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Understatementof the century.
"That’sbecause you don't force her to spend time with me.”
“I’mnot going to force her into something she doesn’t want to do.”
“Andthat’s why she isn’t my biggest fan.”
Momexhaled in frustration. “Oh, please.Ifyou want her to like you, all you have to do is try harder when you’re around her.”
“Goodidea.I’llstart when we go toVegasas a family.”
IheardMom’sdefeated sigh.Theoutcome of this fight was predictable.Imade the mistake of being preemptively optimistic, reminding me why myunsunnydisposition deserved more merit.
Momtried again. “You’renot coming with us,Axel.Thistrip is supposed to be a mother-daughter thing.”
“That’sprecisely the problem.Youkeep telling me to try harder, butPoppywon’t warm up to me unless we create bonding experiences for all three of us.Insteadof facilitating it, you act like a gatekeeper between us.”
“Idon’t do that,”Momdenied before pausing to reflect on her behavior. “DoI?” she asked unsurely.
Zanewas a master manipulator.Heexploited the vulnerabilities of his opponents to disarm them, then effectively used his words to gain the upper hand.Arespectable trait,Imust admit.Whata shame it was wasted on him.
Thegaslighting worked.Momdidn’t want to keep me from “bonding” with my biological father, and he planted the seed that she was keeping us apart by excluding him on a family vacation.Asmall part of me resigned, hopingMomwould get out of this, butIknew the answer before stepping into the room.
Ireturned to the table without taking a seat.Instead,IgatheredNeil’sscattered toys.
Mombroke the awkward silence. “Poppy.Ithink it’ll be nice if we go on a family vacation toVegasand save our girls’ trip for another time.”
Mybest childhood memories revolved around vacations with my parents.Onetrip withZanewould ruin the preserved perfection of family holidays.Stomachinghim within the confines of this home was already a challenge.Webarely held back our tongues forMom’ssake.Weweren’t capable of tolerating each other for an extended time.Glancingat his smug face solidified my two options.
IfIcontinued pushing for a girls’ trip, another fight would ensue between them, makingMomunhappy in the long run.
However, ifIwent on the trip,Momwould be traumatized after witnessing the depth of loathing betweenZaneand me.
“Vegasis a no-go.Sophietexted whileIwas in the hallway,”Ispoke stiffly, keeping my gaze on the toddler propped against my hips. “Nexttime.”
DisappointmentcoatedMom’sface. “Oh.Butwe could still go”
“Ifit’s okay with you,I’llpass.”IgrabbedNeil’ssafety blanket with my free hand. “Ishould putNeilto bed.”
Mom’sexpression mimicked a kicked puppy.Iknew she was looking forward to it, increasing my resentment towardZane.Hehad taken something valuable not only from me but also from her.Idespised him, andIhated living in his house.
* * *
“Onemore.”Rayyanthrust his empty beer bottle at the server.
“Ithink you’ve had enough,”Rosespoke between pressed lips as the waiter managed to get a solid hold on the bottle.
“AndIthink you should mind your own business.”
“Greatcomeback.”Roserolled her eyes atRayyan.Hewas being an idiot as usual, stumbling around drunk at a funeral.
Deathhad become my new best friend.Everyonearound me was dropping like flies,CharlesJamiesonbeing the latest victim.Hewas supposed to serve as interimCEObeforeItook over.Charlestook me under his wing, andIhad come to respect the man.So, of course, he had to die from a sudden heart attack.Somethingpoisonous in the air was taking out the few peopleIliked.
Mompicked me up from college and brought me to the wake, hosted atCharles' upstate home.EveryonefromAmbaniCorpdrove up as well, though most harbored a hidden agenda.Theywere vying for the newly availableCEO, withRayyanAmbanias the top contender.
WhileCharleswould’ve handed over the reins after holding the temporaryCEOtitle,Rayyanwould weasel his way into a permanent position.Despitebeing older and graduating early from college,Rayyanhad a major substance abuse issue.Ifmy calculations were correct, based on the increased bathroom visits and the redness around his nostrils, he’d overdose in years.Butnot without first digging the company into an early grave.
Awaitress passed by, holding a black service tray over her right shoulder.Rayyantried to grab her ass, butIseized his wrist and spoke in a voice loud enough to turn heads. “Ihighly recommend against doing that.”
