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I need to get a job, and fast. I need to make enough money to get out of here and find a place on my own. I can’t live the rest of my life this way, that’s for sure. Lying in bed, staring at the door, expecting somebody to break in.
I set up the laptop on the desk before taking the chance to remove the chair from under the doorknob. Soon I’m scrolling through job listings, and within an hour, I’ve applied to six different places—stores, a pizza place, and a coffee shop. It doesn’t matter what time of day I have to be there. If anything, the earlier, the better. More of a chance to avoid my bullies. I’ve never worked anywhere like this before, but if there’s one thing I know about myself, I’m strong. I can handle a little hard work.
To my surprise, there’s an email waiting for me by the time I finish the sixth application. It’s from the pizza shop.Can you come in today for an interview at 4:00?
My eyes widen. I didn’t expect to hear back from anybody so soon. I type out a quick reply, telling them yes, I’d be happy to. Now, I never exactly dreamed about slinging pizzas all day, but then I’ve never dreamed about being afraid to fall asleep in case one of my hateful stepbrothers decides to terrorize me in the middle of the night.
I’ve barely finished sending the email when there’s a brief knock on my door, followed by my mother’s entrance. “Good, I see you’re settling in nicely.”
“I’m doing my best, but—”
Before I can so much as hint at what went on last night, she continues, “Breakfast is nearly ready.”
How am I supposed to eat with a pit in my stomach? “Are we all eating together?” I ask, mentally crossing my fingers in hopes of her saying no.
No such luck. “Of course.” I guess my reaction isn’t what she was hoping for since her eyes narrow in a familiar way. She can try all she wants to be the happy, chipper bride-to-be, but those little flashes of the real person behind her smile insist on slipping through. “Now, you listen to me. I don’t want any of your complaints. I don’t want you dragging your feet or muttering things under your breath. I refuse to allow that. You will not ruin this for me, understood?”
All I did was ask a simple question. Clearly, she’s waiting for me to answer, and she’ll accept only one answer. “Understood,” I whisper, and the words curdle in my mouth.
“Good. Be downstairs in three minutes.” She’s out of the room a moment later, and I sink back in my chair with a heavy sigh. So much for staying out of everybody’s way, hoping they forget about me for a little while.
Sure enough, the men are already sitting around the table when I arrive. Mom is carrying in the last of the platters—already, she’s covered the table with pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Now, she’s adding a pile of scrambled eggs.
James laughs indulgently at the feast she’s put together. “You don’t need to go to all this trouble.” He takes her hand and lifts it to his lips before planting a kiss that, for some reason, makes my stomach turn.
“This is nothing. I love cooking, and it’s been so long since I had a reason to whip up a meal like this.” She’s smiling brilliantly as she takes a seat, every inch the glowing, happy homemaker. “Besides, this is our first breakfast together as a family. I thought it should be special.” From the taste of it, even the orange juice is freshly squeezed. I wonder how early she had to wake up this morning to put this together.
“Yes, I imagine there wasn’t much reason to cook up a feast in the trailer park.” Nix glances over at Colt, and the two of them share a snide little chuckle. Either the adults didn’t hear it, or they’re ignoring them. I decide to pretend I didn’t hear it, instead reaching for the eggs. I hate the feel of their eyes on me—like they’re waiting for an excuse to pounce.
One thing about me they’ll never understand is my ability to block the rest of the world out, a skill I had no choice but to hone when I was in training. The only reason I was able to reach the level I did before my injury was learning the mental game of being an athlete. All the physical conditioning and practice in the world won’t make a difference if your mind is weak.
My body might not be in the same condition it was a few years ago, but my brain is still sharp. I’m able to eat without paying them much attention. When it was just Mom and me, there wasn’t much of a reason to whip up a celebratory meal. Plus, we didn’t have the money for food like this.
“So Leni.” Around halfway through the meal, James turns his attention on me. I wish he wouldn’t. I’m sure his heart is in the right place, but he’s only making things worse. “What’s your plan for the day? I wouldn’t blame you if you do nothing but sit by the pool.”
He seems to have conveniently forgotten the fact that I don’t have a bathing suit. “Now that you mention it, I was going to ask a favor.” I look toward my mother and hope her fiancé’s presence will have the right effect on her. “I have a job interview at four o’clock this afternoon. Could I borrow your car to get there? It’s a pizza place in town.”
“You don’t need to go to the trouble,” James assures me with an easy smile. “I would gladly drop you off there and wait for you to finish.”
Not what I wanted. I’m sure he’s only trying to be friendly and helpful to get on my good side, but he’s already pushing a little too hard. If I refuse, on the other hand, Mom will lose her shit. As it is, she’s practically vibrating as she stares at me. I’m pretty sure she’ll crack a tooth if she doesn’t stop smiling so hard.
“You know what?” Colt interjects. “Is it Lorenzo’s? Is that the place? I heard they’re looking for help down there.”
Terrific. I can either lie or tell the truth and see where this is going. I’m sure it’s nowhere good. “Yes, as a matter of fact. They must really be in a hurry to hire somebody since I only applied this morning, and somebody already got back to me about coming in.”
Nix lifts a shoulder. “We could drop you off on our way to the gym.” Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more uncomfortable. And it’s obvious from the smirks both boys wear that they know I’m stuck. There’s no good reason for me to refuse—and considering Mom’s intense stare, I have no doubt she expects me to accept. It would look childish if I didn't.
She must get tired of my sputtering because she answers for me. “That is such a generous offer. Leni is so lucky that she’ll have brothers like the two of you. I always wished she’d have somebody to protect her the way a brother would.” The woman is even tearing up, for god’s sake. It’s one of her best performances. I wonder if anybody would think it was odd if I started to applaud.
“Sure,” I murmur. “That would be great.” And now I have no appetite for the rest of the food on my plate, which I move around with my fork while Mom changes the subject to the wedding. I’m fine with that since it means nobody’s paying attention to me anymore.
Even if I can’t shake the feeling that the guys never stop paying attention to me. I catch Nix grinning at Colt, and a pit forms in my stomach. They’re already planning something. I’m tempted to suggest they both get a life.
“Let me help you with that.” I almost jump up from my chair when Mom stands and starts gathering the plates.
“See?” James points out to his sons. “This is what it looks like to be helpful around the house. The two of you could take a lesson from your sister.” I have to force myself not to look at either of them since I wouldn’t be able to wipe off my smirk. No doubt they don’t appreciate hearing him talk about me that way. Hell, I don’t appreciate it, either. At least he’s trying, unlike them.
Before long, we’ve cleared the table. Once we’re alone in the cavernous kitchen with its shining appliances, Mom launches once again into wedding talk. “It’s all such a blur!” she says with a laugh. “A whirlwind. But when you’ve got enough money, you can plan things like this at the last minute. James is so generous. He wants to make sure I have everything I want. I won’t have to miss out on a single thing, even if the vendors insist on charging extra in rush fees and all that.”
