My parents’ divorce a year and a half ago was hard, but it wasn’t half as bad as the news that my mom was dating Allan, Dominic’s father. She sat Matthew and me down six months ago, but I suspect they’ve been seeing each other a lot longer—like since before the divorce was finalized.
That only makes me resent their relationship more.
Chiara laughs, clearly satisfied, and pulls a pack of Oreos from her backpack. She puts it on the bench between us and nudges me with her shoulder.
“I brought you these.”
My lips twitch at her thoughtfulness. “Aww, a bribe,” I taunt. “How lovely.”
Eyes narrowed, she glares at me. “One day, you’ll look around and find yourself completely alone because of how insufferable you are.”
I snatch a cookie out of the pack. “You know you love me.”
“You’re lucky I do.”
I toss the Oreo into my mouth as we watch the team practice.
As they’re winding down, Chia lowers her head onto my shoulder. “Matthew isn’t grounded anymore, I take it? Considering he has his car and all,” she asks.
“Hewasgrounded?” I feign surprise, ignoring the way my heart squeezes, tamping down on the jealousy.
She chuckles. “Didn’t he come home at four a.m. totally wasted? And your mom still didn’t ground him? For real?”
“Nah, I don’t think he could do anything to make her upset with him. Maybe if he killed someone?” I laugh, but there’s nohumor in it. “If I came home drunk, she would’ve locked me up till the day I die, like Mother Gothel did to Rapunzel.”
“I’m sorry.” Chia wraps an arm around my shoulders and gives me a side hug.
“That’s okay. I’m used to it.”
“What are you planning to do tonight?” She straightens, her demeanor perking up. She’s trying to lighten the mood. She’s good at that. “Maybe we can hang out.”
“Sorry, can’t. Mom and Allan are back from their trip, and apparently, we’re having a family dinner.” I purse my lips. She was so excited this morning when she informed us of the plans. Me? I’d rather be anywhere else.
“When are you going to warm up to their relationship?”
My throat tightens, making it hard to swallow. “Never.”
“Mia.” Chia sighs and straightens. “Your mom is happy. She’s freaking glowing! He’s a good?—”
“He’s not my dad.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“And he’s not trying to replace him. He knows how much your dad means to you.”
I snort. “Of course he knows. He was his fucking best friend!” I grit my teeth. Frustration and anger simmer under my skin. “For as long as I can remember, Allan was around. He and Dominic were at every family gathering, every trip to Lake Tahoe. I always thought of him as family, the uncle I never had.” I meet Chia’s gaze, but when all I see is pity swimming in her irises, I look away. “Anyway, the two of them getting together feels like a betrayal. They’re both backstabbers.”
Lips pressed together, she tilts her head. “Does your dad think that too?”
“As if he’d tell me.” I shake my head. “Anytime we talk about it, he insists my mom deserves to be happy.” My chest pinches with a familiar pain. “But I remember the look on his face whenhe saw them together for the first time. He can’t fool me. He was upset.”
She worries her bottom lip. “You’re not being fair. And you’re making an assumption. You and your dad are so close?—”
I wring my hands. “Chia, I love you, but please stop.”
She holds both palms up in surrender. “Okay.”
I fix my focus on the field and sigh; practice is finally over. Matthew is heading toward us, his helmet dangling from his fingers. His jet-black hair is damp and messy, sweat glistening on his forehead. He smiles, and I can’t help but smile back. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I could’ve stayed in our house after Dad moved out.
“Hi, Matt,” Chia greets him, her body practically vibrating with excitement.
