Page 62 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

Mom stops eating and stares at Dad. “Richard, I don’t think now’s the time to discuss this. It’s her birthday breakfast. Let it be for now.”

“You’re right, Daddy. There weren’t any signs of trouble before because I was too blind to see them. It’s not like I spent a lot of time with Wyatt anyway. He cheated on me. I have the voicemail of him admitting it to prove it. He then accused me of some nasty things and called me names. Keaton was a friend to me when I needed one. Besides, Wyatt was only after the Randall name and what it offers for his future political career. He didn’t want to be with me.”

I watch realization cross my father’s features. My mom tsks and glares at my father. “I hope you’re satisfied, Richard. Now will you let her be?”

“I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I’m proud of you. But I highly doubt he was only after connections. Any man would be lucky to have you.” He gives Keaton his full attention. “I guess we should thank you for stepping in and protecting our little girl.”

Keaton tilts his head and smiles. “Well, I don’t mind helping people.”

“What are your long-term plans?” Daddy asks.

I groan. “Are you afraid you’re going to be out an employee?”

“Denise,” Mom hisses.

Keaton tells Daddy, “I was going to college and studying, the whole gig. Still not sure what I was going to do since the only thing I’d been good at in school were sports. I can drive fast and kickass, so I’d probably make a good cop.” My father gives him a blank stare. Noah lets out a small chuckle. Keaton clears his throat. “I do genuinely care about helping people also. But honestly, Mr. Randall, I don’t know what I want to do.”

Trent and Noah snicker as Daddy continues to stare at Keaton. I turn to Keaton, and he holds his hands up and shrugs. He goes back to eating his breakfast, and I smile.

Mom smiles warmly at him. “It’s wonderful you enjoy helping others. I’m sure it’ll come to you what you want to do.” He nods and thanks her. Then she firmly says, “But watch your language in front of my grandbabies.”

Keaton actually blushes and apologizes. We share idle chitchat, mostly about the upcoming wedding. Of course. After a while my parents seem to remember that I’m there, and it’s supposed to be my birthday breakfast.

Daddy announces, “Big milestone birthday. Big two-one. Next year a junior in college.” He shakes his head with a faraway look in his eyes. “Almost in the home stretch of adulthood.”

My mom smiles. “Our baby has gone and grown into a beautiful young woman, Richard.”

Daddy gives me his full attention. “Any thoughts on internships?” Shit. Go back to the wedding.

I push around the remaining food on my plate with my fork. “I’ve researched a few in a couple of the big surrounding cities.”

Mom places her hand over mine that’s holding the fork. She whispers, “Don’t play with your food.”

Daddy suggests, “You know you could intern at our company. Then we’d get to have you home more.” My parents smile at each other.

“I could, but I think I need to spread my wings. Working for y’all would be taking the easy way out and if I went to work for another company after, they wouldn’t take me seriously. They’d think that internship was, well, just a cop out.”

“Randall Construction is a respectable company, young lady.” Great. I’ve offended Mom.

Trent chimes in. “You could intern at the clinic I work for. I’d put in a good word for you.”

I roll my eyes. Mom clears her throat and gives me a pointed look. I can practically hear what she’s thinking. Denise, don’t roll your eyes. It’s rude. Never mind that she does it too. I speak in a controlled tone. “I don’t want a good word put in for me. I don’t want to get through the door because of my last name. I want to get a job on my own. And before anyone else says anything else, I’m not applying anywhere around here.”

There’s an awkward and tense silence. I slide my chair back and take my plate to the sink. Without looking at anyone, I go to my bedroom and close the door. I lay down with my face in my pillow. I’m being childish, but it’s still my birthday, and apparently, as the saying goes, “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”

A light knock comes from my door before it opens. Mom eases in and comes to sit at the foot of my bed.

“What’s going on?” She gently rubs my back. I shake my head and refuse to look at her. “C’mon. I know you’ve been under a lot of stress. I think you’re finally having a breakdown. And that’s okay. It’s okay to get overwhelmed. It’s okay to take a break, ya know? School, relationships, internships, friends,” she gives me a playful shake, “handsome construction workers.” She giggles. “Not that I have room to talk.”

“Mom.” I groan. I do not want to hear about her and Daddy.

“Take a break from it all. Winter break is coming up and I think you need to use that time to relax.”

I rise up and face her kind eyes. My bottom lip trembles. “I hate my life, Mom. I hate it. I hate all the drama our family goes through. I hate that I can’t even be happy for Alice right now because I’m jealous.”

She wraps me in her arms. “Oh, Denise.”

“Don’t. Don’t make me feel guilty now for saying something.”

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