“I’m ready,” I say. Kai squeezes my hand for reassurance.
I let myself in and head for the study. My parents have a routine, and since it’s after dinner, they’ll both be sitting in the study, ignoring each other.
Kai follows me down the marble hall and into the study.
“Oakley,” my mom says with a practiced smile as I walk into the room.
She’s draped across her Italian leather chaise lounge, a drink in one hand, a fashion magazine in the other. My father is across the room hiding behind a newspaper, presumably so he doesn’t have to look at or deal with my mother.
How pathetic. I knew my parents were cold and uncaring, but I didn’t realize just how much until right now. After experiencing the way Kai listens to me, how he makes me feel seen and valued just for being me… well, I can definitely say my parents suck. Not only have I been missing out on being with Kai, but I’ve been missing out on being loved.
My mother clears her throat, her eyes darting to Kai. She frowns slightly at his dirty boots.
“Who’s your…friend?” she asks. I can tell by her tone that she’s not pleased he’s here. Screw her for judging Kai, the sweetest, best man I’ve ever met.
“Seriously?” I clip out. “This is Kai. Clara’s brother. Our next door neighbor. You’ve met him like a hundred times.”Plus, you sold your farm to him, you bitch!
“Oh. Right,” she says, her tone losing any sort of pleasantness.
“What are you doing here?” My father asks flatly, looking at us over the top of his newspaper. He must recognize Kai’s name as the man he sold everything to. At least someone has half an idea on what’s going on around here.
“I need to talk to you,” I tell him.
Kai steps closer to my side, his hand resting on my lower back. I feel calmer with him here, his subtle touch letting me know he’ll support me no matter what. His silent strength gives me the courage to speak my truth.
“Why did you sell the farm and not tell me? Why did you sell the farm at all?” I ask, my tone coming out more accusatory than I intended.
“That’s none of your business,” my dad says, picking up his phone.
“How’s that? Because it’s my home? Because you knew that I was coming back to help you run it?” I ask, my voice raising slightly.
“It’s our land and property. I’m sorry that you got some silly idea about running this place, but you couldn’t handle it. It’s time that you grow up and realize that.”
“It’s time formeto grow up and realize that?” I repeat, my vision going cloudy with anger. “I have some things thatyouboth need to realize. This is all a sham.” I gesture vaguely around the room, then point between them. “You’re fake and shallow, and I honestly don’t know how I’m related to you.”
That gets their attention and they both glance up at me sharply. My father opens his mouth to defend himself, but I’m not done yet.
“You cheat on each other all of the time. You’re greedy and selfish and superficial,” I shout, really starting to pick up speed. “You don’t even like each other, let alone love each other. Why don’t you just get divorced?”
“We are,” my mother says icily. I freeze.
“You are?” I repeat, softer this time.
She gives me a terse nod, and I don’t know how I feel about that.
“Well, it’s about time,” I mumble, and Kai coughs to try to hide his laugh.
“Excuse me?” my father asks in a harsh tone. I glare at him. “How dare you speak to your mother and me that way! Is this the influence of hanging aroundhim?” He throws Kai a look full of disdain. He’s really biting the hand that feeds if he sold the land to Kai. Arrogant as ever.
“Oh, fuck you,” I shout. I’d laugh at how red my father’s face is, but I’m too worked up to stop now. “I’ve spent so much time trying to get you to see me and love me and for what? You’re not capable of loving someone else. All you care about is yourself and your social status. I’m done with it. Done with this family.”
“You just lost your inheritance,” my father snaps. My mother lets out a brittle laugh.
“What inheritance, Frank? You lost all of our money.”
My gaze swings to my mom as she glares at my dad. I wonder what that means. I don’t have to wait for long.
“That’s right. Your father has lost and squandered away all of our money. He thought that he was some hot shot investor but he’s a fool,” she spits at him.