AllFreeNovel
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“Well,” Dad says, turning his attention to me. “What do you think, Son? You like it?”
I scratch at my temple, feeling awkward as hell. He’s being so blatant about it. Is he going to break my sister’s heart right here in the driveway?
“It’s nice,” I murmur, breaking his gaze to run my eyes along the sleek SUV. “Really nice.”
Gemma pulls from Dad’s hug to dazzle me with a bright smile. “I’m so in love with it, Dad. Thank you!”
Dad nods, not correcting her. Wait. Is this car hers? Am I the one who’s not getting one? Shock, outrage, and mostly hurt burn hot through my veins. I can feel my face turning red and I hate it.
Am I some joke to him?
The loser, worthless kid?
“As you kids can see,” Dad says, voice gruff and firm. “There’s one car here.”
Here it comes.
Favoritism at its finest.
“There are some rules that go along with this vehicle,” he continues. “You’re not allowed to drive it alone.”
Gemma frowns while I clench my teeth, staring vacantly at my sister’s car.
“What do you mean?” Gemma asks. “Like with you or Mom? We’re eighteen and can drive alone.”
Dad grunts. “I know the law, but these are your mother’s and my rules. If you drive anywhere, you must take Dempsey with you.”
I scoff but secretly revel in her shocked expression that quickly morphs into anger.
“Because I’m a girl? Dad, that’s so unfair!” Her big eyes fill with tears as she looks at our mother for aid. Fat chance, Sis. Mom’s always on Dad’s side.
Technically, with all her paid sponsorships on social media, she probably has enough to buy her own vehicle, not that Dad would let her.
“It’s not because you’re a girl,” Dad explains, huffing in frustration. “Same with Dempsey. It’s your shared car, but I want him to take you if he drives it anywhere.”
Wait.
Shared?
Seriously?
We’ve literally shared every-fucking-thing since being in the womb and now we’re sharing a car, too. Annoying but not all that surprising.
“Am I being punished because I don’t want to go to college?” I grit out, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at Dad. “Because, if so, that’s a mindfuck, Dad.”
Dad stiffens and his nostrils flare. “I knew I had spoiled children, but I didn’t realize they were both going to be such brats. I bought you a ninety-five-thousand-dollar car and it’s not good enough? Unbelievable.”
I guess he has a point.
We’re not being very grateful. But it’s his fault. He made us this way. It’s not like he doesn’t have the money to get each of us a car. He could have bought two cheaper cars for the price of this one.
“Whatever,” I mutter. “Fine. Thanks, Mom, Dad. Car is cool. We’ll drive together. All is good.”
Gemma’s shoulders hunch and she nods. “We do love it. Thank you. I just didn’t expect to have to ride everywhere with Dempsey.” She glances my way. “What about if he doesn’t go to college? How will I get there?”
Dad glowers my way. “He’s going. Now, if we’re done with all this, I’d like to head over to PMU for our appointment.”
He climbs back into the driver’s seat and slams the door shut. Mom pats Gemma’s back and then joins our father up front. Despite this being our car now, me and Gemma climb into the back like usual. I can tell my sister is trying hard not to cry. I’m pretty over this whole day myself.
