Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Why didn’t you let me know you’re starting dinner earlier?” I ask as I take a seat.
“I didn’t think about it. Sorry, sweetie,” Mom replies.
Dad’s eyes flick to me. “Couldn’t you wear something more appropriate?”
“Hi, Dad,” I mutter. “It’s nice to see you too.”
His eyebrows draw together. “Don’t take that tone with me, young lady.”
“Let’s not make a scene at the dinner table,” Mom interjects before she continues to eat the rest of her food.
“Hey.” Sadie gives me a tired smile.
Mark just gives me a chin lift before he turns his attention back to Dad.
Why do I still bother?
Because you don’t want to be completely alone in this godforsaken world.
Maria, the housekeeper, brings an extra plate, and even though my appetite is gone, I help myself to some of the leftover food.
When I sit down again, I force a smile to my face. “How is everything coming along with the law firm?”
“It’s been crazy busy. We’re taking our first couple of cases,” Sadie answers me.
“I hope you win them all.” I turn my attention to Mark and ask, “How are Libby and the kids?”
“They’re good,” he mutters absentmindedly before talking to Dad again.
I listen as they discuss a labor lawsuit and let out a sigh.
Trying to start a conversation with Mom, I smile at her. “Is that a new outfit?”
She pats a hand over her coat. “Yes. I got it on Saturday morning. Sadie had to get new clothes for work, and I joined her for an outing.”
There’s another stab at my heart, and I can’t bring myself to eat.
“I went back to Versace to get the silk blouse,” Sadie tells Mom. “You were right. It fits with the black suit.”
I watch the conversation between my parents and siblings, feeling left out. No one bothers to ask about anything related to my life. It really feels like they don’t have any interest in me.
Not caring about whether I make a scene, I drop a bomb when I say, “I resigned from work today.”
The conversations stop, and everyone’s eyes snap to me.
“It’s about time,” Dad grumbles. “Now you can study law and join Mark and Sadie’s firm.”
I stare at the grumpy expression on my father’s face and wonder when last I saw him smile.
“I’m not going to study law,” I reply. “I’m going to make a living from selling my art.”
Dad’s features grow darker as he shakes his head at me. “When will you stop playing around and start your studies? You’re twenty-five and have nothing to show for your life.”
I hate when he diminishes my passion for art like this.
“I’ve already studied,” I say. “I have a degree in art, remember?”
“I allowed it, hoping you’d get over the whim eventually. You can’t make a living from occasionally selling a painting.” He looks at me with disappointment, which is another stab to my heart. “I didn’t raise you to be a struggling artist, Lillian,” he continues. “What will people say? Have you thought about how this will reflect on the family name?”
Slowly, I shake my head. “What’s wrong with me being an artist? It’s not like I’m committing a crime.”
“It doesn’t pay, Lillian!” his voice thunders through the dining room.
Mom places her hand on Dad’s forearm in an attempt to calm him down, but it doesn’t work.
He levels me with a non-negotiable look. “I refuse to look after you for the rest of your life.”
“I can look–”
“That’s enough!” he shouts, slamming his fist on the table.
Prickles of shock ripple over my skin, and with wide eyes, I watch as my father gets up and walks out of the dining room.
Mark stands up to follow Dad, and as he passes my chair, he mutters, “Get your shit together, Lillian.”
Silence falls over the table, and I try to process what just happened.
“I wish you wouldn’t push your father like that,” Mom murmurs with a worried tone.
“Just go study law,” Sadie adds her two cents. “Why do you keep fighting the inevitable?”
I glance at my mother and sister, then say, “I want to be an artist. I don’t understand why that’s such an issue with everyone.” Needing to get my opinion across, I add, “I plan on moving into my own place. I have enough money to take care of myself. I’ll sell my art, and with time, I’ll make a name for myself.”
“Stop!” Mom snaps. “Really, Lillian, enough is enough.”
A heaviness wraps around my soul, and taking a deep breath, I get up from the chair. “I think it’s better if I leave.”
“Don’t be childish,” Sadie scolds me. “Apologize to Mom and Dad and enroll in law school.”
My eyes lock on my sister, and for a moment, I stare at her before I shake my head. “I don’t tell you what to do with your life. Don’t tell me what to do with mine.”