Just then, Sissy and her kids and their kids came in with the riot of noise only a couple of rowdy kids could make. “Hold that thought. We’ll get back to it.” The asshole winked at me, then turned to greet everyone.
Well, what else was there to do? After everyone came in and got settled with the kids playing video games in the living room, the adults crowded into the kitchen and dining area to finish cooking. Christmas dinner was a serious thing for the Bennick household, and soon the house was full of the wonderful aroma of home cooking.
By the time we were ready to eat, we had a large ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, honey-glazed carrots, a cheesy rice and broccoli casserole, as well as mac ‘n cheese for the kiddos, though I suspected everyone would get some of that. Sissy had brought over some desserts as well, including apple pie and vanilla ice cream, which was my favorite.
The dining table wasn’t big enough for all of us, so Willow and Troy got their kids situated around it, while the rest of us made plates and carried them into the living room. It was too cold to go outside, which was where the big table was. Sometimes we were lucky enough to get warm weather, but some years, like this one, we weren’t. Florida weather tended to be erratic in December.
I filled my plate with ham, potatoes, and macaroni, vowing to leave room for that pie. Great food was certainly a consolation for being here. I made sure Mom, Sissy, and Willow had good spots on the couch, and Troy took the recliner. I leaned back against the wall and ate standing.
Tony came in and stood beside me. “Hey, you want a roll?”
“Mm…thanks.” No watching my weight on the holidays.
“Sure.” I liked him best when he was stuffing his face.
We finished dinner and had dessert. The pie came from Publix and was delicious heated up a tad in the microwave, then getting a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum. Hot and cold together, creamy vanilla melting into the cinnamon apples, desserts didn’t get any better.
After that, I wondered how much longer I had to endure before I could leave. Granted, so far it had been one of the most pleasant gatherings I’d experienced with them in a long time. Probably since my dad died. And a part of me didn’t want that to end, but another part of me poised at the starting gate, ready to run. I waited. Anticipation building. Maybe I could get out before anyone said anything awkward.
After the kids opened their presents, Tony let them out into the back yard to run around and play. And when he came back in, it all fell apart. As predicted. “So, our Joey isn’t famous yet, fam. But he’s getting there. Anyone see the latest video?”
“What video?” I hadn’t posted anything in a few days. Even wannabe influencers had to take time off. So what the hell was he looking at on his phone?
He stuck it under Sissy’s nose, and she scowled. “I don’t want to see that.”
“What?” Willow asked.
He turned and showed her too, and she scoffed.
For fuck’s sake. “Give me that.” I grabbed his phone. He didn’t even try and fight me for it, simply smirked.
“Boys, come on. We were having a nice time.” Mom was always trying to make peace. I couldn’t blame her, but then she was normally the first to scold or look down on me, saying something derogatory. Probably where Tony got it from in the first place.
I looked at the video. It wasn’t anything I’d posted. I started the playback over.Oh shit.Someone else had recorded this, but it was totally me in the frame, and to be fair, we were in the main area of Afterglow, where phones were allowed. It was my indiscretion being recorded, or to be specific, my bare ass on screen. Live and bright and blinding white. I glanced at who posted it. @myclubnas
That wasn’t anybody I knew. Hell, it could be anyone.
Was this good or bad? Was this going to help me, hurt me, or do nothing? Well, probably not nothing since they tagged me. Fuckers.
All the while, I was ignoring everyone else and their judgy comments.
“Good lord, Joseph Conrad Bennick. Is this what you’re doing in the city?” Wow, she triple-named me and was about to go on a rant. Guess the question of when I could leave was answered, and that answer wasnow.
I dropped the phone on the coffee table, turned sharply, and walked out the door. I wasn’t going to fight or argue. No trying to justify myself. It was clearly my bare ass. Eventually, it would blow over. Eventually, they’d be on to other things.
I opened my car and shifted to get in, but Tony got my attention, slamming out the front door. “Don’t go yet, bro. We’re just getting to the good stuff.”
“Fuck off, Tony. Why don’t you keep your nose out of my life?”
“It’s too much fun seeing you squirm.”
I flipped him off and got in the car, shutting the door. He tapped on the window, but I didn’t roll it down. I started my car, threw it in reverse, and tore out of there. The last thing I wanted to hear on Christmas was my baby brother’s condescending bullshit. I did not need it.
After I hit the highway, I tapped the screen in my car. “Call Tucker.”
It rang three times. “What’s up, Joe?”
“Where are you?”
