Page 20 of All My Broken Pieces

This was a bad idea.

I knew the moment I stepped out of the car that it was a mistake coming here.

I should have just put on some sitcom and drowned my sorrow in a bottle of wine.

Taking a subtle breath to calm my nerves, I look around the table. My sister continuously throws scowls in my direction.

Scarlett, theperfectdaughter.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. How easy she has it, with her perfect little family that mom and dad approve of.

She never had to say goodbye.

I can’t help but glare back at her and her stupid husband. He sits quietly beside her, slowly chewing his food and looking about as dull as a sack of potatoes.

Okay, that’s not fair. Maybe he’s great and my sister just sucked the life out of him.

Laughing inside at the thought, the corners of my lips tick up, earning another scowl from Scarlett. I turn my attention away, my gaze landing on my brother.

Hudson is like me, a quote-un-quoteblack sheepof the family. Whereas my sin has always been the desire for girls, his has been for boys. We bonded about it once upon a time, now it’s fueled an endless resentment.

I can’t really blame him, he got the brunt of my parents' attempts to “fix him”. By the time I started to show interest in things my parents deemedunnatural, the conversion camps had already been shut down.

Hudson flicks his gaze to mine, his eyes narrowing just slightly before returning to the food he’s been pushing around his plate for the last twenty minutes.

“How’s school been?” My mother’s voice draws my attention.

Picking up my fork, I stab into a piece of zucchini as I shrug. “Fine, I guess.” I mumble, shoving the food into my mouth in hopes it saves me from having to answer anymore questions.

It doesn’t.

“Hmmm, that’s good.” She hums. Sharing a look with my dad, she takes a sip of her drink before continuing. “You know, the Peterson’s son was asking about you.”

My stomach drops. Because of course this wasn’t just a simple dinner invitation. Why would I ever think I could have a single dinner without their attempts to set me up with someone they deemappropriate. I take another bite, chewing slowly and avoiding everyone’s gazes.

“I could ask about setting you up for a date.” My mom presses, either not getting the hint, or more likely, not caring.

“She’s not interested.” Scarlett sneers, her cunty face leering at me. “He’s too much of amanfor her.”

I flinch at her words, my mind flashing back to the person I do want to be with. Because she’s right, I have no desire to be set up with the Peterson’s son. Or anyone’s son.

But isn’t this why you broke up with Arriana? To do theright thing?

My chest aches at the mental reminder. I’m so lost in my thoughts I almost don’t hear my mother. Almost.

“That’s enough, Scarlett.” She snaps. “Your sister would be lucky to have such a fine man as Logan Peterson. Right, Fallon?”

Fuck.

What do I say to that? I don’t want to go on a date withLogan.

I want…

I shake myself, nodding my head even as my soul dies. “Yes, Mom.” I mumble, staring at my food, my stomach turning.

“See?” My mom claps her hands, making me jump. “Oh, Olivia will be so thrilled!” She continues to go on about all the plans that she has for me and my love life, but I can’t hear her past the thundering in my ears.

This is a mistake.

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