straight. The movement brings me back to reality and out of the daydream I’d fallen into. I look over at her and she gives me a look that makes me feel like a naughty child. She’s always good at that.
I give an apologetic smile to the woman who helped raise me. How she called my husband cold, I’ll never understand. She’s the one with the chill to her, even when I try to get close. She has her sweet moments every now and again, but for the most part it’s a chilled distance that separates us. It probably has something to do with the fact that she and my father have been married over thirty years, which is longer than I’ve been alive. I was clearly the product of an affair—a living, breathing mistake for everyone to see. I’m a blemish on their reputation and she’s tried her best to make me into one of them as a way to erase my father’s transgressions. I can't blame her if looking at me doesn't conjure the warmest affection, but how long am I meant to repay this emotional debt?
I’m pretty sure she never wanted children herself, but she did take me in. I have to give her credit for doing her best with the situation. I get it. It would destroy me if I found out Daniel cheated on me and had a child with another woman. The thought alone makes my stomach tighten with nervous disgust.
I peek over at Linda and then to my watch once more. There’s still time. When I hear my name I look up and try to pay attention.
“I’m sorry, what?” I ask Carmela.
She’s a few years older than me and is the queen bee of the group. I don't care who’s in charge because I’m only here for one reason and I’m failing at it. After all these years I’m still trying to have a relationship with Linda because I want everyone to be one big happy family.
“I asked if you and Daniel will be joining us. You still haven't sent an RSVP to the invitation,” she says, smiling sweetly at me.
I don’t know why she bothers, because we all know it’s fake. If Daniel were here it would make his jaw tighten and he might even answer for me with a “fuck no.” I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what he said when he opened the invitation and threw it in the trash. I just laughed and forgot about it until now.
“Or course they are,” Linda answers as she tilts her head towards me and gives me a look.
“Of course,” I add.
I’ll pay for that one when I tell Daniel we’re going to the Vine event. He’ll have me on my back in the most delicious way, but he’ll come with me. He wouldn’t let me go alone and he never tells me no if I’m truly asking.
“Good.” Carmela gives a small excited clap.
She’s not excited that we’re coming but that my husband is coming. I’m pretty sure it’s not because she has a thing for him. It’s more that she wants his checkbook. It if wasn't for that, I’m sure we wouldn't be invited. It helps that while some might call him rude and lacking manners, the people who work with him love him. He’s straightforward and honest and that’s a rare trait in these circles.
Having Carmela fawn all over him would annoy me if I didn't already know Daniel loathes her. Every time he meets her he introduces himself as if he doesn’t know who she is. Either he really forgets or he does it to piss her off. Neither would shock me, but I do love the irritated look she gets on her face when he does it.
Luckily, after the guest list conversation is over the meeting breaks up.
“I’m going to grab a cab, I need to go to Daniel’s office.” I straighten the blouse Linda picked out for me. I’m pretty sure the fabric irritates my skin.
“The man is working, Blakely. Leave him be.” She shakes her head and doesn’t understand how we are. He wouldn’t want me to leave him be, nor do I want to. She and my father are nothing like us.
It took me a moment to understand there’s nothing wrong with showing affection to your significant other once Daniel bulldozed through all of that. We still get head shakes from others when Daniel pulls me down into his lap. He openly kisses my neck and tells me