Read Chapter 18: — PETER'S MOTHER

Peter's mother chose a rainy Saturday to declare war.

Susan Hale had heard the hotel group was no longer interested in buying her street's properties. She had also heard, through the neighbourhood's efficient intelligence network, that Eleanor worked closely with Adrian.

She arrived at the Ward flat angry and frightened.

“You've ruined Peter's chance to sell,” she accused. “He could have cleared his mortgage.”

Eleanor stared. “I didn't make any decision about your house.”

“You come back and suddenly everything changes. Peter runs after you again. He ignores Mia. He spends his weekends helping your family.”

“That's between you and Peter.”

Susan's voice rose.

“You've already had a husband. You have a child. Leave my son alone.”

Margaret appeared from the kitchen, furious.

Eleanor held up a hand.

“No, Mum.”

She looked at Susan.

“I have never promised Peter anything. I care about him. I won't insult him by pretending he has no choices of his own. If you think your adult son is incapable of deciding whom he helps, you're not protecting him. You're controlling him.”

Susan stepped forward and shoved Eleanor.

Eleanor instinctively raised an arm.

Susan lost her balance and fell onto the carpet.

At that exact moment, Peter came through the open door.

“Peter!” Susan cried. “She hit me.”

He looked at his mother. Then Eleanor. Then Margaret.

Eleanor said nothing.

Peter helped Susan up.

“Mum,” he said quietly, “go home.”

“But—”

“I know Ellie.”

Susan's face changed.

“So you choose her.”

“No. I'm asking you not to lie to me.”

It was not the victory Eleanor might once have imagined.

It was sad.

Later Peter apologized.

“You don't have to.”

“I do.”

“You aren't responsible for everything your mother does.”

He gave a tired laugh. “Can you tell her that?”

Eleanor touched his arm.

There was affection between them, deep and real.

But she finally understood what she had avoided admitting.

Peter represented safety because he belonged to her childhood.

Safety was not the same as love.

And he deserved more than being chosen because somebody else had hurt her.