by E. L. Todd
Trinity pouted. “Skye, why don’t you have a bigger car?”
Cayson raised an eyebrow. “Because there’s nothing bigger than an SUV…”
“Let’s hit the road,” Roland said.
Everyone headed to the doors. Cayson sat by the window in the backseat and I moved to the spot next to him.
“What are you doing?” Conrad demanded.
“Sitting next to Cayson. I don’t want to sit next to my brother for the whole drive.”
“Then I call shotgun!” Conrad got into the passenger seat.
“Sweet.” Roland fist pounded him.
Trinity sat beside me then pulled out a pile of magazines.
Cayson stayed quiet, staring out the window.
Roland left my apartment and made it to the freeway.
I looked at Cayson. “I haven’t talked to you in a while. I thought we could catch up.”
“Yeah…” He looked out the window again.
What was going on? It seemed like he was brushing me off. “Cayson, is everything alright?”
“Yeah…just tired.”
“I didn’t see you at the Halloween party. Did you go?”
His mood suddenly became sour. “Yeah. I left early.”
“What did you dress up as?”
“Laser tag soldier.”
I smiled. “How cool. I wish I could have seen it.”
He leaned his head against the glass.
“Why did you leave early?”
“I left with someone…”
“Oh.” That made me feel awkward and I wasn’t sure why. “Why haven’t you been coming into the diner?”
“Geez, would you stop interrogating him?” Roland looked at me in the rearview mirror. “Maybe he finds you annoying like the rest of us.”
“Shut up and stop eavesdropping,” I said.
“It’s hard not to when you’re less than a foot away from me,” Roland said.
Cayson didn’t defend me. He kept looking out the window.
Since he was acting so strange, I stopped talking. I wasn’t sure how to act around him. He seemed so different and I wasn’t sure why. Did I do something? Maybe I should speak to him privately. He was more open with me when it was just the two of us.
***
After Roland dropped everyone off, we finally arrived at my parents’ house. I knocked on the door and Roland dropped all our bags in front of the twelve-foot door. Our house wasn’t exactly small. We had a country house in Connecticut, just a thirty-minute drive from New York City. It had seven bedrooms, two living rooms, a pool, and it was right on the beach. Every friend I had wanted to come over, and it was easy for Roland to pick up any girl he wanted.
My dad opened the door. “You have a key.”
“But we don’t live here anymore.” Roland shrugged.
“Knock it off,” my dad said. “You’re always welcome to just come in.”
“Last time we did that, you and Mom were going at it on the couch.” It was a disturbing image burned into the back of my brain. It wouldn’t go away no matter how hard I tried.
My dad smirked, not ashamed. “Just let us know when you’re coming.” He came to Roland first and hugged him tightly. I watched them, seeing my dad close his eyes while he held my brother.
My mom stepped out of the door then smiled at me. “See? Didn’t the week go by fast?” She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me. “You look lovely today.”
“I hardly brushed my hair.”
“Which makes you even more beautiful.” She pulled away then headed to Roland.
My parents switched and my dad came to me.
“Hey, pumpkin.” He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a warm hug. When we were in the privacy of our house, my dad was less tense and intimidating. He let his walls down and was carefree. Sometimes I felt like my dad was two different people.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Thank you for coming down.”
“You never miss any of my things so why would I miss yours?”
He pulled away then smirked. “We got each other’s backs, huh?”
“We do.”
My dad grabbed my luggage and Roland grabbed his own. Then they carried everything to our rooms.
When I walked inside, I smelled the scent of home. It was decorated for fall. Colors of brown and orange were splashed everywhere. My mom had a red blanket on the back of the couch, and pumpkin scented candles were lit. I loved living on my own but I missed home. There was nothing else like it.
My dad returned then put his arm around my mom’s waist. “We’ve got a few hours to kill. What did you kids want to do?”
“Laser tag,” Roland blurted.
“Are you sure?” my dad asked. “Because your mother is going to cream you again.”
“Rematch,” I said.
“Alright.” He kissed my mom on the cheek. “The old married couple versus the brats.”
“We aren’t brats,” Roland said.
“You’ll always be brats.” My dad grabbed the keys off the hook.
Roland came to him. “Dad, can we take your Sear?”
“It only has two seats, Son. You know that.”
“Come on. Mom and Skye can take a different car.”
“How about this?” He handed the keys to Roland. “You drive.”
Roland’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
My dad smirked. “I think you’re responsible enough.”
He stared at the keys, in awe.
“Just be careful,” my mom said. “Otherwise, I’ll be angry.”
“Got it, Mom.” Roland ran out the door before anyone else could follow.
My dad laughed. “I love it when the kids are home.”
My mom wrapped her arm around his waist and squeezed him. “Me too.”
I stared at them, wondering if I’d ever find a relationship like that. They never got sick of each other. Despite all the time they spent together, they were still madly in love. Relationships were supposed to get stale and old. They were supposed to become repetitive and boring. But my parents were never like that. I hoped I was lucky enough to share the same fortune.
***
A limo drove us to the gala. My dad and Uncle Mike were hosting the event, and they had to make a striking appearance. I wore my champagne pink dress and Roland wore a suit with a gray tie. The silver Rolex around his wrist brought out the color of his eyes.
My dad was wearing a black suit with a black tie. He usually never wore any color. His white gold Rolex matched his wedding band. It was the same one he always wore. My mom wore a black dress that had sheer sleeves. The gown was tight around her waist then flared out slightly. It reached the skin just above her knee. Her pumps were five inches tall, and black diamond earrings hung from her lobes. She matched my father perfectly. Her brown hair was voluptuous and curly, pulled to one side to reveal her neck.
My dad kept his hand on her thigh, always touching her in some way. Her arm was hooked through his, anchoring him to her. It was disgusting how affectionate they were all the time, but I admit it was better than having parents who hated each other. Or even worse, a cheating father who despised his wife. One who only stayed married for the sake of the kids, but that just made things worse. I decided not to complain. It could be worse.
When we finally arrived at the hotel, my dad opened the door and helped my mom out. When she was out of the way, Roland stepped out. Then my father helped me out. Photographers were on the sidewalk, taking pictures of us. My father’s warmth disappeared. He was tense all over again, his eyes guarded and his back rigid. The only human emotion he showed was affection with my mom.
We headed inside then entered the ballroom. Everything was decorated for a spectacular night. The crystal chandeliers shined bright from the ceiling, and waiters carried glass flutes on trays. It was fancy.
Even when my mother wore heels, my dad was still vastly taller than her. He held her closer to him when he looked at us. “Be on your best behavior t
onight. You represent me. Don’t forget that.”
Roland rolled his eyes. “We know, Dad.”
“I have to mingle with your mother. Have fun.”
“Okay,” I said.
My dad never dropped his touch for a moment. “Come on, baby. You’re my eye candy for this.”
“You hate when people look at me.”
“But they would be stupid to gawk at you in my presence.” They moved into the crowd and disappeared.
Roland sighed. “Now where are the hot chicks?”
“Dad said we had to be on our best behavior tonight.”
“I am,” he snapped. “That doesn’t mean I can’t hook up with someone.”
“Actually, I think it does mean that.”
Roland put his hands in his pockets and looked around. “The blonde at the bar is cute.”
I turned to see a woman sitting alone. “She looks too old for you.”
“Only by a year or so. Besides, I like older women.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Don’t be gross.”
“You want to be my wingman tonight?”
“Not really.”
He rolled his eyes. “Damn. And Cayson is pretty much good for nothing.”
“Why?”
Roland didn’t answer my question. “Because he’s in love with you, like I’ve said a zillion times.”
“Oh shut up. I’m sick of hearing this ridiculous theory.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
Roland glared at me. “Whatever.”
“Hey.” Trinity came up to us, wearing a silver dress. “Man, this party is lame.”
Conrad wore a black suit just like Roland’s. “There are a few cute girls here. It’s not a total bust.”
Roland nodded to the bar. “There’s a baby cougar over there.”
“Baby cougar?” I asked.
“It’s a woman who’s going to be a cougar but she isn’t old enough yet.” Trinity said it like it wasn’t her first time.
“Oh. Where’s Cayson?” I asked.
Conrad shrugged. “I don’t know and I don’t care. He’ll find us if he wants to see us.”
The fact Cayson wasn’t with us alarmed me. Was he sitting at a table alone?
A man in a suit came to Trinity then handed her a glass of wine. He looked older than us, in his late twenties. But he was cute. “A beautiful woman should never be empty-handed.”
She smiled then took it. “Why, thank you.”
“I like your dress—especially the back.” His eyes smoldered while he looked at her.
“Thank you.” Trinity’s cheeks blushed again.
Conrad stuck a finger down his throat and acted like he was gagging. Roland snickered while he watched him.
A shadow suddenly fell on us, blocking out the light from the chandelier. It was like a mountain had been moved to our vicinity, cutting us off from civilization. Uncle Mike stepped in front of Trinity then stared down the admirer, making him take a step back.
Oh shit.
“Leave.” That was all he said. Just a simple word made us all uneasy. Uncle Mike looked similar to my dad, but he had more muscles in his arms and chest. His eyes were darker, more threatening. He looked like a Roman soldier about to gut his enemy.
“Sorry…” The guy held up his hands. “I didn’t know she had a man.”
“I’m her father.” The threat was heavy in his voice. “Now go.”
The guy high-tailed it out of there quicker than we could watch. Uncle Mike watched him go until he turned around and faced his daughter.
“Dad, that was totally unnecessary.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“He is too old for you. And don’t take drinks from strange men.”
“I can make that decision on my own.” It was obvious how annoyed she was. My dad was bad when it came to boys, but Uncle Mike was a million times worse.
“I just saved you some time.” Like a shark, he moved away slowly, making heads turn.
Trinity sighed and rolled her eyes. “He’s just ridiculous sometimes.”
“Well, that guy was too old for you,” I said.
She glared at me. “You better not be taking his side.”
“I’m just saying…” I stepped away, not wanting to piss her off.
“He just doesn’t want his daughter to be a slut,” Conrad snapped. “A reasonable request.”
“So you can sleep with every girl in Boston but I can’t have a single boyfriend?” she asked incredulously.
“Exactly.” He grabbed a glass from a passing waiter. “I guess you’re smarter than you look.”
I looked around the room, wondering where Cayson was. After scanning for a moment, I spotted him at the bar. He was drinking a brandy by himself, watching the people dance in the center of the room. “What’s his deal?”
“What?” Roland asked.
“Cayson is sitting alone at the bar,” I said.
“So?” Roland shrugged.
“What do you mean so?” I asked. “Why is he avoiding us?”
“Maybe he doesn’t want to spend every waking hour with us,” Conrad snapped. “Seriously, all we ever do is hang out with each other.”
“What’s wrong with that?” I asked.
“It’s lame,” Roland said.
I rolled my eyes then waved at Cayson. “Cayson, we’re over here.”
“Just leave the guy alone,” Roland said.
“Maybe he couldn’t find us,” I explained. “That makes sense.”
Cayson heard me then looked in my direction. He sighed deeply then walked to us, wearing a black suit with a dark blue tie. “Hey, guys.” He seemed down, sad.
“I’m sorry my sister is being particularly annoying today,” Roland said.
“I just assumed you couldn’t find us,” I said.
“Yeah…” He drank his brandy then stirred the ice cubes. He looked at the crowd, watching people.
“I think I’m going to make my move for the blonde,” Roland said.
“When she turns you down, I’ll make my move,” Conrad said.
“I’m a Preston,” Roland said. “Even if she’s married, she’ll still put out.”
“You better not sleep with married women,” I demanded. “That’s wrong, Roland.”
“Hey, I stay out of your business so stay out of mine.” He glared at me for a long moment before he looked away.
“There you are!”
We turned to see Grandpa smiling at us. He wore a dark suit with a gray tie. Lines covered his face and his hair was starting to turn gray, but he was vibrant and buzzing with life. He was never in a bad mood, and he always knew how to make us smile.
“The man is here!” Roland came to him first and hugged him. “You’re looking good, Grandpa. The ladies must be swarming.”
“They are but your grandmother isn’t too happy about that.” He pulled away and winked. Then he looked at the rest of us. “I love my grandkids. You guys are the greatest joy in my life.” He hugged Conrad next then made his way to me. “Skye, you’re more beautiful every time I see you. I’m just grateful you look like your mother and not your father.”
I chuckled. “Thanks.”
Then he hugged Cayson. “Wow, you’re bigger every time I see you.”
“I hit the weights every day.” Cayson patted his back then pulled away.
“It shows, kid.” Grandpa patted his shoulder. “Thanks for coming. I know everyone appreciates it.”
“We wouldn’t let our dads down,” Roland said. “Plus, there’s free booze, food, and pretty girls.”
“But the girls aren’t free though—for you.” He nudged Roland in the side.
Roland laughed. “Good point.”
“I’m headed back to the dance floor. They can’t reenact Dirty Dancing without me.” He headed back into the crowd and disappeared.
“Grandpa still has game,” Roland said. “He’s a legend.”
“He’s adorable,” Trinity said.
“Too cute,” I sai
d.
Cayson put his hand in his pocket then downed the rest of his glass. “I’ll catch you guys later.” He turned and headed back to the bar.
“Okay…I don’t care what you guys say, there’s something bothering him.” I chased after Cayson and caught up to him at the bar. My brother walked by me and headed straight for the blonde. I ignored him and focused on Cayson. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
Cayson looked at me, his face guarded. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Then why are you acting weird? You keep pushing me away and you don’t even want to be around us. The last time I saw you everything was fine, but now you’re…different. Did I do something?”
He sighed then rubbed the back of his neck. Conflict was in his eyes. Cayson told me everything and I wasn’t sure why he was holding back now. “I’m sorry…it’s not you.”
“Did one of the guys do something? Trinity?”
“No,” he said quickly. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Then what is it? You can tell me, Cayson.”
“Actually, this time I can’t.”
What did that mean? “What?”
“I’m sorry I’m being a jerk. It’s not my intention.”
“Can I do something to help?”
“No.” He took a deep breath and returned his hand to his pocket. “Just forget it, okay?”
“Forget what?”
“This whole thing.” He grabbed a flute from a waiter then downed half of it. Then he spotted Roland talking to the blonde. “Going in for the kill, huh?”
I decided to drop it. Whatever was bugging Cayson was personal. “Yeah. I just hope she isn’t married.”
“I don’t think it makes a difference to him. So, having a good time?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Yeah. I don’t like doing work things with my family though. My dad is different. When he’s at home with us, he’s fun and relaxed. When he goes to work functions, he’s detached and guarded.”
“It comes with the territory.”
“I just feel bad for him sometimes.”
“Don’t. It’s a small price to pay for what he gets in return.”
“I suppose…”
“Happy to be home?” he asked.
“Yeah. We played laser tag earlier today.”
“I’m jealous,” he said. “I love laser tag. Who won?”