"No," I say before Jason finishes his sentence. "I'm not even done yet," he huffs a growl. "Don't catch a temper with me, wolf. Besides, I don't need you to finish your sentence. I know Saiya put you up to this," he puts his hand up to stop me from talking. I raise my eyebrows and give him a threatening look. "Actually, this is my idea," I groan. "Even better. It doesn't matter whose idea it was or whose mouth it comes from. The answer remains the same. I'm not visiting my family next weekend. It'll be a shit show! Mom will question me about marriage and a partner, and Saiya's dad will keep trying to be mine. My brothers will make everything infinitely worse and annoy the hell out of me, and Saiya will keep preaching the whole 'family is supposed to stick together' bullshit. And I don't doubt my brothers have partners who they will be taking. Not only will I have to meet them as well, but I'll also have to deal with being the only single person. So, as I said before, NO,"
I bark in his face before stomping my way to his office door. "Soren, wait! How about you take somebody with you? You can't leave me alone with your entire family." Oh, this is just gold. I maniacally laugh and turn to face him. "So, you want the black sheep of the family to take the heat away from the future brother-in-law. I should've known you were doing this for yourself. Fuck. You. We're not friends, and I don't owe you jack-shit. Find someone else to be your scapegoat.
I open the door and then shut it before Jason can speak another word. I see the eyes on me as I walk to my office. I hear a whistle and look to see Luke on my left with two cups of coffee. "Damn girl. You're mad. Tell me everything." I snatch the coffee from his hands and wave for him to follow me. He closes the door after he enters. He locks it and then closes the blinds.
I rest in my chair and gulp my coffee before I explain the conversation I had with Jason. "You can't avoid your family forever, Soren," I groan and nearly bang my head on the table. "So you're siding with him now?" Luke stands up, walks to me, then hovers over me. He cups my face. "No, darling. I'm giving you my opinion, which happens to coincide with Mr. Madden's," I roll my eyes and shake his hands off my face. "All you men are the same," I cry to myself as I tuck my head into my arms on my desk.
Luke rubs my back. "I'll go with you," I peek my eyes out from under my arms and give Luke a death glare. "I'm not going, so don't cancel your plans on my behalf. Actually, as a matter of fact, cancel your plans. We're going to a bar, and we're getting laid. Or, at the very least, I am." I sit up with a newfound determination. "Deal, we will go after the family dinner. Or whatever it's supposed to be." I frown and feel myself growing grey hair.
"You persistent fucker. Fine, we'll go to the damned thing, but don't expect me to stay the entire time." Luke smiles and bends down to kiss me on the side of my mouth. "Attagirl, I trust you'll send the details in due time. Until then, tata," I roll my eyes and get out of my seat to tell Jason the terrible news.
I open his door without knocking, and he doesn't bother to look up. "What time does it start," he jolts his head up and looks at me in shock before his eyes start to glimmer. It lasts from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm." He smiles. Eight hours of misery. I'll be leaving after two max. "Wipe that smile off your face, you mutt," despite my words, his smile stays plastered to the stupid face of his. That face becomes the cutest thing when he's happy. I bang my head on the wall and leave, having no doubt that Jason is thinking of sending me to a psych ward after my actions.
"We have to be there at one, and if I know my family at all, we'll be dressing semi-formal. Don't disappoint," I tell Luke as we cross paths. It's funny how often I see him considering we don't work on the same floor.
---
Despite my excitement to help Jason, I haven't found anything, and even worse, my search is on hold thanks to this stupid dinner. I can't believe a week has passed so fast. The dinner is tomorrow, and I haven't done a single thing to prepare for it. I go through my closet yet still fail to find a single outfit that isn't for work. This couldn't be any more depressing. I hear a ring at my door and sigh in relief, thankful for a break from looking at this pathetic excuse for a wardrobe.
I look through the peephole and find Luke on the other side of it, holding up a dress. My eyes water, and I swear I could kiss him right then and there. I swing the door open, grab the dress, put it on my couch, and walk back to Luke to throw my hands around him. I give him a million kisses on his face. "You're fucking amazing, you know that?" he chuckles and closes the door. "Actually, that dress is for me. Do you think I could rock it?"
I jokingly shove him and roll my eyes. "You don't have the figure for it." Luke puts his hand on his chest, feigning hurt. "Seriously though, I figured you wouldn't have anything even remotely casual or non-business in that closet. Turns out I was right," I walk to my couch and retrieve the dress again.
The dress is red with a box-cut chest opening accompanied by spaghetti straps and a slit on the left side. "It's perfect," the dress looks long enough to touch my ankles. I spin around to Luke and give him another hug. "Seriously, thank you." He kisses my cheek in response. "I'm assuming we're going to match," Luke's mouth spreads in a grin. "Damn straight,"
He shows me a picture of his outfit. His red jacket is accompanied by a black shirt with a split skull, black cargo, and red Jordans. "You're so excessive," I say but can't help the smirk tugging at my lips. "We're going to be the best-looking couple there,"
Luke and I spend the rest of the day picking out my jewelry and makeup. In between, we talk about the gossip going around the office. "By the way, did you tell Leila I was screwing somebody when she asked you where I was?"
"Yes, she was being a bitch," Luke hugs me from behind and kisses my neck, "I love you,"
"I know," I smile at him sweetly. It doesn't surprise me how close Luke and I have become in only two years. He's the most patient, kind, considerate, loving, and loyal guy a girl could ever have. Luke has helped me through a lot over the years. I'm forever thankful to and for him. I wouldn't let him go even if he begged me to. We spend the day in to watch TV and eat. The day slips by too fast.
--
I'm in Luke's car as we follow the GPS to my mom's house. This wasn't her address before. I didn't know they moved. Their previous house wasn't bad, but it was probably too small for them. I'm wearing the dress Luke bought for me with gold earrings lined with silver, a short gold necklace with silver rims, bracelets, and stilted heels.
My makeup perfectly matches, and my hair is curled in waves. The drive takes almost two hours. We pull into a fancy neighborhood with the largest houses I've ever seen. Everything looked perfect. There wasn't a single dead leaf or blade of grass out of place. I roll my eyes and wish I'm back home. This stupid neighborhood is everything mom wanted. It's a pretty facade to cover up imperfections. If I've learned anything, it's that hiding the ugly only pushes it out.
We pull up to a white two-story house. The circular driveway leading to a huge straight line is full of cars. Am I ready to see everybody? I haven't seen these people in over a year. I haven't talked to them, and I know little to nothing about them. God, I don't know the last time I've seen my brothers. I feel a hand on mine and know it's Luke's way of comforting me. I give him a grateful smile, but my nerves are nowhere near settled.
I see Jason and Saiya get out of his car. Luke and I soon get out of his. We walk up to them and meet them at the door. "You showed up, " Saiya says in surprise. She's wearing a long light-link dress with floral patterns and gold jewelry as well. I ignore her and look at Jason. His outfit is white and black. His eyes hold gratefulness. "You're paying for an entire bottle when we leave, you hear me?" I tell Luke without looking at him. Saiya rings the doorbell, and only a few seconds pass before the door opens, and Saiya's dad's face appears.
His face lights up when he sees Jason and Saiya. "You look beautiful, dear. Jason, It's a pleasure to have you again." He hugs Saiya, and man-hugs Jason. "It's great to see you too, Daddy," Saiya kisses him on the cheek. "It's always a pleasure, Mr. Geldon," Jason formally responds back. "You know you can call me Dylan," Saiya's dad responds in a friendly manner, smiling widely at Jason. "Come in," Dylan says.
"Wait, there's someone else," Saiya says before widening the door to reveal Luke and I. Dylan's gasp is audible. "Soren, you came?" I huff out a sigh. "You're seeing me, aren't you?" I grimace at my rude response. I don't want to be rude it just happens. Dylan's face contorts, not sure how he should feel. "I'm sorry, that was rude. What I mean is yes. I'm here. It's nice to see you,"
His eyes water before he clears his throat and composes himself. "You're so grown now," Yes, that happens with age. Age has never been a problem for Dylan. He looks great for his age for a man hitting fifty. He is a ripped man with sleeves of tattoos. His eyebrows are lined with piercings, and his silver and blonde hair is nicely styled backward. His blue eyes haven't dulled a bit since I've last seen him. He reaches a nice 6'5. All that time as a mechanic has done him justice. I'm sure he still works out. A man like him can't produce ugly babies. Anybody from the outside looking in would tremble with one look, but he's a family man at heart and would do anything for them. He's a good dad. I'll give him that. Pissing him off is the last thing anybody wants to do, but I've never been afraid of him. I didn't feel safe either.
"Everyone, come in," Dylan says. Jason and Saiya go in first. Luke and I follow behind. "Are you doing okay?" Luke whispers in my ear. "I'm as good as I can be,"
"Who is this fine gentleman?" Dylan asks, staring Luke up and down. "I'm Luke, Soren's best friend, and colleague," Luke widely smiles. "Right, well, it's nice to meet you, Luke," Dylan's eyes linger on Luke for a while before grunting. "Honey, the kids are here!" Dylan shouts to mom, who is probably in the kitchen. "The boys are already here? I thought they wouldn't be for another thirty minutes," Mom yells back. "It's not the boys. It's Saiya and Soren," The moment my name is heard, the sounds of crashing pots and pans echo.
While mom is undoubtedly rushing out to see us, I take a look around. The living room is big and full of white couches, a fancy rug, and a giant TV with a furnace underneath. To the left is the dining room that has been set up. Behind it is a hallway that leads to what looks like another living room from the part of the couches I can see. To the right, next to the first living room are wide white and brown stairs leading to god knows where. This is definitely mom's dream home.
Mom comes dashing out in a messy bun and a nice elegant dress that hugs her curves. An apron covers it, and she's wearing heels. The clacking of her heels, as she dashes over, is loud. I'm the spitting image of my dad with a hint of my mom. The only two things I got from my mom were her body type and the fact that I'm female. The rest is all my dad. Time did justice for mom as well. Her black hair and blue eyes are glowing, and she doesn't have a single wrinkle, much like Dylan.
"Soren, you're here!" For what I know is going to be the only time, I genuinely smile. "Hey, mom," she crashes into me as if we aren't both in heels. "Jason," I call his name, but he's already on it. Jason is behind us, catching us so I don't fall on my ass. Mom squeezes me like there's no tomorrow. "Both my daughters and my son-in-law. God truly blessed me today," I try my hardest not to roll my eyes at her reference to a blessing. After mom lets go of me, Jason releases his grip on me.
"Are you okay," Jason asks in my ear. "I'm fine. I might've broken a rib, but I'm fine." Jason smiles down at me, and I return one of my own. It isn't as strong, but it's better than nothing. "Who is this fine gentleman? Have you finally gotten a boyfriend?!" Mom exclaims. My smile instantly drops and I'm tempted to walk out the door. "I'm no boyfriend but I'm something better, a best friend!" Luke spreads his arms and lifts my mom, twirling her around. I can't help but laugh at his antics. "Oh my," Mom laughs.
Luke sets her down, and mom stumbles a bit, but Dylan catches her. "You're such a strong man. What's wrong with him, Soren? If you won't bother to see or hear from us, the least you can do is come back with someone," I hate that cacophonous voice. Saiya's grandma, Natacha, or as they love to call her, Nat. She sure is as annoying as one.
"I didn't know my dating choices relied on satisfying you. I'll make sure to let my future boyfriend know," What a pompous asshat you are. I keep that part out, out of "respect," but it's a hard thing to do. "Please, as if you'll ever get one at this rate, you're already 30." I take a deep breath and try my best not to clock the woman over her head. "Well, at least I'm not pushing 80, still bitter and butting my nose in other people's lives because mine is so boring and dull."
I sweetly smile. Nat is also a good-looking woman and an exact replica of Dylan, just more ladylike. She prides herself on being the best and expects the same from everyone else. How you can pride yourself on beating others down yet telling them to be the best is beyond me. "You haven't lost that nasty attitude of yours," Nat's smile fades, and she gives me a fierce glare. Too bad this woman doesn't have the ability to make me tremble as she does with everyone else.
"I can say the same for you," my smile drops as well. "Clearly, that father of yours didn't instill manners in you from a young age. Your faults can't be your mother's considering how Saiya turned out," I look at Luke to let him know that we will not be here long. I won't last thirty minutes to see my brothers.
"Being an alcoholic will do that, I suppose. Or maybe it was living on the streets. I don't know, you tell me. You seem to think you know everything about everyone and apparently can still talk shit about people who you have never met." My dad was no Dylan, but he sure as hell raised me right in the time he could. "Don't step to me, little girl," Nat gives me a warning that I completely disregard. "Or what? You'll insult me to death?" I scoff. Nat has no problem putting anybody in their place. Slapping was never out of the equation. That's the kind of back-in-the-day lady she is.
I got a fair share of those slaps for being a disrespectful and distant kid. I was never disrespectful and always held my tongue, but apparently being silent is also a form of disrespect. Nat steps to me, and I step right back. I tower her by merely a few inches, but height doesn't make a woman, as Nat would say. "Soren, show some respect," Dylan sternly tells me. I plaster my smile on again. "Right, how rude of me. I apologize for telling the truth. How dare a child speak their mind?" Nat goes to slap me. I'm ready to block it, but Jason gets there before I do.
His hand grips Nat's. It isn't harsh, but she won't get out of his grip without him releasing. "Pardon me ma'am, but I can't allow you to touch her in such a way," Nat looks at Jason in shock before she huffs. Jason releases her hand. "Well, at least you have some respect for your elders," please, she's not MY elder. She's just old. I would say it aloud, but Jason is pinning me with a stare.
"Heartfelt," he says. "Madden," I reciprocate. He locks his eyes on mine. We're locked in an intense staring contest before I give in with a sigh. "Fine," I put my hands up. "I am actually sorry this time. I was way out of line and came at you more aggressively than I intended to. I'm sorry," kind of. The truth is, I did go at Nat harder than she went at me. I don't have enough strength to take the high road with these people anymore.
"Clearly, you need a man to instill some manners in you," Nat spits out. "Bitch, you just don't quit. You just don't stop. Is it really impossible for you to keep your thoughts to yourself? Yet you judge others for voicing their own, you hypocrite. If you think being an old bag of rotting shit is going to stop me from saying anything you're dead wrong," all of the pent-up anger I have for this rancid family is going to come out today. If this is going to be the last time I see them for a long time, I might as well set things straight.
Nat's face remains impassive, but I can see her getting worked up. She's never been talked to like this. "I think we should finish preparing dinner," Mom tries to break the tension. "I'm not making dinner for a self-appointed brat," I roll my eyes. "That's rich coming from you,"
"Okay, that's enough," Jason grabs me by the waist and carries me off to a different section of the house. I let him and I cross my hands. Dylan looks frustrated, and mom looks disappointed. Saiya, on the other hand, is beaming with joy before Nat focuses her gaze on her. Luke looks like he wants popcorn.
Jason takes me past the kitchen to the other living room. I was right. This room looks more familial than the first room, with family photos plastered on the wall and blankets spread out. "What is wrong with you?" Jason questions me. I plop down on the couch. "Nothing. Everybody, including you, knows I'm right. The difference is that the rest of you have a tiny shred of respect for that woman for whatever reasons. She's not my family, and I certainly don't care about her age."
Jason slides a hand down his face. "You have to show restraint as you do at work,"
"I get paid for that shit. I don't get paid for this. Besides, this family seems to have misconceptions about me. Saiya is always preaching they want to get to know me, so I won't hold anything back. I'm done taking the high road, Jason, so if you're going to carry me away every time I get carried away, be prepared for a workout."
Jason is quiet for a moment before he snickers. "You're something else, you know that?" I shrug and ignore the thumping in my heart. "Are we done here?" I hurriedly ask. Jason juts his hand out to the exit, guiding me. "Thank you, oh great sir, for allowing me permission to leave my chambers," I take a bow. When I lift my head, Jason is staring at me with something unrecognizable. "Of course, my fair lady," I smile, and we both emerge from the entryway. Today is going to be long and tedious, but I believe if Jason and Luke stay at my side, I'll be able to hold out.