“Hi, honey. I was hoping you’d get home before I turned in.”
“Are you working tonight?” I ask.
“No, I accompanied Marcus to a business dinner. Some Japanese investors are in town and he’s showing them around.”
I maneuver around the U-Haul boxes stacked by the front door. “What’d you want to talk about, Cybil?”
“Marcus tells me you’re ready to hit the stage. I wanted to congratulate you. He’s very excited about showing you off.”
“Gee, thanks, Mom. I’m so glad you’re proud that I’ll be shaking my titties for a living.”
She rolls her eyes. “You don’t have to be a smartass about it, Katherine. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of women do this for a living. Marcus tells me some of his past dancers have become doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, you name it. There’s no shame in exploiting what God gave you.”
“You’re the expert when it comes to exploiting your body.”
“My point was that it’s a respectable way to support yourself,” she huffs.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t. Most of the girls who work there are actually pretty cool. But here’s the thing—they’re stripping to make their way through college. I’m the only one still in high school. You’re not supposed to worry about being a grown-up until graduation. But let’s be real. Shall we? You and I both know I’ve been the only responsible one around here for a long time, so what’s new? You can’t take care of a plant, let alone your own kid. I’d be better off without you in my life. You’re pathetic.”
I didn’t see it coming until it was too late. Her slap reverberates throughout the room as the pain sets in. I rub my aching cheek, part shocked that she actually laid a hand on me, and part resigned, not surprised at all that she would take things to the next level. I’ve had to endure so much from her throughout my life, what’s one more thing?
“You ungrateful little whore!” she screams.
“That’s rich, Mother. I guess you have to be one to know one, huh?”
I wipe the stupid tear from my eye and turn around to walk out the door. Without another thought, I start my car and drive to the one place that I shouldn’t go.
I POUND ANGRILY ON THE FRONT DOOR. I hate Cybil for making me feel so weak. I hate her for loving drugs more than she loves me. I hate her for the pain I still feel on my face. I hate her for fucking existing. Life would be much easier if she’d just go away.
I knock even louder. “C’mon, Gavin. Open the door. I know you’re there; your car’s in the driveway.”
I blink as the porch light comes on and the door cracks open. Inside the frame stands a statuesque woman, wearing nothing but a long t-shirt.
“May I help you?” she asks in a stupidly melodic voice.
Shit! Why did I assume he’d be alone? Just because I can’t seem to move past him, doesn’t mean he should have the same problem. Shit! Shit! Shit!
“Oh, um…I’m sorry; I must have the wrong house.”
The door opens wider, revealing Gavin wearing nothing but a pair of flannel pajama pants. I can’t seem to stop myself from checking out his finely sculpted abs.
“Elle, what’s—” We make eye contact. “Oh. Kat, what are you doing here?”
I wipe a traitorous tear from my eye. “Nothing. I shouldn’t have come here. I’m sorry.”
I try making a quick retreat but he grabs my wrist. “Wait a minute.”
I turn around and look toward the beautiful brunette eyeing us with curiosity. “No, you have company. I should go.”
He sighs. “Kat, this is my sister, Elle. She’s visiting from California. Elle, this is my…friend, Kat Kennedy.”
Sister? I’m more relieved than I should be about that.
“Um, hi,” I offer awkwardly.
She smiles. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” She looks to Gavin. “Gav, I’m going back to bed. I have a feeling I’ll see you later, Kat.”
Damn it, I clearly woke them; I didn’t consider the time when I drove here. Oh, who am I kidding? I didn’t consider anything.