"Holley, my mother shouldn't have acted like that toward you. I understand that you're hurt. At the same time, I understand her too. Your words were offensive. She is not only my mother but also the owner of the company. You contradicted and embarrassed her in front of all those shareholders. No one could take that attitude without getting angry. So please try to understand. I promise I will help you get your job back," George comforted Holley patiently. The disagreement between her and his mother was such a headache for him. They were both at fault; he had to help them understand that and iron out their differences.
Holley nodded her head approvingly and stated, "I see. Yes, you are right. George, when I say I don't need to go back to my old job, I mean it. It's not something I'd just throw out in the heat of the moment. It's what I want now."
"What do you mean? I don't get what you're saying," George inquired, confused. He knew how much Holley's job at BM Corporation mattered for her. Susan was still working in the company, and Holley would use her to get back at Sheryl. She wouldn't just give it all up, but her words weren't making any other sense.
Holley noticed George's shocked expression and explained, "We have been in love for so many years. You know how much you mean to me. All that really matters right now is that you are part of my life. As long as we're together, losing my job doesn't matter anymore." She seemed genuine in her answer.
George continued to stare at her, unable to comprehend her words. Eventually, he asked, hesitating, "Holley, I don't understand what's happening. Are you saying you're not mad anymore? Are you willing to give up your plans?" More questions were inundating his mind but he was trying to take them one at a time.
"No, I'm not mad. I really mean it. It just hit me," Holley began clarifying. With her head hung low and tears in her eyes she continued, "Today is the anniversary of my mother's death." She knew George would realize where she was going with that.
Indeed, he understood then why Holley had been under the weather that day. She had lost her cool because she was missing her mother more than any other day.
He cupped her face, grazing his thumb along her jaw, and apologized, "Sorry, Holley. If I had known today is the anniversary of your mother's death, I would have explained it to my mother before things got out of hand." He could feel her sorrow. The last thing he wanted was to add more to it. He would do anything to alleviate her pain.
Sighing heavily, he questioned himself, 'What should I do now? I don't know if my mother will care about this at all. I can see why Holley has lost control today, but now it's not easy for me to change my mother's opinion of her.'
"It's okay," Holley said while holding George's gaze. It was as if she had read his mind. "George," she continued, "I didn't tell you about this to make you feel bad. As I said, you are what matters most to me. Honestly, nothing else means as much for me. As long as you are in my life, I can give up anything and anyone. You are all I need."
"Really?" George doubted. His heart skipped a beat at the sound of her words. He wanted to believe her but he could barely recognize her anymore. It felt like the Holley he knew had disappeared and a completely new one emerged after that day's argument. It felt like a dream, one that he dreaded waking up from. Holley living the simple life with him was something he could only hope for before. However, at that moment it was all starting to look plausible. Everything was happening so fast. He felt conflicted while warm and fuzzy inside.
"Of course. I mean it," Holley assured him as she leaned into a hug. She rested her head on his shoulder and added, "Because of the anniversary of my mother's death I am in low spirits. However, today shows that no matter what I do, no matter how many times I mess up, you are always by my side. This means a lot to me, George. I am lucky to have you. Being with you is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Holley steepled her fingers together and remained silent for a moment before continuing, "Do you know what I am thinking of? When I honored my mother in front of her tomb, I was angry. You are always supportive of your mother and regard her as the most important person in your life. So it's not hard to figure out that I am putting you in a tough spot when we argue. You try to remain neutral and pacify both of us. You really want us to get along well, don't you?"
George felt relieved seeing that she was starting to understand his situation. He smiled gratefully and replied, "I am so glad you get it."
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