Obeying the order, I retreat into my bathroom, do a quick smokey eye, and fan my hair out so I don’t remind him of Mom as much as I do with my hair up.
“Red lips!” Dad yells, his voice shaking the door.
He must’ve forgotten I no longer live in his mansion. I still can’t believe he let me move out. I begged him for my own place since I started college, but the answer was always a resoundingnountil three weeks ago when he gave me the key to this place.
I find my red lipstick, coat my lips, and grip the sink with both hands, hanging my head low. Time for a quick pep talk.
I can do this. I’ve done it many times. This is the last stretch. Just one more year before it stops.
Once I’m independent, once I can access my trust fund, I’ll take my life into my own hands. No more relying on Dad. Even if I don’t get my dream job, I’d rather do anything else than play the lead role in Dad’s puppet show.
I could find a job now. Work as a cleaner or at a retail store. I could sleep in a cheap motel until I save enough for rent. It’s plausible.Doable.
The problem is that the friends I’m slowly earning back will turn on me if I’m broke. I won’t fit in their circle once I can’t afford pointless shopping sprees or late-night cocktail bar gossip sessions—something I hope they’ll soon invite me to join. Though if I’m driving anything less than my Porsche I can’t see that happening.
No matter how much I hate meeting my father’s expectations, I’m stuck for another year. I came this far already... throwing away the long struggle to keep my head above water wouldn’t make sense now that I almost see the finish line in the distance. One more year in exchange for a condo, stuffed bank account, and a trust fund isn’t that high a price.
Survival of the fittest.
Exhaling all the air from my lungs, I glance at my reflection. “You’ve got this,” I whisper, pushing away from the sink.
SIX
Cody
MY FINGER HOVERS OVERShawn,my patience hanging by a thin, flimsy thread.
Ana’s relentless.
After dropping her home last night, I thought she’d give me a few days off. Wrong thinking. She came back this morning and spent the day calling me over and over and over until she wore me down... I drove her home again.
She’s harmless, I know she is, but she’s driving me fucking insane. Before I slide my finger across the screen to talk restraining orders with my eldest brother, my phone rings.
It’s a Hayes, just not the one I need.
“What’s up?” I ask Theo, checking the fridge for leftovers.
“Hey, bro. Listen... you busy tonight?”
My back straightens on cue, his tone unmistakable. He needs a favor, and judging by the hesitancy, he’s not happy about asking. I can picture him in his kitchen, one hand bracing against the counter, the other squeezing the life out of his cell phone.
Only one thing gets Theo this bent out of shape: his son.
My heartrate picks up. I’ve been waitingmonthsfor this phone call, but just in case I’m misinterpreting, I keep the happiness out of my voice. “Not busy. Why?”
With a deep, exasperated sigh, he spits the words at me. “You think you could watch River for a few hours?”
I close my eyes briefly, smiling like the cat that got the birdy.Finally. “You wantmeto take him?” I chuckle, slamming the fridge door. “I guess everyone else is either busy or dead?”
“Well, yeah. Kind of. Shawn just called. Josh is coming down with chicken pox, so there’s no way I’m leaving River there. Colt’s not answering. Nico and Mia are in Europe, and—”
“I get it. No need to list everyone whocan’t, bro. You know I’ll stay with him. Bring him over.”
Ever since River was born, an invisible wall grew between me and Theo. I racked my brain many times, wondering what triggered the distance, and the only explanation I came up with is that Theo doesn’t trust me with his son.
It’s not very plausible. I’m great with kids: responsible, caring, and fun. Ask Logan. I’m the first point of contact whenever Noah needs babysitting.
Theo never let me babysit, no matter how many times I offered. He tenses like a fucking guitar string whenever I steal River from Thalia at Mom’s get-togethers.
