Page 15 of The Rich One

Despite all of these things, this woman is smiling and laughing with her son like everything in life is perfect. And for her, it probably is, and I can appreciate the joy in it.

I wonder what she thinks of me? If she's even noticed me. With my Prada brushed-leather and nylon boots, Fendi knee-length coat, and a carefully applied face of make-up, I may look like I’ve got my shit together… if only she knew. The outfit is my armor, which I definitely need today.

Turning back to the view of Manhattan getting farther and farther away, I close my eyes and think. WhatdoI wish for? If a genie were to swoop down onto this ferry and give me three wishes, what would they be?

Fixing my gaze on the horizon, I look at nothing in particular. Instead, I’m rummaging through my mind’s eye, searching for a time in my life when shit was simple. Where I didn’t have to be the responsible one. Where I didn’t have to give up my college education, or my parents’ mobile home that we kept on communal land with six other families. A time where selling entrance fees to my vagina wasn’t the best option. At one point, the only option.

I’d wish for money, I suppose. It’s what got me into this life and would maybe get me out.

Our ferry crosses its twin, both going in opposite directions, and my gaze zeroes in on an old lady with long, gray hair flying in the wind as she looks down at the water.

What would Psyche have wished for? When she was up on that hill—alone and afraid—what had been her wish?

Love?

Probably.

Except, I had that, right? Love from my brother. From Kai, in his own way. I mean, he loves to fuck me, that’s for sure. To push me up against the nearest flat surface and bury his dick deep inside me. He fucking loves that. Me? Well, after today’s conversation, I’m pretty sure I’ll lose a couple of brownie points.

In my hand, my personal phone vibrates and when I look down, I smile.

“Speak of the devil and his face flashes on your screen.” My words go unheard as I speak to no one, but my smile disappears when I read his text message.

Kai: At arrivals. Waiting in my truck.

Fuck.

My first instinct is to pretend I’m not coming. Tell him I slept in. Tell him I’m not feeling well. Tell him I missed the ferry and would be on the next one. Anything other than what I finally type out as a response.

Me: See you in ten.

* * *

The first sign that Kai is pissed off is obvious—his scowl. Normally, his gorgeous features are blessed by the sunrays making his honey-colored eyes seem almost ethereal. Any other time, he’d flash me a hint of dimple. He’d pull me in as soon as I was within arm’s reach, and gift me both dimples before slamming his mouth to mine, greeting me like we’ve been married for two decades. It’s our thing… but it doesn’t mean much, to be honest.

“You’re pissed.” I state the obvious just to hear the sound of my own voice.

“Get in the truck.” Wow. He must be seething.

I don’t argue, there’s no point. We need to get this episode out of the way and get on with our lives.

I thought maybe we’d do it during the car ride. He’d ask me why. I’d tell him the truth. He’d yell something about him taking care of me and I’d tell him to go fuck himself.

Then he’d side eye me and we’d both fall into laughter. In my mind, we’d settle this whole thing by the time his truck pulled up to my brother’s house.

None of that happened. Not a single fucking thing.

The entire fifteen minutes in the car was complete and total silence. No talking, no music, no open window. The only sound was the truck engine.

So here we are, parked in my brother’s driveway.

I watch as Kai turns off the engine, shakes his head like he can’t fathom what’s happening, then opens the truck door before walking out.

I stare at him as he briskly makes his way to the front door, where Petal is smiling up at him as he crosses her threshold. Her eyes land on mine and she frowns.

I can’t tell if she knows or not. I mean, why are we here if they aren’t in the know?

Fucking hell. Time to face the firing squad.

---