I’ve refused to speak with her since. Ignoring all phone calls and texts. But I knew she’d show up today, like she always does. And because I’m not a complete arse, respect her as my mother, I’ll appease her by joining her. But as soon as she starts in, I’ll kick her out again, because that seems to be part of this crazy birthday ritual.
Slowly making my way down the stairs, I’m not surprised to hear several female voices invading my space. Seems she’s brought the entire gang with her this time, knowing I won’t kick her out as quickly with my three sisters flanking her.
“Where’s yourfriend?” Mother asks when I walk in alone. “Did she head back to the States?” There’s an excitement in her tone, one I can’t wait to squash.
“No.” I mosey over to the coffee machine and lie through my damn teeth. “She’s taking a shower after giving me the best damn birthday gift ever.”
It would have happened too, had she not shown up. So it only serves her right I ruin her day by sharing.
Suze clears her throat, stifling a giggle as she steps up next to me. Once she’s close enough, her head lands on my arm, and she sighs. “Please don’t push her.”
I glance behind me to see the duchess instructing her staff on how to set the table while they unpack the food. The frown on her face when she glares my way tells me she heard me and doesn’t approve.
Turning back around, I grab my mug as I say, “I make no promises.”
Lina joins us, pats my other arm as she smiles up at me. “We had to come see for ourselves, thisfriendof yours. Mother can’t stop talking about her. And Suze says she’s the real deal.”
“You really did it, ruined all her plans.” Juna walks up and gently hugs me from behind. “It’s good to see you. Happy birthday, baby brother.”
I’m quickly wrapped up in all three of my sister’s arms and try not to get sappy. It’s nice to see them. We don’t get together like this much now that we’re older. They all came running when they heard about the shooting. And while I hate that is the reason for this little reunion, I’m glad they are here.
“Thanks. It’s good to be celebrating another one.”
“Come sit.” Mother claps her hands sharply to get our attention. “Breakfast is ready. We don’t want it to get cold.”
Ingrid walks in wearing exactly what I told her not to wear. I’ll make her change as soon as everyone leaves. When she notices Mother didn’t come alone, she looks skeptical, likely thinking she’s walked into an ambush. But my sisters quickly do their best to wash her worries away.
Juna is on her first. “You must be Ingrid. I’m Juna, the other rebel.”
“Hey, I’m a rebel now too.” Suze smiles as she puts an arm around Lina. “This one is the saint. She’s the only one of us who’s living by the rules.”
“Not all the rules.” Lina blinks a few times. “I’m not one for sharing. Thankfully, neither is my husband. Hi, I’m Lina. Don’t worry. We’re here to make sure Mother behaves.”
I step up behind my woman and wrap her in my arms. “Good, because if she doesn’t, I’m kicking her out and banning her from returning.”
We finally make our way to the table and take our seats. Suze takes the seat next to Ingrid, forcing my mother to sit next tome. It’s quiet for a few minutes while we plate our food and eat. But that only lasts so long.
“So you’ll be returning to school soon, correct?” Mother says it all too eagerly. “It’s too bad Darius won’t be able to travel for several more months. Long-distance relationships are so hard. Most couples don’t make it.”
Ingrid looks up and smiles at my mother, setting her fork aside. “Actually, I’ve withdrawn.”
That’s news to me. “What?”
Waving a hand, dismissing my question, she keeps talking. “I can’t be in two places at once. And Darius needs me here, so I’m staying.”
My mother scoffs, that frown from earlier back in place.
“Are you sure?” I lay my hand on her leg. “You worked hard to get into Princeton. What about fútbol?”
“I’ll miss it, but my knee is still fucked, so I’m not sure I’d have been able to play.” She reaches for her cup. “I spoke to the administrator at the university here. I’ll miss this semester, but they don’t see any reason I can’t take a few online classes once my transcripts come through. We’ll just wait and see how much you annoy me since we’ll be spending so much time together. Taking online classes could be a good change of pace, giving me space away from you and your annoying ways.”
I shake my head and snicker, and am about to say something when my mother cuts in.
“That’s rather rude of you to speak to my son like that,” Mother scolds.
“I think it’s kind of cute.” Lina snickers, not afraid to tell it like she sees it. “She’s gonna keep him on his toes.”
“It’s about time he had someone not stroking his ego.” Juna’s eyes meet my mother’s hateful gaze. “Stop being such a bitch, Mother. You need to accept that you’ve lost. Haven’t you figured it out by now? The more you complain, the morewe enjoy rebelling. Plus, this could be your one chance to get a grandson.”
