Nelson is sitting at the head of the needlessly large table in his ostentatious dining room in his pretentious mansion. He borrowed more money than he should have to purchase the place, most likely to alleviate a feeling of inferiority to his more successful brother. His wide-set brown eyes are narrowed, bringing out his crow’s-feet. His prominent nose got the height his cheekbones didn’t. The wide, square jaw line gives his otherwise slightly above-average features an impression ofstrength, which he uses to his advantage to soothe clients. He aims for dignified by refusing to smile, but merely ends up looking displeased. It doesn’t help that his hairline has receded enough to make him appear about ten years older than he is.
I thank my lucky stars every day that I look nothing like him.
Mick sits to Nelson’s left, a carbon copy of his father sans the hairline. He desperately wanted to go to Harvard Law, but failed.Twice. Once, when drunk, he cried about how unfair it was that he was “forced to settle” for Wake Forest because the Harvard Law admissions office was blind to his brilliance. From the way he went on, you’d think he’d been the victim of some unimaginable crime against humanity. But he’s a DA in Los Angeles now, doing fine. It’s more than he deserves.
Viv is seated next to Karie. They’re so much alike—outwardly and inwardly—cold hypocrites, full of themselves.
Currently the four are talking to one another, sharing what happened during their week, how they’re doing, gossiping about people they know. They make sure to bring up only people I don’t know—God forbid I join the conversation. The only reason they invite me at all is because Andreas insisted that we have at least one bimonthly family meal together. He thinks it’ll help me and the rest of Nelson’s family “bond.” Apparently he’s under the illusion that the reason I’m like oil to their water is that we haven’t spent enough time getting to know each other.
Karie likely hasn’t disabused him of the notion, since he isn’t just the head of the family, but controls Nelson’s legal career. She’s desperately hoping that Mick can join the firm once his stint at the district attorney’s office is over. The fact that her nephew Alaric is killing it at Huxley & Webber drives her crazy because she hates Nelson’s brother and his wife.
My phone buzzes. I check the message.
–Peter: Are you serious about the bill?
Guess he finally got the invoice for the bed and sheets I sent him. I emailed it to him initially, but it bounced because he blocked me. So I mailed it to his old address, since the post office is likely forwarding him his mail.
–Me: Yes. Why would you think I wasn’t?
–Peter: I’m sleeping in the office because of you!
Oh, really? Let me shed some tears.
–Me: Gosh. If only you’d keep your dick in your pants…
–Peter: Why do you have be so difficult, Grace?
–Me: Good question! Upon reflection, it’s probably because an asshole ex-boyfriend cheated on me and humiliated me in front of his colleagues at a promotion party I wasn’t invited to.
–Peter: It was an honest mistake. Kacey fucked up. I already spoke to her about that.
That poor assistant.
–Me: Uh-huh. Did she also shove your dick into my sister’s vagina?
–Peter: You’re being unreasonable.
–Me: At least you aren’t paying rent. Why don’t you move in with your NEW girlfriend?
–Peter: It isn’t that simple. Viv isn’t that kind of girl.
–Me: What kind? The kind who’d let you move in with her? The kind you cheat on? Or the kind you bang to further your career?
–Peter: She’s Nelson’s real daughter!
If he meant to wound me with that, it doesn’t work. I’ve never considered myself Nelson’s true child.
–Me: So it’s the career thing.
“Grace, it’s rude to stare at your phone at the dinner table. Didn’t you mother teach you any better?” Karie says.
I do my best not to clench my jaw. Karie never brings up my mom, not even asking how she’s doing at Johns Hopkins, except to criticize. In a way I understand how bitter she must feel about the fact that my mom is “the other woman.” But Karie never directs her ire at Nelson because she understands who has the power.
“Leave her alone. Who cares if she knows how to behave?” Viv says, obviously upset the focus of the conversation has shifted away from her. “I’m the one marryingtheHuxley, anyway.”
That name.Memories of my one-night stand come flowing back. My cheeks warm at what we did, and it’s suddenly difficult not to squirm in my seat.Huxley.I wish I could see him again, but he’s probably back to wherever he was from. I went by the hotel, but the front desk said the residence was unoccupied but not available for lease. The clerk, who had TRAINEE printed under her name, was reluctant to share any more information. It probably didn’t help that I don’t look like someone who can afford to live there.
“He’ssooooooohot,” Viv says dreamily, practically fanning herself. “Like a god or something. I’m so happy he’s going to be mine. Just think—Mrs. Huxley…”
