‘I see.’
‘And neither of them really like confrontation. So when the shit went down with my bitch of a sister, they just kind of retreated. They didn’t want to deal with it.’
‘But surely they must’ve been angry about how she’d betrayed you?’ My brow furrowed.
‘Not really. They thought the sun shone out of her backside. Mum always wanted lots of kids, and after me, she thought she wouldn’t be able to have any more. So when that cow came along, they were overjoyed. She was like their miracle child and could do no wrong.’
‘Even so, what she did was inexcusable.’
‘Clearly. But when I told her what they’d done, Mum just shrugged and said, “These things happen. Trent’s very handsome, so it’s normal that he’ll get a lot of attention. And you don’t do yourself any favours staying in your room all the time reading those books. A man needs a woman that will take care of him and keep him entertained.”’
My jaw dropped.
‘That’s…wow.’
‘I know. The thing is, and this is going to sound weird, but I don’t think that she means any harm by it. She doesn’t believe that there’s anything wrong in what she’s saying. She doesn’t say it in an evil way, y’know? She’s generally a decent mum, it’s just, that’s how she was brought up, I suppose.’
‘Right.’ I blew out a breath, thinking that was no excuse but not wanting to slag off her mother. ‘And your father?’
‘He’s a simple man. Enjoys watching sports at the weekend. Likes a nice glass of Guinness or Jamaican rum.’
‘And if it’s not too difficult, tell me about the dirty little rats.’
Her shoulders instantly slumped.
‘Did you say you had beer? I think I’m going to need alcohol to get through talking aboutthem.’
26
SARAH
‘Glass?’ Ben asked as he put the bottle of beer on the floor beside me.
In hindsight, if I’d known this morning when I got dressed that I’d be unpacking boxes, I would’ve worn my jeans or something more comfortable instead of this dress, but nothing I could do about it now.
‘Do you even have any glasses?’ I asked.
‘Somewhere…’
‘Don’t worry. I know I’m a classy bitch, but even I can drink from a bottle.’
Ben snorted, and I crossed my arms and did a mock scowl.
‘Why are you laughing? Are you trying to say I’m not classy?’
‘I wouldn’t dare!’ He grinned. ‘I have no doubt that if I looked up “classy bitch” in the dictionary, it would have a photo and description of you.’
‘Too right!’ I said as I raised my bottle in the air. ‘To your new flat. Cheers!’
‘Thanks. And here’s to a successful wedding this weekend, which will result in not just your brother’s happiness but also the downfall of those who shan’t be named.’
‘Cheers to that!’
We clinked bottles and smiled as our eyes locked.Again.
That had happened a few times already tonight.
Whenever it did, I told myself to look away, but somehow I couldn’t. Just like now.
