High Fidelity

27. tits for tat

Wilson James Taylor

"Diane, hurry up, will ya?" My father rushed his wife.

I was on the fence about taking them to Sydney's aunt's event since all the bickering they do, but I figured an evening out as a family would do us some good.

I sat in the family room, shaking my leg with anxiety.

Sydney hasn't called, texted, or snapped me all day. I couldn't help but wonder if I did or said something wrong. Well, there's the bit where Hunter was a dick to her at the meet because he wants me with Anna. Also, the guys are under the impression I fucked her when I haven't, but I let them think so. I know it's wrong, but I didn't say I touched her, yet. We've kissed, I mean.
Shit, I've been taking it slow with her, and I don't even know if she appreciates that.

Next time, for sure, I'm just gonna go for it. The worst that can happen is she rejects me. I am actually not prepared for that, that shit's embarrassing, the ball is in her court.

Mom clicked into the room, popping in her last pearl earring.

"Ralph, why you are so excited to get to this art show, I have no idea," Mom went on.

"Will, my purse, behind you," she demanded, flicking her wrist. When I handed it to her, she thanked me.

"We made a big donation, honey, the least we can do is show our faces and support," he explained. Kelly was in his shadow to nod.

"If you ask me, the check was enough support. I have places to be-"

"Like where, Mom?" I clenched my jaw.

All other six eyes shot to me.

"Well, let's not waste anymore time," Kelly addressed, pacing to the front door.

"Are we taking two cars, or one?" asked the assistant, standing in the foyer as Dad, Mom, and I approached.

"One-" My mother said.

I cut her off to say, "Two. I have plans after."

"Plans?" My mother questioned like it was a problem.

I mocked her dramatic pearl clutching and laughed, walking out the door.

I walked backwards to my Jeep and said, "I met someone."

"I wish you wouldn't drive that hippie thing everywhere, son," Dad sniped, helping Kelly down the stairs.

"She likes it," I emitted, popping my eyebrows.

"And that's all that matters," Kelly cheered with a smile.

I looked her up and down. "Uh, thanks, Kelly."

I just didn't like Kelly. The idea that she was having an affair with my father was still in my head and very possible even if he swore differently. There had to be a reason my mother never liked or trusted her even when Kelly is so good at her job and loyal.

"Who is she, when did this happen, what does she do, who's her family? Wilson, sweetie, these are things I need to know," my mother listed.

Annoyed, I removed her supple hands from my face.

"Can you, please, relax? It's early, look, I'm just telling you that I have my eye on someone. You don't need to hit me with the third degree, alright, spare me. And if you go looking for her, doing background checks and shit again, you will never meet her."

My mother was taken aback. "I wouldn't have had to do a background check on that last whore if you just brought her over for dinner."

"Mom," I sighed.