Joseph laughs. “Let me guess. For first graders?”
I don’t know why his accurate guess irritates me, but it does. Maybe it’s his mocking tone. The amusement in his gaze makes me think he’s making fun of me.
“Sorry. I need to use the restroom.” I withdraw from his arms before the song even ends and flee the dance floor, exiting the room as fast as I can. I find the hallway where the restrooms are and push my way into the ladies’ room, hiding away in a stall so I don’t have to look at anyone while I cool down.
Joseph seriously infuriated me. Why can’t rich people have simple dreams? I could be anything I want, that’s what my father always told me, ever since I was a little girl. So why does he balk at me being an elementary school teacher? And why does everyone else think it’s a big joke?
I don’t get it.
The bathroom door opens and I hear two females talking, their voices low, as if they’re trying to keep it down.
“No one’s in here,” one of them says. Her voice is familiar.
“Are you sure?”
Oh shit. That voice is definitely familiar.
“Positive,” the other woman says firmly. “Now hurry and tell me what’s going on before someone comes in here and interrupts us.”
“It’s Joseph,” says the more familiar voice. “He wants me to go to his father’s party tomorrow.”
“And why wouldn’t you? They always throw the best parties.”
“Because he’ll try and make a move on me again. I know he will.”
I cover my mouth with my hand, shock coursing through me. That’s Lauri who’s speaking. And she’s claiming that Joseph—the guy I just danced with, Mr. Future Plastic Surgeon, is trying to make a move on her. When she’s already with my father.
Ew.
“What’s wrong with that? I mean, I know we’re both with older men, but sometimes I really miss young dick.” The other woman laughs.
“I know, though Brian doesn’t lack, if you know what I mean.”
Oh God, she’s talking about my father. I do not want to hear this conversation. Not like I can reveal myself though, because then they’ll know I heard it all.
“Anthony is so tired all the time, and when he drinks too much, he deflates.”
“Can’t get it up?”
“Yes, and then he passes out and snores so loudly, I go sleep in one of the guest bedrooms.” A sigh escapes her. “What did you think of my new stepson?”
“A hottie,” Lauri says firmly. “Tall, dark and mysterious.”
“Right? Oh my God. He’s gorgeous. And full of resentment toward Anthony. I wonder if he’d be willing to get back at his father by fucking his dad’s wife behind his back.”
The two women burst into laughter, and I realize the other woman is Tony’s stepmom.
Double ew.
The door suddenly bangs open and a slew of chattering women enter. I wait it out a few more minutes, praying Laurie and Tony’s stepmom have left, and by the time I exit the stall, I see the coast is clear. I hurriedly wash my hands and leave the bathroom, practically running down the corridor in hopes I can find my father and warn him that Lauri might be having an affair with someone my age when I come to a complete stop.
Joseph is closer to Lauri in age than my dad is. And she didn’t flat out say she was involved with Joseph. More that he’s always making moves on her. That’s two very different things. Do I really want to open up this can of worms when I have no proof that anything’s actually going on?
Not really.
Sighing, I turn and head for the outside patio to get some fresh air. There are other people out there too, most of them couples who are probably seeking privacy, but I won’t stay long.
I just need to collect my thoughts first.