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We all stare at him.
He’s probably had enough of my mother’s griping. I don’t know how he put up with her for so many years, and I can’t blame him for walking out when he rounds the table.
Only he doesn’t leave.
He walks up to my mother, picks up her unfinished plate, then moves to my dad, doing the same.
“I’m not done with that,” my mother protests.
“Oh no, Melissa, you are done. You’re both done.” Calm as anything, Tate walks into the kitchen. The crash of their plates being dumped into the sink rings through the house.
I hear rustling, a zip, and then his footsteps as he returns to the dining room. Wheeling my parents’ suitcase behind him.
“W-what are you doing?” My mom clutches at her chest.
“If it wasn’t obvious, I’m telling you to leave. You are not welcome in our home until you learn to respect your daughter.” Pulling out his phone, he thumbs at the screen. “I’ve ordered you a cab. It’ll take you to a hotel near the airport.”
I’ve never seen my mother so dumbfounded. I’m shocked. He’s always been polite, courteous, only voicing his opinions about my parents behind closed doors, and even then he’s considerate of my feelings. I’ve always shut him down whenever he’s asked to speak up on my behalf, knowing it would’ve made things worse. He’s always respected my wishes.
Until tonight.
“A hotel?” Her panicked eyes whip my way. “We can’t afford a hotel.”
“It’s covered. Consider it a farewell gift.” His phone dings. “Your taxi is three minutes away. I’ll help you with your bags.”
Neither of them moves.
I can see Tate’s rock-solid patience waver under their obstinacy.
“You—He can’t talk to us like this. Talia, say something.” My mother’s voice is shrill. “We’re your parents.”
“Parents do not belittle or act like their child’s existence is an inconvenience. The only time you seem to have taken an interest in Talia’s life is when she could financially support you. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? For another payout?”
I cringe, but my mom doesn’t deny it. I’d hoped he’d never seen the transfers to my mom over the past year.
Tate locks eyes with me. “She is better than us. All of us put together. And if she believes running away from home and getting married was a mistake, I’ll let her tell me.” He returns his attention to my parents. “But not from you. So, again, I’m asking you to leave. A third time, and I’ll consider it trespassing and call the police.”
Dad clears his throat. “This isn’t right. Now, why don’t we all calm down and finish our meal?”
Tate makes a bewildered expression, like he forgot my dad was even here. “Donald, you’re as guilty as Melissa in the way you’ve treated Talia. Not once did you stop your wife from bullying your daughter, so no, I won’t fucking calm down.”
The thing is, he is calm. He’s poised and eloquent in the way he’s handling my parents. The only giveaway that this interaction is bothering him is the slight shake in his hands as he grips the back of a dining chair.
“Talia! Do something?” my mom repeats as she stands on shaky legs.
Back ramrod straight, I look her dead in the eye. “I am doing something. I’m living my life exactly the way I want to.” I push up from my chair. “I’m still not searching for your blessing, and I’m not even asking you to be happy for me anymore. I don’t want you to be a part of my life. I’m done.”
A car honks outside.
My gaze flits toward the hallway. “Have a safe flight.”
Like a self-righteous tornado, she storms out of the room, muttering and cussing us under her breath. My dad follows, but pauses in the doorway and looks back at me. “She’ll never forgive you.”
I shake my head. “For what? Wanting to be respected in my own home and not have every decision I’ve made in my life and relationship criticized?”
He stares at me before huffing and finally disappearing.
“Give me a second.” Tate leaves, and I hear an exchange of curt words.
