Page 9 of Honest With You

“Uh, hey dad.”

“Ava, honey, I’m driving back from LA right now. Can you be ready by six-thirty?”

I look down at my laptop. It’s almost five.

“You’re coming home?”

I hear him let out an exasperated sigh on the other end of the line and my grip on my phone tightens.

“Yes, Ava. I’m passing Irvine as we speak and should be there within the hour. Hour thirty at the most. Can you kids be ready by then?”

I run my fingers through my hair then remember I’m wearing it in a bun. With everything I have, I restrain myself from snapping at him as I stand and walk over to my closet.

“Where are we going? Just so I know what to wear.”

My insides twist in discomfort knowing Stephen won’t be happy with what I’m about to do but I would rather shield Reese from a sudden visit from dad. It confuses her when he’s around. She doesn’t understand why he locks himself in his office when heishome and always leaves so abruptly.

“Stephen isn’t home, and Reese has plans but I can be ready by then.”

“Oh. I really wanted the four of us to go.”

I roll my eyes and bite back my retort.Does he expect us to wait around every weekend in the off chance our absentee father decides to grace us with his presence?

“Sorry, Dad. Maybe next time. Anyways, what am I getting ready for?”

“Dinner at your Uncle Adam’s. Don’t overdress. It’s just us.”

I hear him speaking to someone and I realize it’s his company driver. I shake my head; he’s not even driving himself home which means he’ll go straight back to his LA penthouse after dinner.

“Alright. I’ll see you soon, Ava.”

Then he hangs up.

Oooookay. I grit my teeth and brace myself for a night full of fake smiles and forced pleasantries. I throw on the first dress I see and go in search of Reese. At least one of us should have fun tonight.

“Oh, stop pouting, honey.” Mom props a hand on her hip and rolls her eyes at me.

The audacity of my mother.

My parents know I’m exhausted, having spent all day at airports and on planes. I called them earlier to let them know my flight was delayed, and I almost missed my connection to San Diego. I hate flying alone because distraction from a companion isn’t an option and somehow, I always get stuck sitting next to a chronic oversharer.

I look back at Dad but as always, he barely even glances my way.

Caught up on his phone, like always. A knot forms in my chest and I force myself to look away.

I shove my suspicions aside and focus on my mother.

I had just walked in when Mom greeted me just long enough to give me the bad news. We were having a dinner party and I was expected to be back down in thirty minutes, dressed and ready to entertain my dad’s friend’s kid. Like a damn babysitter.

My fingers curl tighter on the banister, my other hand still gripping the handle of my suitcase tight.

My dad sighs as he looks up from the couch. “It’s just dinner.”

I tip my head back and stare at the ceiling, imagining all the ways I could get out of this. My stomach chooses that moment to growl, reminding me of the fact that I have not eaten since this morning.

Heaving a sigh, I turn back to my parents and give them a stiff nod.

Mom flashes me a satisfied smile and winks.Seriously? The gall of my mother.

---