Page 125 of The Spare
Isobel blinks rapidly, looking stunned.
I peek a look at Mason, not quite trusting it.
He looks just as stunned as she does, his fingers rotating his empty crystal glass over and over. Instinctively, I can tell he's not sure to trust it, either.
From our conversations, I've come to really see just how complex andofftheir family dynamic has been. The family secret that Richard won’t discuss has been weighing heavily on all of our minds, and I've heard Mason and Teresa on the phone late at night talking about it which lets me know it's got everyone in a whirlwind.
It's brought up a range of questions: about why Richard won't get close to the boys, and how he holds us girls so close, as well as how that might be affecting the men. I've paused mine and Richard's fencing practice, not feeling comfortable continuing while everything's so tense between us all.
I don't want to hurt Mason by flaunting the ease of Richard's and my relationship in his face, deciding instead to move forward as a unified front. Us against them, if you will.
I hate it has to be this way, but he's my husband first and foremost.
"Thank you," I whisper.
Isobel nods, tightening her lips. "Well, is there anything you're interested in besides running?" she asks softly, brushing her hand down her wavy, deep auburn hair. Another little blossom of hope sparks in my chest.
"Well…" I smile, looking over at Mason. "I've really been baking a lot lately. And Mason's suggested maybe opening a shop." I furrow my brow, taking a quick sip of my tea. "But I don't know about that. I have no clue how to start a business or-"
"Well,we do."Hendrix interrupts in an excited tone. "Whenever you're ready, that is…" he trails off, looking rather sheepish.
"But that's the thing," I huff a deep breath. "Even if I did, what does baking have to do with King Dynasty? My business would addno value to your company whatsoever. And I don't even know if I'm really good enough to-"
Mason holds up a hand. "Wait, stop. I'm going to pause you right there. You have the skill, butterfly. But I think what might be smart is to do it for awhile -with no pressure from any of us- and see if you think it's something you'd be comfortable with in the long run."
Hendrix nods, agreeing. "You're young. No one's going to deny you the time you need to figure it out. Deciding on a career is something no one should feel rushed into." He puts his eyes to Mason, who just slides a hand around my waist and presses a kiss to my temple.
I nod. "Well, thank you."
"No problem, sis. And besides, youcouldmake that a part of the King Dynasty if you wanted to. We have office buildings and conferences all over the world. An in-house bakery business that caters to those events would be beneficial,and busy;if that's something you'd be interested in, that is. Everyone loves a good cookie or croissant," Hendrix adds.
Chewing my lip I look over at Mason, who's staying quiet, letting me decide for myself. "I, uh… I think I'd feel better if I took my time. Let me see if this is something I can see myself really loving before I commit to anything."
"Sure."
Hendrix, Isobel, and Mason nod, and now it's my turn to squirm in my seat. "Henny," I say hesitantly, wetting my lips nervously as anxiety causes me to flush hot. "Can I tell you something?"
His brow lowers, getting a concerned look on his face as he leans forward, bracing his arms on the table top. "Sure, Mel. You know you can talk to me about anything."
My eyes fall to the empty plate in front of me. Tears well in my eyes as I let myself be vulnerable, realizing the four of us are turning acrucial point in our relationship and wanting to show them that I can change, too.
"These last few years have been really hard," I bite out in a thick voice, wiping a tear off my face with the back of my hand. "I've been feeling really lost, I guess. And hurt because I don't have a dad. And I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you stepping in and filling that role for me." I sniff. "I'm sorry for crying like this, but it's been so hard seeing your family deal with all of…this.All the stuff that you all are dealing with, and it's been making me think more about our family situationa-and my father.I wish I had a father to fight with, and he's d-dead." I sniff again, my fingers trembling. "So I just wish you all could figure this thing out, you know? Because fighting isn't worth it."
"Oh, Melly,"Isobel's chin quivers as tears fill her own eyes, but she doesn't come to me to smother me like she normally does.
Hendrix's eyes widen, and a look of shock crosses his face before he carefully conceals it behind his everyday mask. Everyone goes quiet, and Mason's fingers tighten on my shoulder as he, too, stays silent.
"You know it's my pleasure, Mel," he says in a soft voice. "I love you, sweetheart." A tear falls down my cheek, and he stands up, rounding the table and pulling me in for a hug. "Come here."
I squeeze him back, taking the familiar scent of him in. However, for the hundredth time I wonder what my actual dad smells like. What would he sound like.
He reaches forward and clasps Mason hard on the shoulder, and they share a long look that I can't decipher.
Hendrix returns to his seat, and we switch the conversation to other things. Catching up on the day to day stuff. Mason and Hendrix's relationship seems easier and a lot less forced, as is mine and Isobel's. Though I can tell she's not happy with me quitting college.
But I feel heard. And, most of all, respected.
"You're doing a bit much today, aren't you?" I glance at my mom, who's busy doing bicep curls in the mirror of her in-home workout gym.
