AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Father scoffs and gestures towards Mom. “Typical,” he says flippantly. “Mothers never wanting their children to grow up. If Christina had her way, she would insist Lucas would live with us for the rest of his life. If it weren’t for me, he would probably still be in his diapers, being spoon fed.”
I clench my jaw, fighting that need to scoff or roll my eyes. Mom was never there when I was a kid. She didn’t change my diapers, or feed me. That was all Nanna. If anything, Mom would like to have me around so she could introduce me to all her friend’s daughters; make a proper match with me and some wealthy, cocaine addicted girl who probably ate two almonds a day and enjoyed talking about the latest Gucci line.
I don’t know why, but my mind goes to Rachel, wondering if she’s cooking dinner right now; wondering if she’s done any site seeing with Seth and Hunter. They’re probably busy having fun without me. All I want to do is rush through this dinner and run back to them.
Maybe I can call in sick tomorrow.
“Oh, please,” says Mom while swaying in her seat. “You’re the one who didn’t want him going to that school.” She points her glass at my father, nearly spilling champagne all over the table, but with a practiced wrist, she tips the glass up again and brings it to her lips. I cringe, tempted to take away the alcohol. She’s obviously had way too much to drink.
“Ah, yes, how is Colorado?” Alex asks with mock intrigue.
“Wonderful,” I say, flinching at the bitterness in my tone.
I glance at Father, wondering if he caught it, but his gaze is glued to Mom and her swaying. The server steps forward, reaching for the bottle, but my father shakes his head. “Water,” he mouths to the server, who darts off to the kitchen.
“I hear you will be working at your father’s hospital next semester,” says father, turning his attentions away from Mom.
Alex nods, sitting upright now that he’s on display for the adults to grill. “Yes. I will probably have to put running on the side. We’re still working it out. Dad doesn’t want to sideline the running since I’ve been winning so many medals recently.”
If Seth were here, he would probably throw his body across the table and tackle Alex to the ground. Imagining it brings a smile to my face.
“I can’t believe we know a track star,” slurs Mom.
I open my mouth, wanting to say she knows Seth, but I promptly close it. She probably doesn’t even remember Seth, and if she does, she most likely doesn’t think much of him, given he’sa nobody. Definitely an amazing runner, but he doesn’t come from money like Alex.
I slump in my chair while my parents continue on. I’m ready to be done with this meal, but our orders haven’t been taken yet. At this rate, I’ll be here for hours. I glance over my shoulders, blinking when I see several servers heading our way, carrying tiny plates.
They set them in front of us and I stare down at the tiny grilled eggplant in front of me.
“I hope you don’t mind,” says Father with what looks to be a polite smile. “I ordered the ten courses degustation menu.”
I fight the need to groan.
“Oh, wonderful,” says Samuel while neatly cutting into his eggplant.
“Thank you,” Alex says politely.
“Great,” I murmur, stabbing my eggplant with my fork.
***
“You really don’t have to come up,” I say in the elevator.
My hands can’t stop fidgeting in front of me. My parents are standing behind me, practically escorting me home. It’s like they want to know every single little thing going on in my life. I swear, Samuel must have told them something, otherwise why would they seem this nosey?
“Well, I just want to see you have everything,” says Mom.
“Your Mom does worry about you, son.”
My frown deepens.
They want to know who I have over. They want to see what kind of people I’ve been surrounding myself with recently. Although, trying to get out of dinner around the eighth course was probably a bad move. Even Alex gave me a look like I had completely lost my mind.
I check the time on watch: 10:30. Maybe everyone is asleep?
I push my key into the door, unlocking it and pushing it open. My heart deflates when I hear alternative rock music playing in the background followed by Rachel’s giggling.
Please, let them be clothed, I think while kicking off my shoes. “Hey!” I call. “I’m home.”
