I can't figure out what the fuck's going on. Nothing about the insta-wedding computes. I want to believe the Congress queen's tapped some unseen, softer side of my dad that's been dead since I was a kid, but I'm not gonna fall for it yet.
“So, Amanda, tell us what it's like being in the belly of the beast,” I say, changing the subject. “Is Congress really the clusterfuck we see all the time on TV?”
She blinks. Claire stifles a laugh. Dad looks at me like I've just moved up on his shit list.
“Ty, don't be rude.”
“What? Don't say you're gonna blame me for taking a sudden interest in politics.” I look around the table with the same bullshit look that used to drive my teachers crazy in high school.
Amanda shakes her head vigorously – another thing she's got in common with daughter dearest. “Trust me, I get it all the time. It's inevitable when you've served three long terms and survived the campaign trail. If I didn't have a thick skin by now, I'd be nothing but bones.”
Her eyes flash bright and she flicks her hair back. “Honestly, Ty, the game we're playing isn't so different. I'm sure you understand after growing up with a powerful businessman for a father. Heck, you're managing a club yourself. You understand compromise, work, and good old fashioned 'getting things done.'”
I snort. “Wasn't that one of your campaign slogans?”
“Very good, young man. Looks like you're as smart and attentive as your father.” She watches me shrug.
The weird compliment rolls off my back. Fuck, how hard is it to watch the news? It's not like there aren't a billion bullshit ads every two years while assholes are out politicking.
“You're on your way like my Claire. I'm so glad neither of the kids in this family are drunk on the youthful idealism that trips up so many young people.”
“Mom...” Claire waits 'til she's got her mother's attention. “You're being a little cynical, don't you think?”#p#分页标题#e#
“I think she's a realist. That's fine and fucking dandy by me.”
Little Miss Perfect flips her face toward me and gives me a glare that says I didn't ask you, asshole. I don't even look at Dad because I know he's on his last warning stare right now.
“Come on. Don't let my language shock you, sis,” I tease. “Surely, your ma's heard some serious shit talk on the campaign trail and up on the Hill. How many reps does New York send to Congress? Those fuckers alone talk like animals.”
“God damn it, Ty!” Dad's fist hits the table, and everybody jumps. “One morning. That's all I asked for.”
He wipes his brow and turns to his new wife. “I'm very sorry, Mandy. I warned you about my son. My biggest regret is never being able to get his potty-mouth under control. I'm sure the dirt goes straight to his head too. It's a shame I neglected to shove some soap in his mouth when he was little.”
Amanda sniffs and smiles politely, like she's at a loss for words. Dad lingers a moment longer, then rips himself up off his seat, and goes stomping toward the stairs. He learned a long time ago that sending me to my room doesn't do shit – and it's not even an option since I hit my twenties.
“I'm afraid Claire isn't the only one who's been under some stress lately. This marriage is such a huge shift for everyone. I'd better go check on him.” Amanda's chair scrapes the floor, and she stands up on her heels.
Well, at least she's not looking at me like I just took a dump on the table. Neither is Claire, surprisingly. The chick looks totally stunned, almost sympathetic.
I should be happy someone else finally sees my father for the jackass he is, but it doesn't matter. Her tight, twitchy little lips wrapped around my cock are all I can see when she looks at me like that.
“Hey, I'm so sorry to cut this short. It's wonderful to meet you, Ty. I'm sure we'll all get to know each other better once everything calms down. We've got the whole summer.” Amanda nods apologetically, and then she's off like a bullet.
The woman catches herself before she crashes into Joan, who's come to clear the plates. The old maid gives me a sassy look. I'm lucky she finds my shit amusing and doesn't think I'm a total devil. She's the closest thing I've had to a mother since my real one died.
“I'm so sorry!” Amanda barks, steadying herself on the wall so she doesn't topple over on those tall black heels. “Kind of in a rush.”
“No need to apologize, madam,” Joan says, clearing a path for her.
“Oh, that reminds me – you kids both have the day off, don't you? Why don't you take some time to get to know each other? It's beautiful out there!”
I follow her smile to the window behind Dad's empty spot. She's right – it's really a gorgeous summer day. Blue skies, not a cloud in sight, the ocean rolling, stabbing a thousand middle fingers at the heavens.