“
Have a good night.”
It certainly couldn’t get much worse.
All I wanted to do was go home and go to sleep. I drove across town without incident. No dogs or deer jumped into my path. I parked my car and made it into the house without any fuss. All I wanted to do was collapse on my bed. My father blocking my path as I tried to walk past the dining room was my first clue the shit-storm my life had become was not over.
“Where have you been?” he asked. “How could you leave Lucinda standing there like that? It was rude and irresponsible.”
“Do we have to do this now?” I didn’t have it in me to play nice and act respectful. “Can’t you wait and yell at me tomorrow morning?”
“No, this can’t wait. Explain yourself.”
“Fine, but I’m not going to stand in the hallway while I do it.” I pushed past him and headed for the kitchen where I grabbed a glass of water. After downing half of it, I sat at the island. He could join me if he wanted to. “I wasn’t rude to Lucinda. You were rude to Haley. You knew I was there with her, but you tried to set me up with one of your friend’s daughters, instead. Why did you do that?”
“Lucinda is a much better fit for you. You have far more in common. Now, you are going to call her and apologize and then we’ll all have brunch at the country club tomorrow.”
“No. I’m sure Lucinda is nice, but she isn’t who I want to date. I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit into your social plan. No matter who I date, you will never be at the top of the food chain at the country club. Nathan’s family has more money than half the other members combined. Deal with it and stop trying to use me to work your way up the ladder.”
“And why do you think you’re friends with Nathan?” What a stupid question. “Because I like him.”
“No. Since you were an infant I networked with his father, making sure you were involved in all the same activities so that when you grew up you’d be friends.”
Unbelievable. “Since I was born, you’ve used me to network with his family?”
“Yes. And it’s worked, which is why you need to listen to me and do as I say. Date Lucinda. Act like the perfect gentleman when you’re with her. I don’t care if you want to see this Haley in your spare time, but everyone needs to think you and Lucinda are the perfect couple.”
“You mean the way everyone thinks you have a perfect marriage, even though you’re screwing your secretary?”
His eyes narrowed.
A small part of me hoped he’d deny it, that there was some other explanation.
“What happens between your mother and I is not your concern. You will date Lucinda and you will do so with a smile on your face.”
“No. I won’t.” I set my glass down and headed up to bed.
Sleep wouldn’t come. I tossed and turned. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Haley, asking me to make a choice. And every time, I screwed it up.
”
”