Page 55 of When Sinners Hate
Abel’s words from the last few days come to mind as I pace towards the car, and my decision about what family side I should take hangs in the air. It's a delicate decision in many ways because it would be my whole world – and even possibly my life – collapsing around me if I choose wrong.
The crack of the door slamming shut won’t bother either of them, and it doesn’t help my mood either, but I have little else to show anyone how pissed I feel. My father dismissing me isn’t a surprise, but I’m disappointed that Abel didn’t fight for me. He didn’t stand up or counter my father. The Cortezes should be in a stronger position in this negotiation, but that’s not how Abel’s acting.
The meeting doesn’t last much longer – a small mercy for my patience.
“I want out of these clothes,” I tell him before he’s even in the car. “I don’t know what game you were playing with my father, but don’t use me for something you keep me in the dark about. Otherwise, you’re no better than him.”
“Fine. We’re going back to the hotel anyway.”
“Was it worth it?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ABEL
“And I suppose you’re dumping me here again,” she says, as we pull up the drive. “I’m getting a little fed up with that treatment, especially given the last few days.”
I pull up outside the house and get out of the car, walking around it to open her door. “No.” I reach my hand for her and watch her take it. “You're about to join a Cortez party.”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s Knox’s birthday.”
“Oh.” She slides her hands down her cream, tight-fitting dress and looks at the portico. “Is this okay for a party? What kind of party?”
“It’s just dinner for the family.”
“And that’s a party?”
“It is here. It won't be the kind of family party you're used to.”
“Is that music?”
“Yeah.” I pull her over to the door, listening to the same sounds she’s hearing. Heavy Latin vibes drum through thebuilding, and we walk straight towards Wren and Dante in the hall. He pulls his mouth away from hers and spins her away from him, towing her back into whatever dance he’s playing with.
He looks directly at Lexi’s hand clasped in mine. “Brother,” he says, as we walk by. It might cause a frown from him, but it’s all he should need to understand.
“Music and now dancing?” Lexi questions.
“Yeah. Whatever we are, we come together on birthdays. It’s Mother’s thing. Heritage. Drinking. Laughing. All the work and arguments get left behind, and we remember what it’s all for.”
“Ah, Abel!” Mother announces, as we get to the main room. She kisses me on the cheek and looks over Lexi, a smile on her face. Not surprising given the drink she's clearly already consumed. “Good, you’re both here. We can get on with dinner.”
For once in their life, Mariana and Shaw seem to be laughing about something in the corner. Even Knox is knocking back drinks like he’s in the mood to let life run its course rather than planning it. I walk over to him and drop Lexi’s hand so I can wrap both of mine around him. He pulls back after a tight hug and smiles.
“You're getting old, Brother,” I offer.
“I'm still a way behind you. Check your mouth.”
“Happy birthday,” Lexi offers. He nods in thanks, but stares at her other than that. I'm not surprised. She probably wasn't expected at all as far as he's concerned. “I didn't know, or I would have bought you a gift.”
I pick up her hand again. “We’ve already got him something.”
“We have?”