Aiden. Nelson. Tristan.
All motherfucking cheaters.
“Aiden, darling, did you tell Nelson about your meeting with the Lancaster Group?” Diana interjects.
Darling?
Wow! That, too, in front of everyone.
Was she staking a claim?
And why the hell does it still hurt so fucking much?
Aiden looks perturbed at the question. “What?”
“The Lancaster?—”
“The meeting was fine,” he cuts her off, his eyes on me.
I keep my emotions stifled. I’ve been practicing for years. It’s coming in handy now.
Aiden clears his throat. "I don’t know if you know, but Mia’s being honored with the Governor’s Award for Educational Impact. Teacher of the Year.”
I look up at him. He usually doesn’t share my accomplishments, probably feels they’re notaccomplished enough, as they have nothing to do with money.
“Really?” Nelson gives me a condescending look. “Did it come with a raise?”
Case in point!
“Not everything is about money, Dad,” Aiden protests.
Okay, that’s weird. He usually doesn’t defend me, not to his father…or anyone else in his family.
Nelson scoffs. “Not when the money is insignificant.”
I zone everyone out but then phase in when Ellie tugs at my sleeve. "Auntie Mia?"
I blink, caught. "What, sweet pea?”
“You weren’t answering me,” she complains softly.
“Sorry. I was just thinking."
"Thinking makes Daddy yell," she says.
I kiss her forehead, and whisper, "Then Daddy needs to try listening instead."
From the head of the table, Nelson grunts. "Did I hear you say something, Mia?"
I look him in the eye, unbothered. "Just sharing a few kindergarten wisdoms. They're shockingly applicable to grown-ups."
Before Nelson can figure out how I’m telling him he’s an asshole, Nelson Jr. spills his juice.
Betty shoots to her feet like the tablecloth is lined with explosives. "Lulu, napkins!"
The poor nanny, who is waiting by the doorway, comes in running.
I feel like I’m in freakingDownton Abbey, what with the help waiting to eat until the masters and mistresses have eaten.
