Titanium Promises

Nineteen

The only thing that fills the dense atmosphere is the sound of forks scraping on plates. I can barely keep the food I manage to eat down. Everything has this slight sour taste to it, like my own body doesn't want me to enjoy it even if I really want to. I steal a glance at Olivia, who has her eyes glued to her own plate. Mrs. Lastra sits next to Mr. Lastra, who keeps looking at me with falsely happy eyes.

His skin is pale, his cheeks not having the slightest twinge of pink. I can tell he takes pride in his hair, making sure not one strand of hair is out of its place. His movements are slowed, purposefully attracting the attention of everyone in the room. There are hidden meanings behind the forced smiles and plastered tranquility.

"It's been a while, hasn't it, Luke?" Mr. Lastra's words make the room go silent. No one moves, no one breathes. "I'm glad to hear Nana is doing well. How was California for you?"

Luke, who sits across from me, shifts in his seat. "Refreshing."

Mr. Lastra's forced smile intensifies. "Well, isn't that good to hear? I have always wanted to visit. Though I'm sure it would only be for work. Not relaxing at all." He takes a long sip of his wine, pursing his stained lips afterwards. "And you, Reid? What's life like in California?"

Luke's fist tightens, and everyone's eyes fall onto me. Some of them, like Olivia and Mrs. Lastra, look worried. But others look excited for me to say the wrong thing.

Maverick, though, is the only one who looks unfazed. Like he couldn't care less about what happens to me.

I swallow, but the lump in my throat doesn't go away. "Life in California is all I've ever known."

The room lets out a breath.

"You know," Mr. Lastra continues, "my sister used to live in California." Olivia glances up at him, and immediately looks away. "She told me how beautiful it was, and how..." He searches for the words, and ends the silence with a threatening grin. "How unique the people are there."

Luke's head jerks in his father's direction. Mr. Lastra doesn't react as he stabs his fork into the meat on his plate and raises it to his lips. Others continue eating, but my appetite is long gone. I grab my glass with a trembling hand and take a sip of cold water.

"How was your business trip, Dad?" Maverick speaks up, his voice relaxed. "I can see August is still out."

Mr. Lastra's lip twitches as the edge, maybe angered that I didn't respond to his comment. He swallows before looking at Maverick and putting on another one of his fake smiles.

"I made a deal," he says, "and I think it will prove quite prosperous. August is here, but he is resting. The trip didn't go fully according to plan."

"How unfortunate," Maverick says, leaning back in his chair. "I'm sure he would have loved this."

Another silence follows, longer than the last. Everyone's plates are picked clean, like they're scared that if they leave a single crumb it will come back to haunt them. Maids enter through the back doors and take away the dirty plates before exiting as quickly as possible. A moment later they return with plates covered in delicate desserts.

"I think it's time to discuss why I'm really here," Luke says, his voice startling me. I look at him, my eyebrows furrowed. He glances at me before clearing his throat and looking back at his father, who looks excited for their upcoming conversation.

"Yes, why don't we?" Mr. Lastra takes another sip of wine, taking the time to savor it. "So tell me, Luke. Are you done with your ridiculous temper tantrum of teenage angst and ready to come back? Or do you plan to stay with this disgrace?" He gestures at me for that last part.