Page 7 of Tempting God

Aimée is everything I despise.

Fake. Mean. Vindictive.

Aimée spots us and waves at Mother. I really, really don’t want to go over to her right now, because she’ll only have something cruel to say at my expense.

I ask, “Would it be okay to get a drink?”

Sometimes, they let me have a glass of champagne while at events like this. I’m hoping tonight is one of those nights.

Mother says, “Not until we say hello to Grandfather, Charles, and Aimée.”

Sighing, I follow my parents across the room to Grandfather.

“My son,” Grandfather Blanc booms. “And here’s his lovely wife and my beautiful granddaughter.”

People look our way because that’s just how Grandfather is. He demands attention wherever he goes.

I hug him and say, “Happy birthday, Grandfather Blanc.”

He pinches my cheek and says, “My little roly-poly. I’m so glad you could be here for my big night. It means the world to this old man.”

Aimée snorts. “Roly-poly? Is that because of her…size?”

Mother laughs, too. “You’d think so, right? It’s just a pet name that Hudson gave Greer when she was an infant.”

Aimée leans closer to Mother. “Because she was chubby, right?”

Mother doesn’t answer, but laughs again.

My face feels like it’s on fire.

I say to Grandfather, “I’ll find you later, Grandfather.”

His green eyes are full of sympathy as I slip away from the group.

Why doesn’t Mother ever stand up for me? Does she really hate me that much?

Sadly, I think I know the answer to that question.

After swiping a glass of champagne, I move through the crowd, making my way to a hallway that leads to the kitchen. No one will dare come this way, so I should be safe. Just to be sure, I slip into Grandfather’s study. This is one room that I can spend hours in. Floor to ceiling bookshelves cover three walls. The fourth wall boasts a massive fireplace. It’s not lit, sadly, but other than that, this is the perfect hiding place.

The best part of the room is just around the corner of one wall. It curves into a large bay window but is hidden by two large potted plants. When I was little, I’d play in that spot while Grandfather Blanc and Dad spent time together. I was there so much that Grandfather Blanc put in a chair just for me. It’s still there, and I smile. Thank god for small miracles.

Settling in the chair, I bring the flute to my lips and take a sip. Mother keeps saying she wants to send me to a boarding school in England. At first, I refused. I don’t want to be away from the family for that long. But the more I think about it, the better it’s sounding. Would I miss Dad and Grandfather? Of course. However, not seeing Mother every day would be worth it. Besides, it’s only for two years. After that, I’ll be off at college and, once I’m a legal adult, I won’t have to see her unless I want to. Which I won’t.

Kicking my shoes off, I tuck my feet under my butt and get even more comfortable. Dinner won’t start for at least an hour. Even then, I can probably get by with hiding out for a few courses. I made sure that my seat is away from Mother, so she won’t be looking for me once everyone is seated.

Closing my eyes, I exhale. Peace and quiet. Two things I don’t get enough of.

“Carter, you dog! How on earth did you manage to get elected as Mayor? You weren’t even making the polls until Johnson stepped down.”

A deep laugh has me opening my eyes.

“It wasn’t hard. Got a tip from Henderson and made my move.”

“Ah, blackmail. Well, you have bigger balls than me. What did old man Blanc say?”

This has me sitting up for two reasons. One, the voices are just past the potted plants. Two, they mentioned either Dad or Grandfather Blanc.

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