Page 20 of In a Pinch

Michael puts on a tight smile, and I can see the judgment from here. Sheesh. Do you need to win a Nobel Prize to be accepted by the man? “That’s great.” Someone should tell him to tell his face that. I send him a tight smile right back.

We eat in pleasant conversation, mostly surface level. Anna asks most of the questions and her husband watches the room. Just when I think we have dodged the conflict between Michael and Sam, Michael’s inner asshole pops his head in again.

Sam has been talking about work with his mom, and his dad scoffs when his mom tells him how proud she is of him.

“I’m sorry, Dad, I missed that. Did you have something to say?”

“When are you going to cut the shit and get a real job?”

“Probably about the same time when you quit being a dick and learn how to parent.” Ope. Okay.

All of us have wide eyes and hold our breaths. I sit next to Isla, and she has her lips pursed together.

“I’d say I’ve done a great job. Two out of three of my kids are successful and thriving.”

I can feel it bubble to my lips. Should I stay in my lane? Yes. Will I watch this poor dude get bullied by a parent? Abso-fucking-lutely not.

“Actually, three out of three. Flambé is on the national radar as a restaurant, and becoming a head chef is a really big deal,” I pipe in. Isla shuts her eyes tight, but the slouch to Sam's shoulder tension lessens and he stares at me with shock. Shit, when was the last time someone stood up for the guy?

“Yes, I agree, honey. Sam, you are doing great.” Anna glares at her husband. “This, again? Really? I thought you learned with Cal. Your version of success is not the only version of success that matters or is legitimate. I was a stay-at-home wife and mother. Does that make me an invalid, since I was raising ourchildren instead of corporations? Hm?” She raises her eyebrows, daring him to challenge her.

“He’s a disgrace to the family name.”

“Not for long,” Sam adds in.

“What does that mean?” Sam’s dad’s voice is pure steel.

“That means, tomorrow, I'm starting the process to change my legal last name. Wouldn’t want you to live with the burden.” He picks up his wine and drains the glass. Honestly, if this was my family, I would need to drink, too. “I’ll take Mom’s; Sam Greene kind of has a nice ring to it.”

Michael’s answering silence rings through the room. Holy shit. Anna is literally fuming.

Anna’s glare scares me, and she isn’t even looking at me; she’s shooting daggers at her husband, who is now on my shitlist, I’ve decided. “Now, honey. Don't choose now to be silent. You’ve made this dinner incredibly uncomfortable, and we have a guest. Apologize. I am grabbing dessert.” She forces a smile and hastily leaves the room. Wouldn’t want to be Michael when the rest of us leave.

Instead of apologizing, Michael excuses himself from dinner and walks out the front door. We all let out a collective sigh of relief.

Damn, I knew I should have skipped family dinner.

“I’m going to go help Mom.” Sam excuses himself and shuffles into the kitchen.

After Sam leaves the room, I look between Isla and Cal, a little shocked neither of them did anything. That was painful to watch. I can’t even imagine being on the receiving end of it. “I know this isn’t my place, but why didn’t anyone say anything?”

Cal sets down his wine glass and shakes his head. He looks up to the door that goes into the kitchen with sad eyes. “It would just fuel Dad’s fire to burn Sam more.”

I nod my head, trying to come to terms with this weird-ass family dynamic. The first thing I’m doing when I get home is calling my dad and thanking him for not being an ass.

After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, I look over to Isla. “Yeah, so, thanks for the invite, but I think I am going to skip next week.”

Cal and Isla laugh and slip back into conversation as if this whole thing never happened. I nod and fake a laugh while my brain runs through what just happened. No wonder why the dude avoids everyone. It’s crazy to me that me that his mom and I are the only ones calling Michael out. My mind is stuck on the look on Sam’s face while his dad berated his life decisions. Home should feel like peace, not a battleground.

Chapter Ten

Sam

Ihate this day. It’s stupid and a giant marketing scam to make us dish out more money. No, I am not bitter and alone. Plus, I actually have found myself looking forward to the cooking class, but we skipped this week so everyone can celebrate the fake holiday. And I was especially looking forward to it after last night’s shit show. First thing I did this morning was submit my application to Social Services for a name change. I’ve got an appointment next week, but even that feels too far away. Only a few more days of being the stain on the Reynolds family name.

The wind bites at my face as I put my head down and pick up my pace. There's only one place I would spend Valentine’s Day: Gertie’s bar. While my stand-in grandma passed a few months back, her grandson, Theo, took over the bar and works mostdays. He somehow wormed himself into my life and is now one of my closest friends.

Dragging the door open, I shake the cold off and move to the bar. It's an old-fashioned dive bar, with pool in the back, a few booths next to the bar, and a dance floor. Nothing fancy; just good beer and good company.

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