Chapter Six
Xavier
WhydidIagreeto this again?
Every time my parents invite me to dinner, it’s the same old song and dance. Same demands and questions.
Are you seeing anyone?
You’re thirty two years old, you should be settling down.
I know this lovely woman whose mother comes to my society's meeting that would be just perfect for you.
It’s never: How work is going? How’s the vet clinic? Hell, I’d even settle for them asking if I’ve had any interesting stories about any of my clients. Working and owning a vet clinic had been a dream of mine for as long as I could remember. I always loved animals. They are a lot easier to connect with than humans, in my opinion.
I exhale something between a sigh and a groan as I get out of my vehicle and make my way up my parents driveway. It’s our weekly family dinner that I normally try to get out of with some sort of emergency that I say happens at the clinic. Despite my constant absences, my mom still makes it a point to invite me weekly.
However, I was told tonight was non-negotiable and that there was some “big news” being announced.
And when Penelope Hawthorne demands it, it happens.
I had given up years ago trying to defy her. She means well, but she still always gets what she wants.
I don’t even make it to the door before I hear the sound of another car pulling up. I turn around and internally groan as I recognize my sister's Porsche as it pulls up into the spot next to my SUV.
I would be lying if I said it was her I was mostly trying to avoid when I come to these sorts of things. She’s such a stuck up bitch and thinks because she landed a job as a receptionist, she’s hot shit. She didn’t have to work too hard to get that job. All she had to do was bat her eyes to daddy dearest, andhemade it happen. She’s had that man wrapped around her finger our entire lives, and it annoys the shit out of me because she didn’t have to work for a goddamn thing.
I worked for everything I have achieved.
My parents may have helped by paying for my education, but I still worked while I was going through school. I had a goal to save up to open up a clinic on my own.
I wanted as little help from my parents as possible.
“Big brother!” she squeals. I cringe as I turn around to accept the tackle hug coming for me. “I’m so glad you could make it for family dinner tonight! It’s going to be one for the books!'' She backs up, pulling out a compact mirror to check her makeup. I’m about to say something before I see movement behind her. There is some guy with shaggy blonde hair and glasses. He’s tall, but honestly average if I had to say so myself. He makes eye contact with me, giving me an awkward smile.
“Uh, hey… I’m Dalton. You must be Xavier. Chloe’s told me about you.” He reaches out his hand to shake mine, but I just look at it. I lift my eyes back to him, raising my eyebrow as I assess him. He isn’t the usual type that Chloe goes for. She usually goes after the gym jocks with money. He may be on the taller side, but definitely not a gym type. Must be the money that got her this time.
“Hi.” I reply, turning around to open the door. “We should go in. Don’t wanna keep them waiting.”
I help myself inside and kick off my shoes. Taking a moment to shuck off my jacket, I hang it up on the coat hook by the front door. I don’t bother asking any of the staff my parents hired because I can do thesethings myself. I understand it’s their job, but I don’t let them stress about me. Especially because I know my sister will take up more than enough energy due to herdemands.
Right on cue, the staff rushes in to get everyone else settled in. My parents’ house is like something you’d see in a magazine. The front doors give way to the main foyer, and to the left of that rests a giant staircase.
I head the opposite direction to the sitting room. This room is where all the gatherings happen, memories flow through my mind as I think of the movie nights and Sunday Night Football gatherings. Looking over I see how my mom has changed out the flower on the coffee table. The warm colors perfectly blend together, but I couldn’t tell you the name of the flowers. Walking up to the large bay windows I canvas the yard, taking in every detail of the meticulous care my parents have put forward to upkeep.
“There you are!” I hear the familiar voice of my mother as she enters the room. I turn away from the bay window and smile at her. She walks toward me and embraces me with a hug followed by a brief kiss on both cheeks.
“Hi, Mom,” I say, “How are you doing?”
“Oh, just fantastic! Please come! We’re all in the dining room, and dinner is just about to be served!” My mother turns to meet Chloe. “Chloe, my dear! You look absolutely stunning in red!” She embraces my sister then steps back still holding her by the biceps. She beams at her, before her eyes dart to that guy Derek she brought with her. “Oh! And you must be Dalton! It's a pleasure to finally meet you! Chloe has told me so much!”
She beckons us to follow with a wave of her hand.
Who the fuck has a name like Dalton?I roll my eyes and make my way to the dining room. Totally over my mother fussing over Chloe’s latest flavor of the month. When I enter, I spot my father sitting at the head of the table, sipping on a drink. Looking at the brown liquid in his glass, it’s his usual–whiskey.
Making my way further into the dining room, I drift toward the bar located at the far end of the room. “Good evening, Dad. Can I top you off?”
He looks up at me with a small smile. “Please.”
