The last thing that I am is lazy.
“Last time I checked,” I say evenly, eyebrow raised, “you don't work either.”
River nudges my foot under the table, a little warning, but I don't look at him. He knows exactly how I feel about her, and he knows I’m not going to let her talk down to me.
“That's different.”
“Right,” I scoff. “Because you fuck the very person who pays for you to live here.”
“Willow,” River snaps softly, not wanting us to fight. He has always hated conflict; it makes him a little twitchy.
I don't look at him. I keep my eyes on Rose. Her lips pinch into a thin, judgmental line, nostrils flaring, cheeks blotching red as she fights not to lose her temper. If River wasn’t here, I’d almost expect her to slap me. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.
“You might've spoken to your father like that,” she hisses. “But you will not speak to me that way. I am your mother.”
I plant my hand on the table and lean forward. “Don't talk about him,” I warn. “You don't ever get to talk about him.”
Her eyes widen, and River jumps between us so fast his chair screeches across the floor.
“Mum, where's Dad?” he blurts, standing directly in front of her like a human shield, trying to smother the wildfire with pure optimism.
All I want to do is rip her hair out. My fingers curl tight, and I force myself to stay put as she straightens, flicks her hair back, and gives River a little eye roll like she's the fun mum of the year. My heart is racing, and I can feel the anger bursting at the seams, wanting to unleash on her exactly how I feel. I take deep breaths to try and calm my racing mind, more for River than anyone else.
“Oh, you know your dad,” she says casually, turning her attention away from me. “He had to pop into the garage. But he’ll be back for your game. You should head to practice. I need to unpack, and your sister,” she really drags the word out, staring over at me. “Needs to start job hunting.”
I hold back a laugh. Of course, she would bring that up again.
I bite my tongue because if I open my mouth, I’m pretty sure the next words out will get me kicked out before I even get the chance to stand up.
River glances over his shoulder, sympathy written all over his face. I force a reassuring smile. “Go on, Riv. I’ll be fine.”
He comes around the table and pulls me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly. It soothes something in my soul, and I’m reminded once again how grateful I am for him.
His mouth is close to my ear when he whispers, “I've always got you. You and me against the world, right?”
I hold back the sudden sting in my eyes and nod. “Against the world.”
He steps back with a soft grin. “Alright, I’ll see you both later.”
“I’ll be there in red and blue with my pom-poms,” I tease, a small smirk tugging at my mouth. Rose looks ready to spontaneously combust, and that lightens my mood just a touch.
That would be a bonus.
“I can't wait to see that,” he laughs, ruffling my hair like the giant golden retriever he is. Walking over to the bench, he presses a quick kiss to Rose's cheek and heads out.
The second the door closes behind him, the room feels quieter. The pressure weighing on my chest and the small amount of happiness I felt before is gone just as fast as it arrived. I turn to head upstairs, already picturing collapsing face-first into my bed, when she clears her throat again. Louder this time.
“Not so fast.”
I stop. Close my eyes, praying for a sinkhole, a lightning strike, literally anything to take me out of this conversation.
“What now?”
She lifts her chin. “What have you been doing the last few weeks I haven't been here?”
“None of your business.”
She steps forward, shoulders stiff. “It doesn't matter. I've already been made aware of some of the extracurricular activities,” she sneers at me.
