Page 53 of Bad Run

“Oh, Judith, you’re so bad.” Mom covers her mouth with her fist to smother her laugh, while I let mine out with my whole chest.

“Never change, Juju.” I kiss my grandmother on top of the head as I place the bottle of wine on the table.

“What did your father say, sweetie?” Mom grabs some bowls from the cupboard and ladles the steaming food into each dish.

I plop into the seat beside my grandma as my mom places a bowl of food in front of me. “He said he’s going to follow what Grandpa wanted.”

“Well, that’s bullshit.” Juju does not mince words. Her gray bangs fall over her eyes as she fills our glasses with wine.

Mom takes the seat across from me and places a napkin on her lap. “Don’t tell your father I said this, but I agree. Total bullshit.”

Like me, both Mom and Juju were surprised to find out about Grandpa Ted’s will and are disappointed in Dad for lying and keeping the marriage clause a secret from us. What stings more is my father told my brothers, and not even they bothered to bring it to my attention.

Since learning about their betrayal, I have refused to attend family dinner at my parents’ house. I need more time to cool off, otherwise I might end up kicking one of them in the balls.

“I think he knows whose side you’re on, Mom. You’re here with me and Juju, cooking dinner, instead of at home feeding him and my brothers.” I shove a bite of food into my mouth. “This is good.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“I still can’t believe Junior. He should have told you. I raised him better than that,” Juju says, shaking her head. “At least he’s not a cheater. You’re welcome, Dawny.”

Juju raised my dad right. He adores my mother and would never cheat on her. He was a present father and showed all of us kids so much love.

“Thanks, Mom.” She smiles, patting my grandmother on the hand.

Juju has been a second mother to Mom. They bonded the moment they met. If it came to it, Juju would pick my mom over her own son; that’s how much she loves her.

“I still can’t believe your brothers kept quiet. Bunch of Brutuses,” Juju mumbles.

My brothers are traitors. I thought they had my back. But when I went to complain to them about what happened, the news didn’t shock them.

I’m not surprised by Percy and Gale’s reaction. Being quiet is on-brand for them. But Tristan? He should have told me when he found out. We’re close. I consider him one of my best friends. His silence feels like a bigger betrayal.

Aside from Mom and Juju, the only other person who was shocked was Lance.

After my father told me about the marriage contingency, I was so mad. The only thing I could think to do was cry. So, I holed myself up in a conference room and let my anger spill out.

The last thing I expected was for Lance to find me.

He just sat right down right by my side, in the dark, and listened. He didn’t try to fix my problem or make suggestions; he just listened. Chatting with him reminded me of our conversation on the rooftop. Like then, it felt as though I could tell him anything without judgement, so I did.

Having Lance on my side was such a relief to hear. His calling my dad a dickhead was the cherry on my ice cream sundae.

My brain conjures up the look in Lance’s eyes as he held me and wiped the tears off my cheeks. For a split second, I thought he was going to kiss me. His eyes darted to my mouth, then back to my eyes, but just as quickly as it came, the moment passed.

I won’t lie; when he didn’t kiss me, my heart sank into my stomach. It’s better that he didn’t. I don’t need any more complications in my life right now.

“Well, your father can order takeout. He’s on my list.” You know my mother means business when she mentions her list.

“I’ve got your back too, Gwenny. No matter how much I love my son, I support you.” Juju raises her glass to me.

Lifting my glass, I clink it against hers. “Thank you, Juju.”

My grandmother made the trip to Los Angeles to have dinner with me and Mom to show her support. I don’t think my father realizes he alienated the women in his family. Maybe if he goes a little hungry, he might.

The three of us tuck into our food for a few minutes until Juju breaks the silence. “You know, you could get married on paper so you can get what you want. Then, after a little while, get a divorce. No one will know.”

“Don’t put ideas in her head, Judith,” Mom scolds her.