Page 142 of Grounded
Bruce seems oblivious to me because I've made it that way. But my mom has finally picked up how I'm avoiding her second husband. I know that look she gave me at the party won't go without reprimand. She's probably waiting for the opportunity to talk to me about it.
Before I leave my room to shower, I see a piece of paper that was slid under my door.
My hands shake as I read.
I didn't know where to start, logistically and metaphorically speaking. I knew I needed to see a therapist for all the issues I'm avoiding, but I never knew how to get the ball rolling.
Amelia left me information on the opposite side of her note.
Her intentions are so sincere that I get choked up. I'm fucking falling for my pain-in-the-ass stepsister. How did I let this happen?
An unrequited crush in my teenage years has morphed into something out of my control. We may have sexual chemistry, but fuck if she doesn't rile me up in all the best ways.
I'm crumpling the paper from holding onto it so tight.
"Fuck."
I get started right away and call the number to set up an appointment.
WhenIheaddownstairsto make myself some lunch, it's as if my mom had a tracking device put on me the moment I leave my lair.
"Do you have a minute?" she asks while she sets a fresh vase on the table. She prepares a weekly arrangement, and this bouquet is as beautiful as the last.
"I guess." Maybe this will be a good chance to feel her out and see if she suspects anything.
"Bruce is out running errands so I figured now is a good time to have a chat."
"Okay."
She pinches her lips closed, and I watch her fingers tremble. "I wish you'd be more respectful to Bruce while you're living here."
"I'm doing my best, Mom."
"I'd appreciate it if you'd try harder. I have no idea how much longer you plan on being here, but you make it awkward at times. You’ve been short—even with me. That’s so unlike you."
"Do you think it's easy for me to see you married to someone else? Dad never should have died over there."
"Theo."
She comes to my side and puts her hand over mine.
"The military is a dangerous profession. His position was full of risks, but that was part of his job. I'm not asking you to replace your dad with Bruce. I wish you'd give him a chance."
She pauses when I have nothing useful to share without making this worse.
"Seems like you gave Amelia a chance?"
"How so?"
"You two can finally be in the same room without a referee."
"We have a common enemy." I'm being sarcastic, but she catches the irony.
"At least Amelia is better at faking her sincerity if she doesn't like me."
I sigh. "She does like you, I'm kidding. I'll do better."
"That's all I'm asking."
