“What she means to say is, it pays for the bare minimum to keep it running, because a place like that can’t actually be a placeof true business and make a profit. Especially when you let people keep coming in for free.”
My eyes flick to Mitchell sitting on the couch in front of us with a warning glare. “Watch it.”
“Well, since you want to make your presence known Tyler, why don’t we talk about you,” he bites back.
Here we fucking go again.
Sam snaps her head towards me, her eyes wide as fear starts to glisten in them. I just roll my eyes and give her a reassuring smile.
Growing up, I was afraid of Mitchell. But after he put me in the hospital and I knew the worst was over, something in me shifted. I was no longer afraid. Even now.Especiallynow.
“Mitchell, please,” My mother intervenes. “We barely get to have dinner together as it is.”
“Quiet woman,” he snaps.
“Do not speak to her that way.” I clench the now empty glass in my hand.
“Tell me Tyler, what do you know about speaking to women when you can’t even keep one long enough to make a wife?”
It’s the same conversation about needing a wife on my arm. Children to become shackled as heirs to this life I hope they never have to experience.It makes you look respectable, Tyler.But god forbid that person be anyone outside of Shelby. Because big names make big reputations.
“You are the heir to this company! We already had you and Sam by the time we were your age. You need to marry someone of good name and breeding to have a strong front. A solid bloodline with years of success behind it.”
By the determination in his voice, I can see he means what he says, and I try not to laugh.
“How can people take you seriously when you are gallivanting around the city, not bringing a single date to any of your events? You’re acting like a bachelor. You left Shelby wheneveryone was so sure you were going to marry. You pissed off a lot of fucking people. Burned too many damn bridges with that. We all still expect you to follow through with your promise. Yourduty.” He points at me.
“Daddy, that’snotTyler. He made it very clear to Shelby his intentions–” Sam tries to chime in before getting cut off once again.
“And you too Sam,” he bites back. “You are basically whoring around the city! You guys don’t think I have eyes all around, but I do. You of all people should know this Tyler since you have eyes everywhere too. Youaremy eyes. You guys are grown ass adults who come from a good pedigree, and you are creating a disgrace to the Caddell name! You are a damn whore Sam!”
I’m on my feet with a fist balled into his dress shirt before he can take another sip of his drink. The glass falls over and shatters on the ground, but my eyes are set on his greens that match my own.
“I will only say this one more time before I sew those lips shut,” I say with lethal calm. “Watch your fucking mouth. I will not think twice before I make you live the nightmares you made me live as a child.” I release him, sending him back into the cushions of his chair.
“Mom, leave the house. Go to a friend’s home or get a hotel for the night. I won’t leave until you do. You need to be away from him while he is drunk like this.”
I look at my sister who sits still on the couch, her body frozen in fear as she aimlessly stares where our father sits.
“Let’s go, Sam.” I reach a hand for her.
“Tyler, please,” my mother pleads.
Mitchell gets up from the couch and slams the bottle of bourbon in the fire, making it roar.
“Mom, you heard my words. Please,” I urge through clenched teeth. I’ve been begging her all my life.
Mitchell glares at us with blazing eyes, stalking towards us, slightly swaying. Her contemplation speaks volumes. Allow me to physically handle this or leave to avoid it all. But by the grace of whatever exists, she grabs her coat and keys and rushes to the door.
I shove Mitchell back, and guide Sam out of the house. The harsh cold hits our skin as we walk out the door and get our coats on. Mitchell’s yells and slurs are silenced by shutting the door in his face, despite the chaos of them ringing in my head.
I wish this was the last time, but I know it isn’t. It never is.
We always come back.
Opening Diane’s car door, I kiss her head. “I love you, mom. Text me when you make it. Do not, for the love of god, come back here tonight. Let him sleep it off.” I hand her my credit card in case she needs a hotel for the night.
Mitchell has frozen their accounts before, and without his money, she has nothing except me. That’s why I always keep an extra card on hand, for her.
