Page 109 of Voices

Opening the camera, I hand him my phone. “Can you take a picture of me, please? Shane wants to see me in a suit, but I don’t know how to take a selfie without missing half my face.”

He laughs. “Oh, sweet baby child, the things I need to teach you! Of course. Go stand over by the window.”

I walk over to the window and stand feeling awkward, not sure what to do.

“Relax, baby. Look out the window. Okay now put your hands on the windowsill.” I hear the fake shutter sound a few times. “Alright, now stay in that position but look at me. Oh my God! Yes! He’s gonna love that one! Now stand facing me and put your hands in your pockets. Perfect!” He does a few more poses before handing my phone back. “If those don’t get him hard he’s not worth keeping.” David laughs to himself as my mother comes storming in.

She’s in a floor-length cream-colored gown with gold accents and jewelry. Her hair is pinned to the side with blonde waves cascading down her shoulder. Her makeup is dramatic but not overly done.

She’s beautiful.

But I could never say that to her. She’d think I was mocking her then she would make David and Sasha redo everything.

“Charles, Ashley will be here any minute. You need to be downstairs to greet her and her parents. Benjamin is already here with his girlfriend, so I need you standing next to him as guests arrive.” She opens the door and motions for me to leave. “And no phones.”

I look back at David and mouth ‘thank you’ to which he winks. Moving quickly past my mother, I rush up the stairs to put my phone in my bag after sending the photos to Shane. I hurry back downstairs and down the hall where I can hear voices. As I get closer, I see my father at the start of the “greeting” line, my mother next to him, and then Benji with Katie on his arm. I huff as I take my spot next to her.

“Fancy meeting you here,” she says with a fake smile. She leans back and looks around. “Where’s your boyfriend? Didn’t want daddy finding out about him?” She has an evil glint in her eye.

I ignore her and focus on the door. A few minutes later a tall brunette in a form-fitting dark blue dress walks in. She smiles as my father hugs her. I see him whisper something in her ear that has her eyes shooting to mine. I swallow hard as I turn my head forward and wait for her to approach me.

She walks past me but does a spin and ends up right next to me. Her perfume causes me to cough at the strong scent.

“Nice to see you again, Charlie.” She turns to look at me, but I keep my head forward. “Your father tells me I need to keep you busy tonight. Any ideas on what we could possibly do?” She runs her fingers over my belt, causing my stomach to flip.

I grab her hand and look in her dark brown eyes. “Don’t fucking touch me,” I seethe quietly. “I’ll introduce you to all the big shots and dance with you until dinner, then you’re on your own.” She raises a sculpted brow. “I don’t give a fuck what you do afterward, just leave me alone.” Dropping her hand, I turn and face forward once more.

“I’ll take that deal but if you’re caught doing something you’re not supposed to, that’s not on me.” She turns, whipping my arm with her hair.

I’m so ready for this to be over.

I lead Ashley around the room, her arm through mine, as I introduce her to anyone who might take an interest in her modeling career.

By the time dinner is being served, I’m five drinks in. I need some food before I drink anymore or I’m going to pass out.

The servers come out with trays loaded with plates with traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I lick my lips and place a napkin on my lap as I wait for my plate.

Only it doesn’t come.

Benji and two other guys with their dates are sitting with us as plates are set in front of them. I look around at the other tables and notice a handful of us don’t have plates. Another wave of servers comes out but I can’t tell what’s on the plates only that it’s not the same food.

My appetite goes out the window as one of the servers sets my plate down in front of me. A deep pink piece of meat with a bone sticking out is sitting on top of yellow potatoes.

I poke the meat, but I have no idea what kind it is. I push it off the potatoes but see that the juice from the meat has covered them. Picking up a baby carrot coated in some glaze, I take a small bite and immediately fight the urge to gag. I use my napkin to discreetly spit it out. The lingering heat from the spices makes my tongue numb.

When I can feel my tongue again, I notice everyone at the table is staring at me.

“What?” I look around the table at their stares.

They shake their heads and go back to eating. Except for Benji.

“Why do you get lamb chops? I’d rather have that than this.” He points to his half-finished plate with his fork.

I shrug. “I don’t know. I don’t even eat meat. I could eat more from your plate than I can from mine.”

He reaches over and stabs the lamb chop, bringing it to his plate. I look down at my pathetically small plate and push the potatoes around. The smell of freshly made bread taunts me as Ashley rips her roll in half.

“Can I have the other half of your roll,” I ask her.

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