting you through. It's life and death situation, and the only way to stay alive is to tell you mom so she can give you the money and you can give it to Rodney. It's the only way you'll get the hundred thousand.

But it really wasn't that easy. I sighed, standing from the chair. It was probably best if I let Oliver tell her. He would easily be able to do it. After all, it was his idea.