Signal of Distress

16 - Interrupt

~ Chapagne and Sunshine -
Tarro - PLVTINUM ~
❤︎❤︎❤︎

Back against the floor, eyes on the ceiling
this is what I call relaxation and healing
-River Mitchell

"Dad pleaseee. I can come with you, I could be good for your business. I put up a pretty good argument." I follow him down the steps.

He throws his head back laughing. "That you do kiddo. But I'm afraid I have to go. I'll be back tomorrow night," he assures. Great, I have to spend Christmas with the Harrison girls.

Shoot me. Kill me. Right now. Please.

My dad and I had the first few days of winter break to ourselves. Amelia went to the spa with whatever friends has. She probably pays them to be her friend. Ashlyn decided to stay back and not come till tonight. Christmas Eve dinner.

The doorbell rings and my dad gives me a push towards the door. "Smile please," he says. I put on a huge smile. He nods before walking off.

I roll my eyes and pull open the door. Let me tell you, my smile dropped. "I don't care enough to welcome the both of you." I walk away and rush towards the dining room. "Dad!" I scream at the top of my lungs.

I hear a loud crash and rush into the kitchen. "River please. No drama." He bends down picking up the utensils he's dropped.

"I'm sorry but I didn't know Ashlyn was allowed to invite guests?!" I whisper-shout. Dad shakes his head and hands me a stack of plates.

"Set the table please. Amelia will be here any second," he says. I take the plates and follow his orders. I set the entire table by myself while Dad greets Amelia and everyone in the living room.

Once I finish I walk into the living room. A pair of dark brown eyes connect with mine. Of course he has to look hot in his stupid black polo and neatly styled hair.

"Umm," I mumble, suddenly feeling a wave of heat. "I set the table. Food's ready." I point out my thumb over my shoulder.

Everyone stands up. I walk straight into the dining room not bothering to say another word. I take a seat at the end of the table.

Amelia and my dad sit on one side of the table while Ashlyn and Eli sit on the other side. Eli and my dad, closest to me.

Everyone passes the food around and digs in. "So Elliott," Dad begins. I roll my eyes and shove salad in my mouth.

"It's Elijah sir," Eli corrects.

Dad nods as he chews obnoxiously. "Sir, it seems very formal. Your parents taught you well," Dad nods approvingly.

"Military school," Eli states.

Dad places down his fork and picks up his drink. He nods as he gulps down some of his drink preparing to speak. "Interesting. I hear you play football?"

Great, here comes the overprotective dad roll. "What is this an interrogation," I mutter under my breath. All eyes shoot to me.

"I'm just trying to get to know the boy. Calm down River," Dad says before turning back to Eli. "Quarterback?" Eli nods. "You know when I was in college-"

I let out a loud annoying groan. "Here comes the long ass story. You were a linebacker, you hurt your knee and lost your chances of becoming an NFL player. You think it's somehow fate because you succeeded in business. Did I cover the whole story dad?" I ask, staring straight at him. I've heard the story fifty million times and have had to hear him tell people the story 50 million more. Only difference from how I explained it is that he takes a whole hour to tell us the story.