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That’s how I pictured them anyway.
Call it what you like but my lawyer’s training and experience, my instinct as well as my intimate knowledge of what makes my dad tick.
I’m on the offense before I even set eyes on these people.
I’m only calling by on my way through, flying south for the winter like any sane person should.
Father wanted a big meet your new family style Christmas though. And my newest step sis turns eighteen today, apparently.
Big fucking deal. Slip ‘em a twenty and tell ‘em to go to an Arby’s.
But I also know from experience to keep family close, and my newest step-family even closer.
Kinda like that old saying about enemies and friends, but in my business it pays to make sure everyone thinks you’re on their side.
Even if you’re not.
“E.T.A is one minute, Mr. Ellis.” My driver announces. Keeping his gloved hands at ten and two and his eyes front. Keeping the blacked out Denali on a straight course. Expertly easing the huge vehicle back from the jagged edges of ice on the roads that wants to bite.
I think I know how far we are from my ancestral home, jackass…
But looking up from the elongated velvet box I’ve been fidgeting with, I’m not so sure.
“Looks like a fucking white out.” I remark, not expecting a reply and not being able to make out whether we’re in Aspen or Antarctica anymore.
“Forecast says a blizzard…” My driver says politely, taking a longer breath. “I- I don’t wanna speak outta turn, Mr. Ellis, but-” he starts to say.
But I know what he’s thinking.
“It’s alright.” I assure him, “I’m just dropping in to say hi and bye. Meet the new parent, give the kid her gift and we’ll be on the tarmac by the top of the hour.” I inform him confidently. Glancing at my own Christmas present to myself. A one off Ellis watch that even prince’s and Kings would drool over.
Feeling myself narrowing my eyes out the tinted windows, almost daring the power of nature itself to even try and cross me. Daring whatever power it is that runs this shit show to throw me another curve ball.
The whole remarriage, AKA insta-family thing has thrown me. But shit. I’ve been through worse and I always come out on top.
Always.
“Park around back?” The driver asks, pulling into the gated mansion grounds that look like something out of a fairy tale. The twinkling, colored lights dotting the tree lined driveway. Blanketed in snow and lit up like a parade. Warm, amber light flooding from the windows like welcoming arms.
Or fingers clawing for gold…
“Out front’s fine.” I remind him impatiently. Trying to feel a stab of nostalgia at seeing the house again.
Hearing my real mother in my mind, telling me to try relaxing for once.
‘You might be surprised by people, Zeke… Give them half a chance and they might just be-’
No.
I don’t do sage wisdom from the departed.I buried my emotions along with my mother. And with enough lime to make a mobster blush.
What she was too kind to forgive in my father ate her from the inside.
Me? I’m a little more realistic.
I’m a real world, flesh and boneslivingguy. And right now I wished I’d never bothered. Little miss barely-legal enough to sue’s gift could’ve been sent by courier. And a phone call to the old man to talk some sense into him from the plane would’ve been more sensible.
The ink’s dry on the marriage, but an annulment wouldn’t be impossible.
