55
ETHAN
Getting a text at 6:00 a.m. from my father on New Years day, telling me I had to report to work that morning, wasn’t on my wish list this year. Nor is it something I wanted to comply with. So, I texted him reminding him that it was a holiday, yet he didn’t care and told me it was the only day we could use to catch up and work on our first quarter projections.
And what he means by that is, confirming his target list of clients and all the ways we need to kiss their ass this year to gain their business.
He’s been pushing me harder and harder; even with the college courses he demands even more from me every passing week. Yet, there’s no compensation for anything I do other than a base salary that hardly gets me by. Especially because he takes his ‘cut’ of what I‘owe him’and still it seems like I never make a dent in it.
I don’t regret it. I don’t. Hannah got the care she needed and I’m so grateful. But I fucking hate how much control he has over everything in my life now.
I pull up in the empty parking lot of our office, parking inthe front because the only other car that’s here is my fathers pristine baby blue Lamborghini.
Didn’t Lamborghini’s go out of style in like 1989?I think to myself as I forcefully keep my hand clenched in my pocket to avoid keying it as a pass by.
The building is locked so I use my key card to access the main lobby doors and take the elevator up to the top floor where his office is located.
“It’s about time,” my father spits out as I glance at my watch a look of confusion on my face because I’m actually five minutes early.
“What are we doing here on a holiday anyway?” My tone drips with annoyance and he snaps a glare in my direction.
“You wouldn’t be in the financial predicament you’re in if you put in some extra effort. Your entitled generation has no idea what it's like to work hard. Do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
…whatever it takes to get the job done…I internally mimic as he says the words because he’s said that more times than I care to count.
“Right. So, what do you need me to work on?” I ask, ignoring him, something I’ve learned to become highly proficient at.
He’s always been this way but over the past few months it’s gotten worse. Probably because I’m forced to work so closely with him, but he also hasn’t been able to getinwith Christian or Dane, and I think his poor-sport attitude is rearing its ugly head.
I never really understood our relationship. I mean, we’ve never truly had one. Life has always been about work for him. His image. Even my mother couldn't take it anymore. Not only did he only care about work but he had multiple known affairs. She stayed married and miserable until I turned eighteen, then finally left—just a few months before the accident.
“You know, I debated bringing this sensitive matter to your attention but with your attitude this morning I don’t think I care about your feelings or how it will affect you and Hannah.”
I sit up, my spine ramrod straight, because he has my attention now. He never talks about Hannah unless it’s to remind me of her medical expenses. Frankly speaking, I know he doesn’t like her. He tolerates my relationship with her. Why? I’m not sure, but I never wanted to question him about it.
“What are you talking about?” I inquire, my words slow and calculated because his body language makes me feel completely on edge.
“I knew I didn’t trust her. That she would betray you the moment she had the chance,” he says, shaking his head as if disappointed.
But that’s the thing. He’s never worried about anyone but himself so his behavior is…weird.
“I was told Dane would be at Afterburn last night so I decided to go.”
Oh fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
He pulls out his phone, tapping on the screen then angles it in my direction. My eyes saucer out of my head as I hold my breath.
“He was there with your girlfriend. Hands all over her, kissing her.” My fathers voice is oddly calm, almost kind. It sets me on edge even more. He’s never kind, especially about my feelings.
“I snapped these pictures and left because I’d seen enough after that.”
I peer down at his phone and the picture is of Dane and Hannah standing in the viewing area next to the stage. I must have left to check on the room already because my father swipes through and it’s just the two of them.
Dane wrapping his arm around her waist, kissing her neck.
Swipe.
Dane using his fingers to tilt her chin so he can kiss her lips.
