I Hate You, Mr. Boss-Man [18+]

013

Katherine

"I'm so proud of you, you little shit!"

"Kat...Katherine!" Dylan chokes out, huffing short breaths as he tries to pry my arms off. "You're gonna kill me, you cretin!"

"Dylan Rowan Stratford!" I gasp and pull away, placing my hand over my chest as if I were offended. "I am your elder, young man," I scold him jokingly. "You should be treating me with respect."

"Shut the fuck up," He says with a laugh, eyes crinkling with rapture. "We're four years apart, you dork. You're not old. Besides," Dylan straightens out his gown and smoothes out the wrinkles from my hug. "You were choking me to death. I have every right to call you a cretin."

"You're an ass," I reply flatly, rolling my eyes at the fact that he called me an idiot. "Here," I push the bouquet I bought into his arms. "For you."

Dylan's eyes light up upon grasping the flowers, noticing the dollar bills intertwined with the petals. "Thanks!" He beams, obviously counting how much money I gave him.

"Did," I hesitate, wandering eyes scanning the sea of people. "Did Mom come?" I ask, meeting my brother's eyes in apprehension.

I don't miss his smile fading instantly, the light dimming from his eyes, and I already know the answer.

"What was it this time?" I snap, shaking hands balled into fists beside me. "Couldn't get time off? Flights canceled or some bullshit like that, right?" I cross my arms tightly, staring at my little brother for a response.

I couldn't believe it. Dylan had nothing to do with our disagreements, and Mom just blew off the most important day of his life.

"What was her excuse, Dylan? Tell me."

"She...mom called me last night," He looks at the ground before answering me.

My stomach drops at the pout on his lips, suddenly seeing a younger version of my brother in a cap and gown. I had half a mind to fly to Pearland and tell our mother what I thought.

"She said something about making it up to me. I don't know," Dylan sighs and weakly shrugs his shoulders. I knew that she hurt him, but what could I do?

"You told her I was coming," I say rhetorically, uncrossing my arms to return them to my sides. "Didn't you?" I knew what he would say, and it didn't make it less painful.

"Well, yeah!" He exclaims, shoulders twitching in callous. "You're my sister, Kat, and I couldn't lie to make her comfortable. I don't care that she's our mom. That's not fair to you," Dylan takes a breath and tugs the graduation cap off his head. "I shouldn't have to exclude you so she can show up."

My lips part, unable to find the words to deter his argument. He was right, and there was no denying it. It was something both of us had to live with.

"I'm sorry, kid," I finally speak, filling the deafening ambiance of the auditorium.

"Why are you apologizing?' He inquires, his face morphing in confusion. "Don't do that," Dylan shakes his head, almost scolding me. "Don't apologize. If anything, Mom should be apologizing to you."

Again, I remain silent, nodding slowly at his statement. As guilty as I felt, I wasn't ditching my kids.

"I'm happy you made it," Dylan smiles suddenly, playfully punching my shoulder. "As embarrassing as it is."

I almost smile, appreciating the tension my brother was trying to relieve. As jerky as he was, I was happy that I showed up in support. I knew a thing about waiting for someone and never having them show.