Lily |18+ [Paraíso, #1]

six

|J U L I A|

I happen to be a strong magnet for awkward and disturbing situations. I don't ask for it, I really don't but somehow, out of the blue, always comes a situation that has me either cringing or frozen in place, unsure of how to react.

My current situation borders more on disturbing than awkward because I'm completely frozen up.

Everything was fine all through dinner, right up until dessert was rolled in. I had just taken the first scoop of my tiramisu pudding when all hell broke loose and everyone started yelling at each other.

Sure, Jake had been chalking up insults from his aunt all through the evening and part of me isn't surprised that he finally blew up. You can only take too much insult from your resounding family member. What caught my interest is that he erupted when his aunt Eve mentioned some girl called Eliza.

"You're telling me that the fate of your campaign relies on this irrational bastard?" Eve's asking, her voice screeching. "No, dad. That's suicidal and you know it."

"Look, I get it," Jake says. "You feel threatened that I'm taking your place as grandpa's favorite puppet but you need to stay out of shit that doesn't concern—"

"You, shut up!" Eve rounds up on him, a perfectly manicured finger pointed at him. "If you think you'll just waltz in and destroy the plans I've perfectly laid out, then you've got a whole lot coming your way."

"I don't give a fuck about your plans," Jake yells back. "Leave me out of your issues with your father. You've got a problem with me being here, fucking hash it out with him."

Eve releases a harsh laugh. "You know what, I find it highly alarming that everyone in this table is dismissing all the heinous murders you've committed and all for what? A stupid, insignificant, little—"

No one's prepared when Jake whips out a gun out of the blue. Even I squeak when my eyes land on the glock.

"Shit, Jake," David stands up, eyes transfixed on the weapon in his brother's hand. "Get mom out of here." The order is given to Luke who wastes no time and wheels his mother out of the room in lightning speed.

I'm tempted to follow him but I'm scared if I make any movement, I'll be the next target in focus and I'd really rather not be. All families have flaws, I happen to know that based on my own family but this. . . this is a whole new level of flawed.

"Finish that sentence and it will be the last thing you'll ever say," Jake says calmly, his gaze never leaving his aunt.

"Dad, are you seeing this? This is what I'm talking about. He's so impulsive. What happens the next time anyone mentions something to do with his scandals? That too, in public."

Lady, a gun is pointed straight at you! I want to shout but it must be a normal occurrence here for someone to take out a gun and threaten to fire it because Eve doesn't even flinch.

Oh, and you'd think that was weird enough but when I look at the congressman, he's finishing up his tiramisu pudding, not a care in the world as he assesses the scene before him. Caleb's doing the same but he's not hiding the amusement on his face.

"Put the gun down, Jacob," the congressman says. "What did I tell all of you? The dinner table is a safe zone. No weapons allowed. David, hone some sense into this brother of yours."

"And you." Jake turns on him, gun still aimed. "You think you're so clever but I've got news for you, you old bastard. I know this little game you're trying to play. Last time I checked, dragging my business to mix it up with your fuckery wasn't what you bargained for, so I suggest you inform your stupid daughter of that fact. Next time anyone mentions Eliza, I'll be ringing up your cleaning crew to come over and clean up your brains from the the floor."