Oral Care

Chapter 32: Eat It

*** Evelyn's POV ***

I can't handle them sober. Yesterday, we all managed to stay civil but I swear it was a Thanksgiving miracle because today is just too much. From the rude wake-up call to get my ass out of bed because they wanted to go shopping to the lack of interest in stopping for food and coffee to bitching about the cold to the little jabs about my life choices, I am ready to scream. It's like I can't do anything right by them.

I just stormed out of the bookstore because my mother was questioning why I like it here. I am agitated by everything else going on this morning, including Rafael's text asking to stop by. I opted to not answer because I am tired of lying to him and feel one well-placed comment away from running away from everyone.

I probably should have known better when I snapped a response at my mother's incessant questioning. "Well for starters, it's not Texas."

"What's wrong with Texas?" She asked.

"Nothing." I muttered as I prayed for the barista to hurry up.

"So you aren't going to give me a straight answer?" She pressed.

"I just don't like it, okay? I'm not like you or Sarah or Jenny. I needed more in my life than what Texas had to offer me." I blurted out.

"You never gave it a chance. You just automatically headed in the opposite direction of anything resembling a normal, happy life." She retorted.

"Sounds like you have your answer." I huffed and grabbed my drink before the barista called our names. "I'll be outside."

Thankfully she didn't open her mouth again as I stomped away. I gulp the cold air, welcoming the sting. I pull out my phone and hover over Rafael's name, ready to admit my lies and beg for him to hide me away until they leave. Hell, maybe even forever.

I look up and do a double take. Nearly the entirety of the female members of the Baumann clan are headed right towards me. I was supposed to be out with them today. It makes me sad about what I have missed out on these past couple of days.

Dane is walking astride Marlee, carrying a couple bags in the hand opposite where his fingers are linked with hers. Everyone is smiling and chatting. I yearn to join in their naturally light-hearted conversation.

But I am not ready to explain my absence to everyone so I turn away and tuck myself behind a large crowd. I glance over my shoulder to make sure they all pass without incident. It makes me wonder if Rafael would have joined us today like Dane did.

"I'm hungry, sis. Where should we go?" Sarah drags me from my wandering thoughts.

"I don't care." I mumble like a disgruntled toddler.

"Evelyn, please don't be difficult." My mother harps.

"Why should I recommend something when you're just going to tell me how awful my choices are?" I snip back.

"How about we agree on a cuisine and you can guide us?" Jenny suggests.

Well, that sounded like a good idea, but I should have known nothing is easy between us. A few minutes later, I am stalking ahead of them to the only place we could agree on, one of those generic Americana chains, and of course by this time, there is a long wait. Sarah whines incessantly. I beline to the bar and order a drink to take the edge off.