Page 78 of Frankie and the Fed
“Introduce me,” Amber says.
“Olive,” I call her to come to us and introduce them. Within a minute, they’re engrossed in lively conversation, and I return to Ayala.
“Well, I did my good deed for the day,” I tell her.
“I haven’t done mine yet,” she replies. “I want you to make up with your parents.”
“I’ve told you. That’s a lost cause.”
“I disagree. They’re your only family. You still love them, or you wouldn’t have come. And they still love you, or they wouldn’t keep inviting you.” She takes my hand. “Your father loves you too,” she adds after I open my mouth to protest.
“We’re in the middle of a holiday party.”
“Well?”
“So I won’t ruin the party by causing a scene.”
“We won’t ruin anything. We’re just going to talk, not fight. Besides, what better place and time? They won’t want a scene in the middle of their party either. So they’ll respond in moderation.”
“Ayala...”
“You know my parents messed up too. Big time. And I forgave them. They’re human. They make mistakes. They didn’t mean to do me harm. I’m sure yours didn’t either.”
“Okay, fine. But we’ll wait for the party to end.”
Ayala sits down at one of the side tables and drinks some champagne. I go straight to the whiskey and use the time to chat with the guests. I haven’t seen some of them for a long time, and it’s quite nice to catch up. It amazes me that most people don’t ask about the incident. I wonder if they’re just being polite or simply not interested. I assume polite. Although the incident didn’t explode in New York with the same intensity as in San Francisco, those who know me have surely read the details. Two or three dared to ask about it, and I explained with as few words as possible. I also mentioned that Ayala will be working at Savee soon and would promote the app. Everyone expressed support and stated that they would be happy to help.
A light touch on my arm startles me. I turn around with a smile, sure that it’s Ayala, only to discover my parents.
“Ethan,” Mom says, nodding her head. “How are you?”
“Well, I’m sure you follow all the news, so you know I’m being sued.” I don’t like these pretenses.
“Ethan.” She grasps my arm again. “It’s not just a lawsuit. They say you murdered him.”
“And you believe what they say?” I glance at my father, who’s standing behind her with no expression on his face. “Orhedoes? You’ll believe anything about me, right? I’m capable of anything. After all, I killed my sister, so what’s one more person?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“That’s exactly what you’re saying. In your eyes, in his eyes. I can see what you think of me.”
“That’s not true. You’re our son, and we love you.”
I scoff. “I don’t believe you.”
“Maybe you’ll go back to Olive again? You were such a beautiful couple. Stay away from this woman who got you in trouble. It will help. It will benefit you in court if they see you’re staying away from her and you’re leading an orderly life.”
“I don’t believe you just said that. And after you already know that Olive is gay.” Mom cringes a little as I raise my voice, but I’m enjoying this. I want them to be embarrassed.
“Well, it’s just a phase. She’ll get over it. You were lovely together, and she suited you so well.”
“A phase? You cross every line. Mom, Olive and I are friends, and that’s what we’ll always be. I never slept with her. Do you understand that? I love Ayala.”
Dad scowls and steps closer. “That woman only brings trouble. You need to stay away from her. Ever since you met, trouble has been chasing you. You almost died because of her, and now you’re accused of murder. So you think you’re in love. It will pass. Move on. She’s not right for you.”
“You really need to take that back,” I say in a threatening tone.
Ayala finds this moment to come to stand by my side. She’s had a confrontation with them before, but her condition right now isn’t stable, and I’m worried.
