Page 19 of Final Installment
“Stay out of this,” my grandfather growled, his rank breath fouling the air around us.“This is family business.”
Nikolai stepped in front of me, and Vivian tugged my hand, pulling me away from my grandfather and her husband who were now furiously hissing at each other.
“Are you okay?”Vivian asked softly.“I’m so sorry.I can’t believe he would say something like that.”
“It’s fine.”I played it off as I didn’t care.
“It’s not fine.”She glared at my grandfather.“Miserable old shit.”
“Everything okay?”Rina Beciraj, a lithe blonde in a flirty bubblegum pink dress, joined us.“Do I need to get my brother?”
“No!”I said a little too quickly and too sharply.“No,” I said, quietly this time.“I’m fine.Just a misunderstanding.”
Rina narrowed her eyes.“You don’t look fine.”
“Yes, well, I hear that a lot.”I carefully extricated myself from Vivian.“Excuse me.”
I walked as calmly but quickly as I could to the nearest door and fled across the entry way and around the staircase to the room that had once been my stepdad’s home office and library.Safe inside, I leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes.I tried to control my breathing.
“I am becoming calmer with every breath I take,” I whispered into the darkness.“I am strong and confident.”I unclenched my hands at my sides and flexed my fingers.“I am powerful.I am worthy.I deserve respect and kindness.”
Slowly, I gained control over my panicked and embarrassed thoughts.Knowing I couldn’t hide in here forever, I left the office—and ran straight into my mother.Her face was a mask of barely contained fury, and I shrank back into myself, feeling like I was a child about to be viciously corrected.
“What did you do?”she hissed through clenched teeth.The alcohol on her breath overwhelmed me.Her eyes were black with anger and a little crazy, too.She seemed to be on the brink of losing control, and I instinctively flinched in anticipation of the pain I would soon feel.“What did you say?”
“I didn’t do anything.I didn’t say anything.”
“Don’t fucking lie to me!”She grasped my jaw in her shockingly strong hand, digging her nails into my plump cheeks.She shoved my head back so hard it banged into the door frame behind me.“I’m warning you, Elona.If you fuck up this night and cost me my only son, I will end you.”She shook me like a terrier with a rat clamped between its teeth.“Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I hurriedly answered, desperate for her to let go.“Yes, I understand.”
She squeezed even harder, her fingernails curling into my skin so deep I knew there would be marks.With a final rough shove, she let go and stormed away from me.I lifted my trembling hand to my face and gently rubbed my sore cheeks.At least I wasn’t wearing full makeup tonight.She would have wiped the foundation right off my skin with that death grip.
My lower lip wobbled, and I tried to compose myself.As far as discipline went, that was the lightest punishment I had ever received from her.Not even when I was a child had she shown that much restraint.I was glad to be returning to the party without a swollen lip or splotchy red handprint on my face.
I found everyone moving toward the formal dining room and fell in behind Ben and Aston.They both smiled at me, and I smiled back, hoping they couldn’t see the unease in my expression.If they did, neither mentioned it.
Mariana and I had tackled the dining room earlier that afternoon, steaming table linens and carefully folding intricate napkin designs based on a Pinterest tutorial.I had run out to H-E-B to buy candles and fresh flowers and greenery.Mariana had pulled the best silverware and dishes from the butler’s pantry.I had arranged the good crystal drinkware and set out gold chargers.
Mariana had cooked an incredible menu with multiple courses including a dessert and wine list that left me in awe of her ability to adapt and prepare.She deserved so much better than working for my mother, and I wished more than anything that she would quit.
Her nephews appeared as we streamed into the room, settling everyone into their seats.The boys all worked at their family’s high-end restaurant and understood fine dining service.As far as the food and ambience went, I was confident they were well in hand.
But conversation?The subtle tension simmering beneath the surface?No, I didn’t have an easy answer for that.
My mother sat at the head of the table, and my grandfather occupied the space directly across from her on the other end.To mother’s right sat Luka and across from him Dafina.Nikolai was next to Luka and then Marley, Ben and me.Vivian, Besian, Rina and Aston sat across from us.It was a good mix, and I hoped my grandfather would be on his best behavior.Aston didn’t seem like the sort of woman to let him get away with any rude remarks.
I could hardly eat.My stomach was in knots, and every time I lifted my fork or spoon to my mouth, I earned a glower from my grandfather.I reached for my wine glass and wished it was something stronger.At least a buzz would have dampened the nightmarish level of anxiety turning my stomach in a ball of throbbing panic.
Down at the other end of the table, I caught my mother shooting daggers at Dafina who was asking for another refill of wine.She had started to get a little loud, and when I dared to glance in Luka’s direction, I found him grimly stabbing his fork into his food.
Unable to help myself, I smiled at his discomfort.He deserved all that and more.I regretted giving him those stomach meds.If I had known what a giant asshole he was, I would have lied and said there were none in the house.
How much longer is this going to drag on?
I glanced at my watch, a vintage Chopard Happy Diamonds piece Brett had gifted me for my MBA graduation.Unlike my mother, he had always paid attention to details.He knew that I would always prefer something unique, fun and vintage, and this glittery cocktail watch was no exception.
The dessert course arrived, and Luka spoke quietly to Carlos who brought more champagne.He and Nestor began filling up flutes, and when they were done, Luka rose with his glass in hand.Across from him, Dafina smiled stiffly, but her glassy eyes seemed a bit panicked.
