“You know, we do still have that kickball team I was telling you about. Couples are definitely welcomed. We have a few already on the team. Me and Harley, Madden and Evan. I like to think of it as a bonding experience.” His eyes lit up with a passion that made me groan internally because it seemed like he was settling in to talk longer.
There was a grunt I thought came from Harley, which was confirmed when he spoke. “He means that your partner convinces you to try to catch a ball and you end up being planted on your ass from having that same ball smash into your face.”
“I thought you’d forgiven me for that?” Brad laughed again and so did JP. I turned my head to glance at Harley, who at this point actually had a semblance of a smile on his pouty mouth.
I swore he mumbled, “Cats remember everything.”
“I used to play baseball in high school,” I said, earning JP’s curious gaze. Shrugging, my cheeks flamed hot again. “I wasn’t bad. I haven’t played kickball since gym in junior year, though.”
“Would you like to change that?” Brad’s face glowed like the sun, as if he knew he had me on a hook and all he had to do was pull me in. The idea intrigued me. I’d always wanted to join a friendly sports league, but Mom had told me I had more important things to do in life. If I was to do something like that, there had to be a justifiable reason, preferably something that would propel me up the social or career ladder.
I chewed on my bottom lip and snuggled in tighter to JP. “I won’t do it without my Daddy.”
He caressed his hand down my cheek and kissed my forehead, and I reveled in his comfort. It was stupid to be so reliant on him, but if I did play kickball, I wanted it to be a couple thing because that’s what we were, right?
“I can’t say I know how to play kickball. We never did it at my school, but if you teach me the rules, I could try. I probably won’t be good at it,” JP said, holding me closer. I loved that he wasn’t ashamed to cuddle me like this in front of other people.
“You can’t be worse than me,” Harley grumbled, and his snark earned a laugh from Brad.
“You’re getting better at it.”
While they had their own little discussion, I stared up at JP, my heart running a thousand miles per second. He was focused on me as well, and in that moment everything seemed right. Perfect. I had my Daddy and someone who cared.
The sound of tires squishing snow had me stiffening, and I turned, already knowing who I’d see coming this way in Dad’s new four-wheel drive truck. He’d bought the Beast specifically for winter, and as much as Mom hated getting into it, if it meant coming to put me in my place, she’d gladly get in the truck.
The Beast, as Father had named it, was a black Ford Ranger, high off the ground and equipped with the best gear to tackle snow. He’d paid top dollar for the truck, and in times like this, it was worth the money. At least for them. Personally, I hated it like Mom did.
JP tensed and I saw the moment realization passed over his face. Evil was here, coming into our sanctuary of peace.
“Harley, Brad, I’m sorry, but I have guests. Unpleasant guests.”
Both the neighbors turned to frown at the truck heading our way, and even though I saw Brad wanted to question who in their right mind would be driving in this weather, he didn’t ask. They said their goodbyes and left, Honey barking as they went.
The Beast slid all over the snowy driveway, and I clenched my teeth as it came to a halt inches from the bumper of my Lexus. I could already see my parents in the front, arguing. If I had to guess, Mom was giving Dad an earful about his driving. They hated each other almost as much as they hated me.
The front door on the passenger side swung open and Mom took the truck step down to the ground, cursing loud enough for us to hear the whole way. She wore her favorite white fur coat—real fur from a dead animal—and calf-high wool boots. Even in situations like this she’d want to look her best, so it wasn’t a surprise she had her short dark hair smoothed down to curl around her ears and her face covered in perfect makeup.
“A Kalinski must always be prepared to be on camera,” she’d told me when I was young, barely able to understand what it meant to be one of us.
She stormed toward me, Dad and Brea not far behind her. I took satisfaction in seeing her sink into the freshly fallen snow, and in her attempt to appear graceful in her stride, she waddled like a duck. It took all the fear out of seeing her.
“Maxwell Arnold Kalinski.” Her voice echoed in the silence, and I saw Brad and Harley glance back out of the corner of my eye; I hoped they wouldn’t choose to return. “What haveyoudone?”
“I don’t know what you mean, Mom.” I didn’t bother moving away from JP, instead choosing to stay cuddled to his chest without an ounce of embarrassment. I could still be ashamed of a lot of things in my life, but Mom didn’t deserve to see it anymore.
Her dark eyes scanned us, and I saw the moment she realized what was happening. Her face twisted in disgust, lips so thin it was almost as though she didn’t have any. “You’re one of… those?”
“One of what?” I smiled. JP held me tighter, and I took it as a sign of pride. My Daddy was proud of me.
“Don’t be smart with me, Maxwell,” she hissed, eyes narrowed on JP like he was a slug she wanted to squash. “Brea talked with the deputy mayor’s lover.”
“You mean his fiancé?” I offered. Even though I quaked in fear on the inside, I kept strong. Mom had tortured me my entire life, and being with JP and living with Vic had proved to me it wasn’t how everyone operated. Mom was a mean bitch, and I wouldn’t live like that anymore. I deserved better.
“Whateverhe is.” She crossed her arms, her perfect, red-nailed finger tapping impatiently on her arm. “He told me who you’ve been staying with. The deputy mayor’s receptionist.”
“I prefer personal assistant, actually,” JP said, but Mom continued as though he hadn’t spoken.
“I amdisgustedby this, Maxwell. I told you to do anything you could to get in the mayor’s good graces, but I did not tell you to roll over for the receptionist of the deputy mayor. You are not a whore.”
