Chapter Eight
Anthony
I can’t forget her laugh.
I can tell myself all I want that she’s my assistant and it’s a bad idea to even think about her. I can tell myself she’s so naïve, it freaked her out when all I did was take a step toward her when we stood in front of her building last night. Like she thought I was going to invite myself up or something.
I’m still unsure what my intentions were. I only know that she’s the most innocent, interesting person and I liked being with her tonight. Aside from Tyler, I can’t think of the last person I’ve genuinely enjoyed being with. It sure as hell wasn’t Trinity. And even Tyler is getting on my nerves.
Dammit! I can’t get that laugh out of my head, even with my father staring me down from the chair behind his desk. He’s been pissed before, but this definitely takes the cake.
“Are you listening to anything I’m saying to you?” Dad’s face is an interesting shade of purple. I’m torn between wanting to warn him against giving himself a stroke and wanting to avoid the sensation of getting thrown out his office window.
I decide to keep my warning to myself.
“Of course. I hang on your every word.” Still, I can’t help but be a sarcastic jerk. It’s just who I am.
Purple deepens to indigo and I’m pretty sure Dad’s about to explode. “If that’s the truth, then why can’t you keep yourself from making a fool out of me at every turn?”
“I don’t think it’s that serious, Uncle.”
I turn my attention to my cousin Jerrod, who’s standing off to Dad’s side behind the wide desk. As always, he has a look about him that makes me think his underwear’s too tight. He’s shifty, squirmy, uncomfortable. And forever looking for a way to get a leg up. I doubt there’s a square inch of space on Dad’s ass that he hasn’t kissed. If it wasn’t for that...no, I’d still despise him. He’s always been a snake.
He’s also not usually one to defend me, either. I raise an eyebrow at this turn of events. “You don’t?”
He shakes his head, and his slicked-back blond hair gleams in the overhead lights. “It was just a little squabble. A domestic issue. It could happen to anyone.”
I narrow my eyes. Not helping.
Surprise, surprise.
“And get recorded and plastered all over the internet!” Dad slams the side of his fist against his desk.
I manage not to flinch, but it’s a close bet. He doesn’t usually let his temper get the better of him like this. Then again, I’m the only person who gets to him, but only when we’re alone. He’s always in control around other people, even the rest of the family. Despite jumping at Dad’s response, I get the feeling there’s nowhere Jerrod would rather be.
“It’s not that big a deal,” I sigh.
“Maybe not this one thing,” he snarls. “It’s everything else leading up to this! This little so-called squabble is the straw that broke the camel’s back, Anthony. I’m sick of the way you can’t stop screwing around, no matter what I say. You were supposed to be here yesterday!” He pounds on the desk again for effect. “You weren’t supposed to be out!” Another pound. “But you can’t be bothered to do the smart thing, can you? You’ve gotta be your own man, make sure the whole world knows you do what you want!”
“Uncle,” Jerrod mutters as he moves like he’s going to go around to my dad.
“Stay out of it,” I shoot back.
Dad laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “At least he cares what happens around here! He does what I ask. I can count on him. Unlike my own son.”
I manage not to roll my eyes too hard. It’s not easy. Jerrod, meanwhile, looks like he’s celebrating his birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s all at once. His eyes are practically dancing, even if he manages to keep a straight face.
Ass kisser.
Dad walks around his desk so we’re standing face-to-face. He’s only an inch taller than me, and he likes to lord that over me whenever he gets the chance. Like it’s some great accomplishment that he has any control over.
“I’ve had enough of your bullshit, Anthony. This is my only chance at getting elected, and you know it. I’ve been working toward this for years, and if I lose, there’s no coming back from that.”
“Yes. I know that.” Who doesn’t know it? The man’s obsessed with the idea of starting a new political dynasty, like he’s a Kennedy or something.
“But you can’t help ruining it for me, even so. Isn’t that it?” His breath smells like stale coffee and frustration. “If you don’t get your act together, boy, I’m going to have to distance myself from you. You’re limiting my choices.”
That gets to me, even though I hate when he refers to me as a boy. No matter how many times the old man has threatened me, he’s never threatened to disown me, and I know that’s what he’s saying, even though he’s trying to soften it since Jerrod’s soaking in every word.
“I’m giving you one. More. Chance.” He jabs his index finger into my chest, and it takes all my self-control not to react. “If you don’t hit a home run today, it’s over.”
“Home run? Today?” My mind races. Shit. What’s he talking about?
Jerrod doesn’t manage to conceal his snicker, but Dad ignores him. “Yes, today. Your pitch.”
Oh, hell. The pitch to Chambersmith that I completely forgot about, in other words. I’m so fucked.
“Make it happen today, and prove to me that you’re serious about getting serious, or you’re done. Cut out completely.” He glares at me.
I manage to hold his gaze. I won’t give Jerrod the satisfaction of seeing Dad talk me down.
“I will,” I assure him with a smile, even as I panic inside.