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Tracing a line around the entire edge, I slather it everywhere with the lid the best I can. I push the gas cap closed and hold it there for a moment. When I saw Jared’s car in the parking lot, I double checked the license plate and ran back to grab the super glue in my car. It’s petty, but the thought of him stranded at whatever gas station, unable to fill his tank, makes me giggle. I step back and press on the edge of the metal circle. When it doesn’t pop back up, I grin and head into the country club, tossing the glue into the trash can.
I make it a few steps into the front lobby before I pause and shake out my hands. I’m not a coward, but dealing with my mother is exhausting, and she isn’t someone I particularly want to deal with today. Not after I was thoroughly fucked last night to the point that I can still feel the twinge between my legs and his cum on my lips.
“You need anything, ma’am?” the host asks me after watching my minor freakout.
I groan and respond so quietly, I doubt she hears. “A stiff drink.”
She smiles and nods. A minute later, a thin flute is handed to me. It isn’t strong enough, but it packs enough punch to fuel my walk to the table. I chug the mimosa quickly, giving her a grateful smile as I make my way in.
When I get to our usual spot on the outside patio, I’m thankful my brother Nick has saved me a seat next to him. Unfortunately, that means I’m directly across from my home wrecker of a sister and my cheating ex-fiancé on one side of her, with my vile snake of a mother on the other. My dad sits at the end, the peacemaker of our constant family divide.
I step up to the chair, pulling it out and letting it scrape across the floor as all conversation dies. Dropping into the seat, I kiss my dad's cheek and glance at Nick.
“Thanks for saving a seat for me. I know I can always count on you,” I say to my brother.
He smirks, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Anything for you.”
“What have you done to your hair? Sunglasses off, Jenica,” my mother snaps, fiddling with the menu.
“Of course, Mother.” I roll my eyes, sliding my glasses on top of my head. “And I wanted something new, you don’t like it?”
She scoffs, turning back to the menu as if she won’t order the same small bowl of fruit and half a salmon like she always does. I know she’s upset I got rid of the blonde, a family trait that we all have. They all have blue eyes as well, while mine are more hazel. I grab my menu, deciding to get something else for once. “Haven’t ordered yet?”
“No, darling. Just drinks,” my dad answers, grabbing the pitcher of mimosas and filling the empty flute in front of me.
Jared and Amber haven’t said a word or acknowledged my presence, but I can feel Jared’s eyes on me, and I can see the tilt of my sister’s head as she keeps her attention on the table.
“Good, I’m starving. I had a very long night,” I say, looking over the food options.
Nick snickers into his drink. “Do share.”
I bite back my smile and send silent thanks for support to my brother. He’s always been one of my best friends, and I think it’s because he and I are like our father, while Amber takes after our mother. Surprise, surprise. We can’t stand either of them.
“I’ll tell you all the dirty details later.”
My dad coughs, smothering his curiosity, and my mother lets out a loud, disapproving sigh.
“Were we all ready to order?” the server asks, gracefully saving us from one of my mother's tedious lectures about appropriate public conversation.
I sit up, smiling at him, eager to order first. “Yes, I’ll take the biscuits and gravy. Can we add extra sausage? I love as much meat as I can get in my mouth. Oh, and extra gravy as well, I want it like dripping with every bite.”
His face flashes red, and Nick makes a strangled noise from the back of his throat.
“Jenica!” my mother scolds.
“I understand the allure of a good wiener and tasty sauce,” Nick adds, his tone drenched with amusement.
“Nicholas!” my mother hisses.
My dad takes the time to clear his throat and give his order. Nick and I exchange knowing glances and let the rest of the table order in peace. Once the server is out of earshot, my mother turns her wrath on us.
“That was incredibly distasteful.” She rubs her temple. “Imagine if someone had overheard you, what would they think?”
I sip on my drink and flip my sunglasses back down as I look over the patio. “Hopefully something like... Good for her, knowing what she wants, sampling what the world has to offer.”
Jared slams a hand onto the table, but I don’t dare look his way. Amber still refuses to move or say anything as well. It’s getting harder to continue to focus my attention on my mother.
Nick hums. “Speaking of that, I’m interested in what—or I guess who you were sampling last night.”
