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It's like an arrow to the heart.
"I didn't mean that," Dad tries to quickly recover. "I just meant—"
"I know what you meant," I stand from my chair as Mom and Brianna make it back to the table. "I'm not smart like Ava or ambitious like Ace. I'm the disappointment. I get it. You've made that very clear over the years."
"I didn't call you a disappointment," Dad runs a hand over his face. "I spoke out of turn."
"What's going on?" Mom asks.
"Can you keep an eye on Brianna?" I say to her.
"Of course," she answers. "Aunt Jenny and I were planning on taking the grandkids to the arcade after brunch."
My voice shakes as I say, "Thanks, Mom."
I round the table and kiss Brianna on the head. She blows out a frustrated breath, obviously still mad at me.
"Iz!" Aunt Jenny calls after me as I hurry toward the doors.
I ignore her and walk outside, hoping she doesn't follow. But she does.
"Wait up!" She hollers as I stop in front of Mom's car.
"I know he's your best friend," I hold up a hand, "but if you defend him, I will punch you."
Aunt Jenny laughs. "I'm not here to defend Matt. He's always had a knack for speaking without thinking."
"Why is he like that?" I pace back and forth. "He doesn't do that to Mom or Ava. Not even Ace. And Ace isn't a Thompson."
"I think you remind Matt of himself," she shrugs.
"We're nothing alike," I argue.
Aunt Jenny gives me a small smile. "What he said back there about Steve, he's wrong. Relationships are hard. Even on a good day."
"You and Uncle Kyle make it look so easy," I click my tongue. "You always have."
"You don't see what goes on behind closed doors," her ocean blue eyes swim with understanding.
"It doesn't feel fair," I shake my head. "Everyone in this family has easy relationships. Everyone finds the person they're supposed to be with and then they ride off into happily ever after. It's frustrating."
"Some people are good at hiding their issues," Aunt Jenny offers. "You know your mom and dad have had their fair share. So, have Ava and Jack."
"But they always figure it out," I argue.
"You were dealt a terrible hand," Aunt Jenny places a loving palm on my shoulder. "Steve got hurt. You didn't plan for that. You had no idea it was coming. We do the best we can at the moment. When we know better, we do better."
"I had to make a choice for Brianna," I defend myself.
"Yes, you did," Aunt Jenny agrees. "You made the right one."
"How do you know?"
She wraps her arms around me. "Because you chose the better life for your daughter. You choseherwhen you could have chosenyou. You made the right choice."
Aunt Jenny pulls away.
"Thank you for saying that," I lick my lips.
