Page 100 of Play With Me
He smirks slightly, and the feeling in my stomach worsens.
“Colton has soccer in his future, though. Don’t you, son?”
Colton’s teeth grind. “Not your son.”
That goes ignored as dinner is served by two women wearing uniforms. I didn’t see them when I was wandering around, so it makes me think that the help is hidden away until they’re needed.
A plate is set before me, and I glance down at a salad. It looks really good, expensive, with candied nuts and blue cheese. But then again, my mom could make this, and it would taste even better.
Half the price, too, I bet.
I hear the sound of silverware being lifted, and I peek over at Colton, who is sitting still, not moving.
“Eat your food,” his stepfather bites out.
“Not hungry.”
He huffs in annoyance. “I know you are. David and Alba worked hard to make this. You will show respect for their hard work.”
That makes him flinch, and a moment later, his fork is in his hand. He eyes the food and warily takes a bite, swallowing it quickly, and then sits back. Almost as if he’s glad that the task is over.
I, however, take my time, trying to stomach the food without gagging. It tastes good, but the sour roil of my stomach hasn’t gone away.
It doesn’t abate throughout dinner. Through each plate set before me, through the forced benign chatter of his stepfather, and the subtle flirtation of his mother. By the time dessert is done, I feel nauseous.
“Are we done pretending now?” Colton finally asks, setting his spoon down and touching his stomach.
“So dramatic,” his mother sighs, finishing off her second drink.
Erick is watching the two of us intently. “Of course, you can be excused. But remember, tomorrow, we have the board meeting. And I expect you to be there.”
Colton says nothing as he pushes his chair back and makes his way out of the room. I follow him, nearly nipping at his heels. I want to reach out and touch him, but I don’t dare as we make our way upstairs. He says nothing as we stop in front of our rooms.
“I don’t feel well,” he finally murmurs.
“Me neither.”
He meets my gaze, and his shoulders slump. “See you tomorrow?”
I nod and watch as he walks into his room, the door shutting silently behind him. I’m left to do the same, walking into the bathroom and letting the food that I put down come up. I heave and gag into the toilet until I finally sag against the wall.
This is what he’s lived with for so long. The cold hate, the cutting words. Everything about today has been taxing. I can’t imagine having to live with this. Day in and day out.
I pull my toiletries out of my bag and scrub my teeth.
The words from the evening play over and over.
Colton has soccer in his future.
There are some things a team won’t accept.
Perhaps you should reconsider your future.
It makes me ill all over again, but my mind is reeling. Colton said his stepfather knew about us, and it seems he was hinting at it. Not that his mother seemed to notice. She was too busy eyeing me and drinking. It was uncomfortable and, frankly, disgusting.
I can’t wait to leave this place.
I strip down and step into the shower. It’s only when I’m halfway through that I wonder if there are cameras in here, watching me. I can’t think about that too hard. If they are watching, then let them look.
