Falling From Disgrace

Jack violently stood from his chair, knocking it over before slamming his fist on the table in front of him. Gillian shrank back in her chair with wide eyes as the glass splintered.

“I tried to help our father who was slowly killing himself with drugs, which is more than I can say for you,” he fumed. “And I’d rather have a reputation for being a hero than a cold, heartless bitch. You’re so wrapped up in playing house with your rich husband that you’ve become numb to anything that doesn’t suit a purpose in your life and it’s sickening, Gillian. You’re compassionless and empty and sad.” Jack looked down at his sister with disgust and fury. “Do me a favor,” he continued through clenched teeth, “stay the fuck away from me and Adrianna until you leave!” Jack picked up the patio table so that two of its legs rose from the wooden deck below and slammed it back down. Gillian had to jerk her legs quickly out of the way before glass rained down on them.

With another curse, Jack stormed away from his sister, jumping off the deck and moving around the side of the house in long strides. He didn’t know why what his sister said had gotten him so riled up and that only angered him even more. Now at the front of the house, he kicked the garage door, effectively putting a dent in the aluminum. He paced on the driveway until he calmed down a bit and then sat on the step leading to the front door.

Jack did know why he was so angry. He was wondering if what Gillian said was true. Were Adrianna’s troubles what had attracted him to her? Did their relationship flourish because he felt that she needed him to save her? Did he really have a hero complex? The thought that he really did thrive on drama made him sick to his stomach. Before he could even dismiss the idea, Adrianna’s car pulled onto the driveway.

Exhausted and aching from the long ride, Adrianna climbed wearily from the rented, white Impala. As tired as she was, she looked forward to being swept into Jack’s arms and feeling his lips against hers. She was also excited to tell him about her interview. Unfortunately, Jack only greeted her with a hello and a quick peck on her cheek before he reached into the back seat to get her bags. Adrianna was a little disappointed but figured Jack was probably tired and stressed.

She followed him into his father’s home that was a small brick house with two stories and three bedrooms on the second floor. The front room was pretty bare, with only an old, sectional sofa and a television mounted above the fireplace. Jack led her into the kitchen where he placed her bag at the foot of the stairs leading to the second floor and then leaned back against the yellow countertop near the sink.

“Are you hungry?” he asked quietly. “There are cold cuts if you want me to make you a sandwich.”

Before Adrianna could answer they were interrupted when Gillian came down the stairs. She looked upset and was carrying her luggage. Adrianna quickly took notice that she looked nothing like Jack, with hair much lighter and eyes that were darker. She was attractive with a slim frame and a slight grace to her but she wasn’t nearly as alluring as her brother.

“You must be Adrianna,” she smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. “I’m Gillian.”

She stuck out her hand and Adrianna accepted it. She shook it gently and offered, “It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry about your father.”

Gillian thanked her and then said, “I’m going to let you two have some privacy and go stay at Mom’s.” Looking at Jack she added, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jack only nodded, his jaw clenched shut, and Adrianna wondered what had transpired before her arrival. She was sure something unpleasant had been exchanged between the siblings and whatever it was had Jack in a mood she had never seen. It was unsettling.

Gillian exited the house quietly and Adrianna looked at Jack willing him to come clean to her. Instead he asked her again if she was hungry.

“No, I’m fine,” she told him. She moved to stand in front of him and pulled at his arms that were crossed tightly at his chest. She guided them around her and pressed herself against his body, inhaling deeply before placing a kiss to his throat. “Are you okay?”