I get up reluctantly and go to the bar.
She starts chirping away as I take my time making the drink, not looking at her.
She takes her sweet-ass time drinking it too, telling me something about Cece’s new project with a jewelry designer from South Africa.
I couldn’t care less.
“I have something to do. Let yourself out,” I finally say, losing patience.
Her stare is vicious. Too vicious. She’s never upset about my rudeness. This time, there’s triumph, as if she knows something I don’t.
I just feel… lost. Not knowing how to steer back on track emotionally and mentally. Life is a circus. And now Kat makes it complicated.
One thing I learned with Droga is that conversations solve a lot of problems. So this time, I decide to step it up.
Here I come, wild thing.
I haven’t been to Ayana parties in months. But this time, I’ll make an effort. An effort is what counts, right?
Margot leaves, and I jump in the shower, then choose clothes, which only takes me a minute considering it’s all dark gray or black with little variations.
I have another drink and think of Dad.
The last time we talked didn’t go well. So I dial his number.
“Archer! How are you, son?”
He sounds awfully cheerful, which is unlike him. There is a ton of noise in the background.
“Where are you, Dad?”
“Rio. The International Assembly.”
“Important?”
“Well, it’s a yearly thing with the representatives from forty-five countries. Excruciatingly boring and time-consuming. Did you need something?”
When do I ever need anything from him? He always talks like I’m taking his time.
“Why don’t you fly to the island, Dad?” I say, finally. It would be nice to spend time with him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just… Come here. Let’s chill for a day. Talk.”
“You are not telling me something, son. What is it?”
“Nothing, Dad. Jesus! I’m just wondering if you wanted to spend a day together.”
He exhales. “I’m too busy right now. We have so many issues. I’m glad Gen-Alpha is doing well. Exceptionally well.”
“It’s not about Gen-Alpha.” I close my eyes, exhaling in frustration. He’s been like this for years. Like I’m a sidekick.
“I gotta go,” he says, simultaneously talking to me and someone else next to him, like always. “The assembly is starting in an hour. I have to rub shoulders with some big shots from the East.”
I don’t reply.
“I’ll call you tomorrow when I have more info about the new deal with them. Talk to you later, son.”