The Grey in Between

Braden

I got home in the middle of the important dinner my dad had tonight. I had hoped I would be able to sneak past but unfortunately it didn't happen.

"Oh Braden dear! Come meet Steve Collins! Your fathers new client!" My mother cried giddily.

I walked in to see my dad sitting at the head of our table, which could seat four times the amount of people sitting there at the moment, my mom was to his left, and apparently the man named Steve sat to his right, next to a willowy woman, most likely his wife, in her late thirties I assumed, but not showing any of it in her face, besides the definite signs of crows feet. Poor Allie was next to my mom, looking miserable. She hated these dinners because of how often she was talked down to. Lots of times these men my dad worked with, including my father himself, were sexist and thought women should be seen not heard. Allie hated that.  

"Hello, pleasure to meet you, I'm Braden," I walked over to Steve and his wife, who I found out was named Shelly, and shook their hands.

"Please Braden, have a seat, we were just discussing football, Mr. Collins played for college back in the day!" My dad chuckled, I winced at the idea of having to sit and listen and join in. Where as Allie wasn't expected to speak, I was, and pretend I liked it.

"Um I would Dad, but I just ate with Julie," I sheepishly exclaimed, seeing my dad stiffen a bit. Where as my mother loved Julie and her sweet composure and gracefulness, my dad thought she wasn't worth the time because she didn't come from money, so I quickly add, "besides, I promised Collin I'd go play video games with him in my room, Allie do you want to join?"

My dad all but gave me a death glare. Allie, on the other hand, looked relieved.

"Thank you Braden, but instead of playing I'll just watch, I still have to finish The Tale of Two Cities for my AP Language course," she exclaimed gently, "if that's okay Father?"

My dad just nodded, but both Steve and Shelly seemed pleased to see us on such good behavior, no doubt they would praise our parents for raising such 'perfect angles' once we left.