Page 30 of Crash

I clear my throat, and needing something else to focus on, I turn to my brother, who is smirking at me like he’s just discovered a big secret.

“God, have you ever seen such a spoiled, coddled person in your life?” I point towards them as they do another group hug.

“Yeah. I’m looking at him,” Jake says.

“Whatever. This is why I’m not speaking to your ass,” I remind him.

“You just made my point. Look, Luke, I admit we should have talked to you about it first, but she’s in a tough spot. You and I will never understand because our parents support us no matter what. She doesn’t have that.”

I scoff at him and point at the three women fussing over her.

“That’s different. They love her, but they aren’t her parents. They can try to make up for it, but it will never be the same. Be kind. That’s all I ask.”

“It’s hard to be kind to someone who hates you,” I say back.

“She does not hate you.”

“She does. She told me so,” I say, sounding like a child to my own ears.

“You two are so blind. She hates you about as much as you hate her.”

I don’t absorb Jake’s words. I choose to ignore him and focus on the scene still unfolding. When my dad walks through the front door, she immediately runs to him, and he wraps her in a hug. I always knew she was small but seeing her against my dad’s large frame reveals how tiny she really is. Dad greets the Etiennes, and Mrs. Etienne points to a large box on the desk. Vivi picks it up, and like a new kid on their first day at a new school, offers it to my dad. He reaches in and pulls out a pastry. He nods at me and Jake as he walks to the elevator.

Colleen runs to the mailroom, which is situated behind the reception desk, and the four employees come out to greet Vivienne and take a pastry.

Sandy finally sees the two of us standing against the wall. She grabs a cinnamon roll for Jake. He takes it from her, but not before he kisses her right in the middle of the hallway at work.

“I’ve missed you. Haven’t seen you in about half an hour,” he says. She hooks her arm through his, but she speaks to me.

“You haven’t been by much, Luke. We’ve missed you. Come for dinner tonight.”

I nod, but I know I’ll think of an excuse not to show up, despite loving her cooking.

“Are you going to keep me company at work today, gorgeous?” Jake says.

“On my day off? No way.” She takes her arm from around his and sticks both hands in his pockets.

“Whoa, wife. All you had to do was ask,” he jokes. She playfully punches him in the arm.

“I’m looking for your car keys. Tash picked us up and now she has to drop Mama off before she goes to work. I guess we didn’t think that one through. I’ll come back and pick you and Vivi up later.”

“I don’t think so. You’re stuck here. Stay and the four of us will go for a celebratory lunch, and I’ll take you home afterward.” She pretends to be put upon, but she gives in when he wraps her in his arms.

I shake my head at them, but for a moment I wonder what it would be like to have a relationship like they have. Nothing but unconditional love and acceptance. I’m surrounded by it. Between my parents, brothers, and their wives, I see it every day. The one time I thought I found it, she went behind my back and did the unforgivable.

I’m so lost in thought, I don’t see Vivi approaching me until it’s too late for me to flee. She gives me an uncertain smile and nods towards the box, offering me something. The smell of sugar hits my nostrils, and my stomach growls, but I resist.

“No, thanks. I ate breakfast.” I see the disappointment in her eyes, and I hear Jake’s words about kindness, but I ignore them both. All too soon, my rejection is forgotten. Tash and Gabrielle hug her again before they say goodbye and walk out the door.

“Vivi, you can put those in the kitchen,” Jake says, pointing at the box. “Luke will show you around and take you to HR. Sandy and I will take you to lunch to celebrate. You in, Luke?” He looks at me, waiting for my answer, probably wanting me to say yes.

“I’d love to,” I say, “but I’m meeting Zoey for lunch.”

Vivi looks up as if surprised by my words. Jake sighs in exasperation and Sandy frowns.

“Just bring her,” Sandy says.

The eye-roll Vivienne unleashes doesn’t go unnoticed by me.

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