“Glioblastoma,” she tells me, taking a sip of her coffee.
I nod before taking a long drink of my juice, ignoring Oliver who settles in next to me, shoving half a banana into his mouth in one bite.
Growing up with a neurosurgeon for a mom, I’ve picked up on a few things over the years. Not that I really know what removing a glioblastoma actually entails, but I at least know what type of tumor it is.
“Now remember, I won’t be home until late tonight, and Paul is working on a big case, so he will probably be at the office most of the evening. You’ll have to fend for yourself for dinner.”
I swear, sometimes she treats me like I’m still ten rather than almost eighteen. I resist the urge to point out that I know how to feed myself.
“No problem.” I nod.
“There’s a list of menus in the top drawer over there.” Paul points toward the massive island in the center of the large eat in kitchen. “You and Oliver can order in if you want.”
“Got it.” I nod again.
“And don’t forget that you need to call your father today,” Mom chimes in.
Just the mention of my dad has a tight knot forming in my chest. I love my dad, don’t get me wrong, but we don’t have the closest relationship these days. Growing up, I was always a daddy’s girl. But when he and mom divorced, everything changed. I’m lucky if I get to see him once every few months, with him being busy with his new family and all.
I try to remind myself that I’m happy for him, but it’s hard to push past the bitterness I feel about the entire situation. Before he met Cynthia, his world revolved around me. After? Well, let’s just say he found other people to spend his time with. Mainly his new wife and their now five-year-old twin daughters.
“I’ll see what I can do,” I tell her, finishing off my juice before setting my empty glass in the sink.
“They’re leaving for their cruise in the morning, and I know he’d love to hear about how your first day went before they leave.”
How could I forget—insert sarcasm. The family cruise that I wasn’t invited to go on with them.
I bite my tongue and hold back saying what I really want to say—that he probably doesn’t even remember that today is my first day at a new school. Mom tries so hard to be the bridge between my father and me. Sometimes I want to shake her and tell her to open her big brown eyes and see what’s really going on. Dad may love me in his own way, but he stopped caring about my life a long time ago.
“Okay,” I grumble out in agreement. I can always tell her I called but he didn’t answer if she asks later. “I’ll see you tonight when you get home.” I turn, preparing to leave.
“Where are you going?” She stops me before I can even take a step.
“School?” I throw her a questioning look.
“You haven’t eaten.” She gestures to the plate of pastries and bowl of fruit sitting on the table.
“I’m not really hungry. I’ll grab something from the cafeteria at school if I need to.” She gives me a look of disapproval but doesn’t say anything more on the subject.
“Oliver is riding with you today,” Paul interjects, gesturing to his son. My stomach instantly drops.
“What? Why? What’s wrong with your car?” My gaze slides to my stepbrother, and I internally cringe. Oliver isn’t a bad looking guy. Honestly, he looks just like his father, only in a younger form. He’s tall and thin with sandy blond hair, hazel eyes, and perfectly straight white teeth. He’s the epitome of a pretty boy. But I know what lies beneath the designer clothes and that perfectly put together exterior of his and it’s not a heart of gold.
“I’m having it painted.”
“But it’s a brand-new car.”
“And?” He lets the question hang there for a long moment.
Wow, okay then.
“But I’m good.” He directs his attention back to his father. “Z is giving me a ride.”
On that note, I turn and snag my book bag off the floor, not wanting to press my luck. “Well, I really should get going. Good luck on your surgery today,” I tell Mom, throwing up a half wave as I exit the kitchen, snagging my jacket off the coat rack on my way.
“Have a good first day,” she calls after me as I make my way to the front door. Tugging it open, I nearly jump out of my skin when I almost collide with the tall frame standing directly on the other side.
“Whoa,” he starts, taking a small step back, my sudden appearance surprising him as much as his did me.