Page 4 of Beautiful Desire
“Damn, that sucks,” I murmur. “So, did you not get to move back in?”
“Honey, I just told you the main level of the house flooded. No, we didn’t get to move back in. The contractors have to takecare of that before they can move on to anything else, so it’s set us back.”
Knowing where she’s going with this, I let my head fall back on my shoulders while my eyes close and I grind down on my molars. “Mom, I’m supposed to be coming theretomorrow. I can’t push the move; Dad already gave up my fucking condo and cut off all access to the money! What do you expect me to do?”
This is such bullshit. I didn’t even want to go there in the first place, and now this happens? I know my cold-hearted drill sergeant of a father won’t give a fuck either. Knowing him, he’d tell me being homeless would be good for me.Build character. I can fucking hear it now.
“Now, honey…” Her tone is placating, and it makes me feel like a petulant child. “I’ve got it all figured out, if you would just calm down for a moment, and listen.” My nostrils flare on a harsh exhale, and when I don’t respond, she continues. “You can stay at Georgia’s instead, at least until renovations are back on track. And besides”—a small giggle bubbles out of her—“staying at your sister’s house would probably be more fun than staying with your mom, I’m sure.”
“I’m not doing that. No way.” Pinching the bridge of my nose, I blow out an exaggerated sigh, feeling my blood pressure rise by the second. “This whole situation is humiliating. I didn’t even want to move up there in the first place—no offense, Mom. But my whole life ishere—my job, my condo, my friends. Dad gave me no fucking choice when he decided to throw a temper tantrum and cut me off.”
“That’s enough swearing,” she cuts me off. “That’s no way to speak to your mother!”
“Sorry,” I huff. “As I was saying, it was bad enough that I was expected to live with my mom and her husband at my ripe age of twenty-four, but now I’m expected to, what? Sleep on someone’s couch, who’s basically a stranger to me? Absolutely not. Georgiaand I never talk; we never have, and we know nothing about each other. No. I’m not doing it.”
Reese chuckles from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I narrow my gaze on him, which only makes him laugh harder. The amusement on his face pisses me off, and I can already hear what he’s going to say when I hang up.“Such a fucking spoiled brat.”As if he’s not a rich, pretentious, trust-fund baby, who’s chauffeured around town because driving isbeneath him.The only difference is, nobody is out here trying to take it away from him like my father is to me. But unlike Reese’s parents, my dad hates to see me happy.
“Honey, you’re being a bit dramatic, don’t you think?” my mom asks. “Nobody said anything about sleeping on a couch, and your sister is plenty nice and welcoming, and I’m sure?—”
“She isnotmy sister,” I grit out, a fresh cloud of irritation spreading in my chest.
“Oh, Fletcher Alexander, you knock it right off!” she huffs. “You always get so weird about that, and I don’t understand why. Edward and I have been married for long enough; I don’t know why it’s so hard for you to accept they’re your siblings.”
“Step,” I correct her. Georgia Astor is mystepsister, not my sister, and the distinction matters. “And I’m still not doing it. This wasn’t part of the plan. I’m calling Dad. He can’t actually expect me to go along with this.”
“Well, honey, I’ve already talked to him, and he very muchison board. I think it’s about time you do too.”
As if on cue, a notification comes through, and when I bring the phone away from my ear and look at the screen, it’s a text message.
Daddy Dearest: You need to wake up and leave on time in the morning, Fletcher. I’ve got the cleaners coming at 9am, and the painters scheduled for shortlyafter that. I’m on a tight schedule, getting the condo ready for the new tenants, so no fucking around.
I grit my teeth so hard, my jaw pops as I bring the phone back up to my ear.
Fuck him. And fuck this idiotic fucking plan.
I’ve been promised St. James Properties since I was a kid. It’s been my only dream for as long as I can remember. The plan hasalwaysbeen to inherit part of it and join him on the board when I turn twenty-five—it’s the reason for everything I’ve done up until now, it’s why I’m still in fucking school, even though there are dozens of other ways I can think to use my free time—and now that we’re basically in the final hour, he wants to switch up and go back on his promise.
“Fletcher, dear,” my mom says, cutting through the red haze clouding my head as I think of all the ways my father has fucked me over. “I’ve got to go, Edward and I are going to see a movie tonight, but don’t worry about the situation at Georgia’s. I know it’s not ideal, or what you’re wanting to do, but try to keep an open mind about it.”Doubtful.“It’s a temporary situation, and Georgia is probably a great person to talk to, since she’s been where you are with school.”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun at the movies. Love you.”
“Love you too, honey.”
Hanging up the call, I slam the phone face down on the dresser before pounding the rest of my beer. I’ve been backed into a corner by my father, and I hate it. Hate how much power he has over my life. Yeah, it’s his company, and he’s technically my boss, but I’m not a fucking kid, and in a year, we’re supposed to be partners. Shouldn’t I have a say in the matter?
Why the fuck do I put up with this?
“What was all that about?” Reese questions as he hands me another beer. I didn’t even notice he left the room. I crack openthe can and take another swig before filling him in on what my mom said. By the time I finish, he’s got tears in his eyes from laughing so hard.
“I’m glad my life is so hilarious,” I deadpan.
Wiping the moisture off his cheeks, Reese shakes his head. “Sorry, man,” he offers, patting my arm. “I don’t mean to laugh, but even you have to admit, it’s funny.”
“I can assure you, nothing about this situation is even remotely amusing to me.”
“Come on, man,” he drawls. “Out of everyone in your family,Georgiais the one your father assigned to babysit you, and now you have to live with her too? It’s a little funny.”
“She’s not fucking babysitting me,” I spit out, clenching my jaw as I get back to packing up my dresser. I didn’t learn about thisarrangementmy dad worked out with Georgia until a few days ago, and I’m not fucking happy about it.
