Something I’m now forced to remember forever.
* * *
“Happy birthday to you!”
Eric’s voice is the loudest over everyone’s, maybe because he drank too much Japanese sake. There was an egg incident. The chef told him ‘catch’, Eric got cocky, then splat all over his Balenciaga shirt.
We all laughed way too hard while Eric actually cried. Mom then ordered the sake and got him drunk. It was much easier this way to tolerate him.
It was an enjoyable night with my sisters and their husbands, though Addy and Masen weren’t able to make it. Ava has it in her head that Addy is pregnant, but that’s just Ava being Ava. She thinkseveryoneis pregnant.
My father is sitting beside Mom, and for the most part, he’s not acting like a dick for once and enjoying himself.
It kind of makes for a perfect end to the night, at least, if this is how the night ends.
I check my phone to see the time. It’s almost ten-thirty, plus no text from Hunter. April parted ways with me just after six, and I came straight here. Maybe, Hunter is all talk. He is just teasing me because he can.
Men are such assholes.
“I heard you’ve found yourself a job,” Dad mentions cautiously before we end the night. “Are you enjoying it?”
“Uh, yeah,” I respond while scratching the back of my neck. “Hunt, I mean Mr. Cash, is nice enough.”
Dad cocks his head, pausing to examine me. It’s been a long while since I’ve been under the Lex Edwards microscope.God, does he know I’m fooling around with my older boss.
“I heard you reported to Cash’s assistant, not him?”
“I was, but things got busy. The company has been busy acquiring other companies, so I was asked to take on more work.”
“I’m well aware of the acquisitions,” he informs me with a confident stance. “And have you thought more about how a college education can help further your career?”
“Dad,” I murmur, lowering my eyes. “I don’t want to fight with you tonight.”
“I don’t want that either, Alexa.”
Suddenly, the karaoke machine comes on, and Eric climbs onto the stool, belting out his rendition of It’s Raining Men. I’m not fond of old music, but this song is always fun to sing along to.
I check my phone again to see the time.
“Got somewhere you need to be?” Millie probes, crossing her arms with a knowing grin. “You know, when midnight strikes, it’s just another day.”
“Nowhere,” I answer with disappointment. “There’s been no text or anything for plans. I’m happy to stay here and watch Eric make a fool out of himself.”
It doesn’t last long since the restaurant kicks us out at eleven-thirty. We all say goodbye to each other, but I realize I don’t have a ride home.
“We’ll take you,” Millie offers as Will pulls up in his car.
I hug everyone again but stop just shy of my father. He had one drink, at best, since he has to drive, so I know he’s thinking rationally, and whatever he is just about to say will probably be exactly what he has been thinking.
“Good luck with everything, Alexa.”
“Um, thanks, Dad.”
On the car ride home, I lean forward between Will and Millie.
“Don’t you think it was weird how Dad was just like … good luck, Alexa?”
Millie draws in a breath. “That’s what you wanted.”