Ash’s frown hardens as he stares me down. “How about you stop telling me how to feel?”
A lightning bolt of pain causes a splitting headache behind my forehead. I clutch it, rubbing a tight circle with my thumb, and turn away from my brother. I move toward the staircase and hear someone descending. I lower my hand and view my father tightening his cufflinks as he takes the last few steps.
“Oh, Dad,” I say as he strides toward us. “I didn’t know you’d be home. Are you joining me at the club?”
“Hi honey,” Dad says, kissing my cheek. “No, afraid not. Two gents from Clifford and Garricks are in town, so we’re taking them to The Steakhouse.”
I follow behind him as he marches toward the front door. “We?”
Ash’s footsteps sound behind me. Over my shoulder, I watch him pull on a blazer.
I slow my pace, gawking at him. “You’re going with Dad?”
Ash mutters, “You’re so lucky you don’t get dragged along to these things.”
Yeah. I’m so lucky my younger brother gets included in the family business and I’ve been excluded my entire life. I exhale hard, derailing the negative thoughts, and catch up to Dad.
With my hands clasped in front, I ask, “Are you sure you don’t want to wine and dine them at the country club?”
“I’m sure. They are guys’ guys. They like a good pound of prime rib and a quart of scotch in them.” Dad throws an arm around me. “They’re not the type of men I want in the same vicinity as my little lady.”
“I can hold my own. Plus, I can change my plans and join you at The Steakhouse.”
Dad lets me go, chuckling. “No, darling, that’s not something I see happening.”
I pout. “I don’t have to be kept on the shelf.”
Dad cups my chin. “Of course you don’t. You’ll venture into the world and do amazing things. I don't need to watch over you because you’re a good girl.”
I smile despite the heavy weight of defeat. “Okay, Dad.”
Dad moves over to Murphy, who holds out his coat.
My apathetic brother stops by me. “This’ll be fun. Sitting around while they get liquored up and I’ve got four years until I’m allowed to drink with them.”
I narrow my eyes. “Would you really want to get drunk with these guys?”
Ash shrugs. “It’d probably help the night go faster. And it’d help me forget all the vile things you’ve said to me.”
I grimace. “Ugh. You wouldn’t hide your problems with cocktails like our parents, would you?”
Ash smirks. “I know you’ve got the good and pure act going on, but wait until you get a taste of the real world.”
I scoff in dispute. “And, what? Because Dad doesn’t take me on business trips, I don’t know what the real world is like?”
Ash pats my shoulder, wearing a teasing smile. “You just stick to planning social events.”
“Ready to go, Ash?” Dad asks, walking out the front door.
“No, but I’m coming,” Ash jokes, following Dad outside.
While Murphy closes the front door, I take the stairs, needing more than ever to wash this day away. Upstairs, I move through the halls to my wing. A swell of relief fills me on the approach to my bathroom. And then the doorknob turns.
Huh?
The door opens and Christie, my brother’s girlfriend, emerges.
“Oh, hi, Vanessa,” she says, almost startled. “How was your time at the hospital?”
