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Usually, my father will never tolerate someone speaking to him as I just did.
Not even Benny is allowed that level of disrespect toward him.
“You want to know what I’m tired of?” My father seethes, slamming his fist on the table. “You sneaking around like there isn’t a permanent target on your goddamn back.”
“I’m not sneaking around.” I push a muffin bite into my mouth to swallow down my dishonesty.
“Don’t look at me and lie. It’s insulting.” He turns his head to the side, and I gulp at the sound of his neck popping. Leaning in, he plants his elbows on the table and laces his fingers together. “Now, tell me a name. The longer you take, the longer I’ll torture him.”
“There is no one.” I stupidly gesture toward Benny. “Why does he get to sleep with whoever he wants, but Lord forbid I do anything.” I slap a hand over my mouth, appearing guiltier than I intended.
“Does that fucking mean you’re sleeping with—” Benny starts.
My father raises his hand, cutting him off the same way he did me.
He stares at me with hostility. “Tell me what you’re up to, Gigi, and I mean,now.”
“Nothing.” I throw my muffin at Benny, and he catches it before it whacks him in the face. It’s a juvenile move, but I’m pissed. “I’m just … frustrated.”
“Frustrated with what?”
“Do you expect me to sit here and never have a life? A boyfriend? A husband? A family of my own?”
“I don’t expect that from you, no.”
“What if I’m ready to explore my options then?”
His serious demeanor turns into amusement. He’s about to mindfuck me, like he does everyone else. “Do you have someone in mind?”
“Why would I tell you? You’ll kill him.”
His failure to answer confirms my statement.
“Do you want me to stay miserable forever?” I take a sip of orange juice to soothe my burning throat.
“I didn’t know you were miserable.”
“I have no friends?—”
“You have Natalia,” he interrupts.
“Sure, but you limit my time with her.”
“That’s because her boyfriend is a fucking moron,” Benny says.
My father isn’t concerned with Natalia’s love life, so he doesn’t acknowledge Benny’s comment, which is a plus for me. If he finds out she’s dating Vinny, he’ll for sure forbid me from spending time with her.
He relaxes in his chair, his elbows leaving the table. “As much as I want you to have your freedom, I care about you staying alive more. If there’s someone you’d consider marrying, provide a name for me.”
My father must really think I lack intelligence.
Whoever’s name I provide will be dead by the end of the day.
“What if I want to date around before choosing a husband?” I ask.
Benny scoffs and runs his hand over his scruffy cheek.
“Dating around is ridiculous,” my father argues. “No one does that.”
