An Unlikely Deal(27)

"They seem happier," she says.

"You met Elliot's wife?"

"Yeah."

"Is she really a stripper?" The sordid background information about Elliot's wife made a splash not too long ago. And my twin has been on edge, calling to warn me about a mutual acquaintance who also happens to be a royal asshole-Keith Shellington, the embezzler.

"Yes. But before you jump to any conclusions, she's really lovely. I couldn't be happier for both of them."

It makes me think of Ava and her furious reaction to what I said about my family. Given that I have no idea what brought that on and I don't want to discuss Ava with Faye, Elizabeth is the best source of female insight I have.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Would you be upset if a man you were dating said he didn't plan to introduce you to his family?" I quickly add, "You really don't like his family."

"Well …  If I didn't like the family, I don't think I'd be that upset about it. Why?" She gasps. "Are you seeing somebody who hates us?"

There is a subtle change in her voice, something I've never heard from her. It's not exactly cowed, and it isn't disbelief either. The closest thing I can think of is cautious.

I shake my head. What is up with women and their overwrought behavior? "She's not a psycho or anything. And it's not you she doesn't care for."

"Then who?"

"Blake."

"Oh." She stays quiet, but that's my sister. Say nothing if you can't say anything nice.

"Maybe he was having a bad day," she finally offers.

"Doubtful." I snort. "Anyway, don't strain yourself trying to come up with reasons justifying why Blake isn't a saint. I don't want to give you an aneurysm." I sink deeper into the hot water.

"I promise not to have an aneurysm if you'll tell me about her."

"Elizabeth." My voice is low but firm.

She sighs loudly. "Fine, I won't pry. Still, it'd be nice if you told me what's going on after I gave you my thoughts."

I can hear the pout in her words. I allow myself a small smile.

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

"You're welcome." She hesitates. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm always here for you."

I rest the back of my head against the rim of the tub. "I know. Thanks." Closing my eyes, I disconnect the line.





What Is Wrong With Him?


The second the boy sees his twin walk into the giant mansion they call home, he launches himself, his small fists tight and shaking with rage.

"You butthole!" the boy yells, spittle flying from his cherubic mouth. He's bitter, and "butthole" is the worst word he knows.

The twin raises his arms to block the blow. "I'm sorry!" he shouts. "I thought you were gonna be there."

"You lie!"

"Mom said you were waiting for us."

"Liar!"

The boy keeps repeating it. He can't believe his mother left him home and took his twin to Disneyland. She knows how much he loves the amusement park … how much he adores her.

"Stop that, both of you!" comes a sharp rebuke. "Goodness, what's wrong with the two of you?"




 

 

"I told you he was going to be upset!" the twin says to their mother, gesturing wildly.

She is not having any of it. Hands on her hips, she turns to the boy.

"What did I say about acting out, Lucas?"

"You told me if I was good-"

"Were you good?"

"Yes!"

"No," she corrects him coldly. "Remember last week when you made a mess of my dress?"

The boy remembers, and it's unfair that she's upset about that. It was just mud, and it came out. He saw the housekeeper clean it.

"I wanted to hug you, Mommy."

"Well, you shouldn't have done that. I've told you a thousand times to stay away when you're dirty."

Suddenly this is too much for him to handle. The boy bursts out crying, tears pouring down his cheeks.

"Other moms don't mind when their sons hug them!"

"You are not like other boys," she snaps. "You cling. You demand. You don't care about anyone but yourself. Actions have consequences. It's time you learn that."

"Mom," the twin says. "Stop."

"I hate you! I hate both of you," the boy screams.

"What is wrong with you?" the mother says. "This behavior is appalling."

He wipes the tears and smears snot on his cheeks. "I hate you," he sobs.

His mother wrinkles her nose. "You're a sight. Go to your room and wash your face. Now."

She turns away and disappears down the hall.

The twin approaches the boy and starts to put an arm around him. The boy shrugs it off.