Chapter 6 - THE INVITATION CAME BACK
Dad lasted four days.
Thursday evening, Mom called.
“Your father wants you here for Thanksgiving.”
I actually laughed.
“He specifically told us not to come.”
“He was angry.”
“He was cruel.”
“He regrets it.”
“Did he say that?”
Silence.
Of course he hadn't.
“Mom.”
“He wants the family together.”
“No. He wants Daniel there.”
Another silence.
That one confirmed everything.
“Emily, please.”
“Then Dad can call Daniel and apologize.”
“He tried.”
“And?”
“Daniel told him he was busy.”
I covered my mouth so Mom wouldn't hear me laugh.
Richard Bennett had spent years treating my husband like an embarrassment.
Now Daniel was too busy for him.
Later that evening, Vanessa appeared at our front door.
Daniel was bathing Noah upstairs.
I opened the door but didn't invite her inside.
“What do you want?”
She looked furious.
“What did Daniel do?”
“To whom?”
“To Dad.”
“Nothing.”
“His project is suddenly under review.”
I stared at her.
“What project?”
Vanessa realized she had said too much.
She crossed her arms.
“Dad's been working on something for months.”
“And Daniel controls it?”
“I didn't say that.”
“You didn't have to.”
Her face tightened.
Then she said exactly what I expected.
“So this is revenge?”
I laughed.
“Daniel hasn't done anything.”
“Then tell him to fix it.”
There it was.
Not an apology.
Not embarrassment.
Not even regret.
A demand.
“You laughed when Dad called my husband poor.”
Vanessa looked away.
“You smirked while Noah cried.”
“Emily—”
“And now you want the poor man to save Dad?”
May you like
She had no answer.
I closed the door.
