Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 155405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 777(@200wpm)___ 622(@250wpm)___ 518(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 777(@200wpm)___ 622(@250wpm)___ 518(@300wpm)
“I won’t lie, I’m relieved to see you do.”
Now I’m pissed. “Yeah, I bet you fucking are.”
“It wasn’t entirely a drill,” he says, dropping his sad sack act and sitting forward, steepling his hands atop his desk. “Gemma did tell me earlier today she wanted to move out. It took some work, but Parker and I managed to talk her down. This time. But this is how she feels, Landon. We can’t continue as we have this week. If we do, I promise you, even my best efforts won’t keep them here.”
I glare at him, arms still crossed.
“If we’re going to convince them to stay, I need your help.”
He seems genuine. I can’t remember the last time my dad asked for my help with anything. I guess he doesn’t expect I’d give it to him, but he’s already done his manipulative bullshit to make sure we have a common interest.
“Unless you truly want Parker and her mother to move out in the next week or two, you have to start making more of an effort.”
“What I’m hearing is, burn their old house down so they don’t have a choice and they have to stay.”
He stares at me flatly, but, realizing I may be serious, his tone turns firm. “I am absolutely not telling you to do that.”
“I don’t know, sounds like something a guy would say to keep his hands clean.” I wink at him. “Don’t worry. I won’t do it.”
“Landon.”
I can’t help laughing a little. “I won’t burn the fucking house down. Yet. But you better keep Gemma happy, because the thought’s crossed my mind now, so…”
He gazes at me, still unimpressed, but he continues on. “Parker suggested we do something as a family.”
“Yeah, that went well last time.”
His gaze narrows on me. “Yes, and whose fault was that?”
I roll my eyes.
“She wants to do a movie night this time. The girls won’t be home tonight, they’re spending the night at the resort so they can recharge and come home fresh, but I need you to make an effort tomorrow, Landon. Please be nice to Gemma. Watch the movie with us, and then you can go to your room and ignore us if you want, but I need for Gemma to have a good experience. Something to renew her hope that this can all work out. I’m not asking you to make her a friendship bracelet and braid her hair, but please, for one night, do not make trouble.”
I smirk as I lean forward and grab my duffel, then I stand. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure I’m on my best behavior.”
My sarcastic tone must not offer him enough reassurance, because as I head for the door, he says, “I hope so. There’s a lot at stake here, Landon, and some damage can’t be undone.”
I can’t help but laugh bitterly at him telling me that. “Yeah, Dad. I know.”
Chapter Fifteen
Parker
Once the popcorn is salted and evenly distributed between two bowls, the candy open and waiting on the coffee table, and a bevy of beverages lined up and waiting for our greedy consumption, we are finally ready for family movie night to begin.
Well, mostly.
Landon isn’t here.
He was supposed to be, of course.
His attendance was the single most important part of family movie night.
But we’ve waited twenty minutes past when the movie was supposed to start, and he still isn’t here.
I wish I could say I’m surprised.
Mom isn’t surprised, either, but she isn’t as disappointed as Hayden and I are. Now we can all have a relaxing night and not have to worry about Landon’s antics.
“What are we watching?” I ask, sinking back into the comfy couch cushions with my green bowl of popcorn.
Mom and Hayden are on the middle couch together with their blue bowl. “I’m not sure yet,” Mom says, glancing at Hayden.
Hayden checks his phone one more time, then sighs. “I hadn’t decided yet. I was going to ask Landon what he wanted to watch. Since it’s just us, I suppose you girls will have to weigh in. I’ve narrowed it down to Goodfellas or The Departed.”
“Oh, good choices,” Mom says, impressed.
I grab a couple of pieces of popcorn. “I don’t think I’ve seen that second one.”
“Really?” Hayden asks, eyebrows rising. “Well, that’s what we’re watching, then. I have to educate you.”
“What’s it about?”
“Illegal things,” Mom answers.
“Don’t get enough of that at work, huh?” I tease.
“I’m a man of many interests. Illicit activities happen to be among them.”
Like father, like son, I guess.
I smile faintly as Hayden fires up the massive television in the living room. “I still think we should do this in the media room. That’s literally what it’s for,” he says.
That was the original plan, but we were waiting for Landon downstairs on the couch. We waited so long, Mom suggested we just stay down here to watch the movie.