Page 47 of Highest Bidder
“Honey, are you even listening to me?” I look up, startled, as my mom snaps her fingers near my face to get my attention. Her stare is just short of a glare, her lips pursed.
“Um. No, sorry. What were you saying?”
“Ugh. I swear. Your head is always in the clouds. I don’t understand why”—
My dad clears his throat. “Why don’t you repeat what you said, Beth? She was thinking of other things, and honestly, I’m not sure what you were talking about either,” he says.
I wish he wasn’t hooked to so many tubes and wires so I could lean over and give him a big hug. He always tries to take the smoke out of the fire she spits out. It never works, though.
“Fine,” she bites out.
Mom also hates when he does that. She’s always thought of it as him and me versus her. In reality, he’s always trying to get us all on the same team.
“I was saying there is a gala next Friday. I want Hunter to go with us.”
I blink. I must be in another reality. How is my mother expecting dad to attend a gala, which means wearing a tux, in his current state? Also, he doesn’t like to show it, but the heart attack took a lot out of him. He’s sleeping more and doesn’t have the energy to walk around much. Sometimes I wonder how on earth I’m related to this woman. I focus my attention on Dad, and he takes a deep breath.
“Mom, you can’t be serious right now.”
She only gives me a confused look.
“Dad’s not even out of the hospital, and you expect him to goto a gala with you? How’s that realistic in any way, shape, or form?” I fold my arms across my chest and give her a disgusted look.
“What do you mean?” She looks at him with a look of fake shock. “He’s getting out in about 36 hours now. The gala is more than a week away. Why wouldn’t your father go? We have had this on the schedule for months. We have our tickets. The only thing we need to figure out is how to get you one. But since I’m on the board of the foundation hosting the gala, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
I stare at her with my mouth open.
“Honestly, Hunter, close your mouth. It’s not ladylike to gape at someone in such a way.” She looks down and plucks an imaginary hair off of her skirt.
I snap my mouth closed and blink a few times. She’s actually serious. I look over at my dad, but he isn’t saying a word. He’s looking down, trying the best he can to stay out of it. He doesn’t want to rile her up before he needs to. Of course, he’s used to her being like this. I’m sure it didn’t shock him in the slightest.
“Well, if Dad is well enough to attend a gala, I’ll go home. I’m only here to make sure he gets better and has the care he deserves.” It felt good to stand up for myself. Referencing Florida as my home slipped out, but it gave me peace. I’m happy to call it home. OKC has never felt much like where I belong. I miss the home I’ve made for myself. I want to get back to it, but I’m not pushing Dad, unlike my mother.
“Honestly, you can stay another week. There’s no reason to leave so soon. Everyone will love to see you again. Especially a certain person who you left so high and dry.”
She continues spitting out evil. I don’t even want to listen to her anymore. She always makes me feel awful about myself. Of course, I did something wrong to one of her friends, and she’s holding it against me. New day, same manipulation.
“What are you talking about, Mother?” I sigh.
“Steven. The poor boy has been heartbroken since you left him. He doesn’t understand what he could have done to make you leave him the way you did. It wasn’t right. He misses you,” she says.
I have to hold myself back from gagging. He didn’t miss me when he was jumping into bed with someone else right after the breakup. He must have conveniently left that part out.
“Mother, we have been over this. He wasn’t with me for the right reasons, and he started getting abusive. I will not be with someone like that,” I state, looking her directly. She can see how serious I am, but I don’t think she cares.
“Oh, please. Girls these days are so dramatic.” She waves her hand to dismiss what I’ve said. “He loves you, so you should see him. In the meantime, I will get you a ticket, and I want you to find a dress. It should be exquisite. I expect nothing less.”
She continues acting like my opinions don’t matter. I can’t stand being around her when she’s like this. Aren’t mothers supposed to be nurturing and loving toward their kids? Mine must have missed that memo.
“Okay, we can talk about all this later. I want a nap,” my dad cuts in.
I let out a sigh of relief. Maybe she will finally leave me alone for a little bit too if she has to be quiet.
“Fine. I have to get going anyway, darling. Have a good nap,” she says and kisses my dad on the forehead. Her eyes flick back to me. “I can make you a hair appointment before the gala, honey.” Turning, she leaves the room.
I look over at my dad. I’m having a hard time not blowing up.
“I know.” He puts his hand up and nods. “You don't need to say anything. I know. Now get some lunch, so I can sleep.” He reclines his bed to get more comfortable.
