Page 27 of Monochrome Without You
I watch her go, knowing she’s wrong.
She’s not even close.
***
“I’m heading out,” I say, sticking my head into my dad’s office.
The old man barely glances up from his computer screen, a cigar wedged between his teeth. The fading afternoon light casts deep lines across his ruddy face, making him look even more haggard than usual.
“Didn’t realize you were in today,” he grumbles. “Thought you’d be with Tate.”
“Jules had plans with him,” I lie smoothly. I hate lying, but it’s easier than telling him the truth. Easier than letting him know Tate got into a fight. That he’s struggling. That he wanted to stay with Jules instead of coming with me.
Dad would use that information like a weapon. He always does.
“About time she acted like a mother,” he huffs, standing from his chair.
I bite down on the inside of my cheek, keeping my expression neutral. “I’ll see you Monday.” I start to back away, ready to escape before this conversation turns into something worse.
“Wait,” he calls out.
Damn it. I should have just left without saying anything.
“We need to go over last quarter’s numbers,” he continues.
“Can we do that next week?” I ask. “I have… plans.”
His bushy gray eyebrows lift with interest. “You and Susan grabbing drinks?”
I don’t answer, but that doesn’t stop him from launching into a speech.
“Now, that’s a woman who can help you reach the top, Corbin,” he says, his tone approving. “Hardworking. Always on time. Organized. Neat.”
And completely uninteresting. But I keep that to myself.
“Susan and I are just co-workers.”
Dad scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. “Take her out. Have a good time. It’s been a while since you played the field. Don’t you think it’s time to enjoy some pussy again?”
My stomach turns. My ears burn. He’s always been crass, but it never gets any easier to stomach.
“After your mother,” he continues, his mouth twisting into a cruel smile, “I couldn’t get out there fast enough. Couldn’t believe what I was missing out on.”
I swallow hard. I remember those nights. The walls were thin, the women loud. Even with a pillow over my head, I could hear it all. Eventually, I started sleeping in the basement just to get away from it.
“I have things to do,” I say, keeping my voice even.
His laughter follows me down the hall. “Have fun, son.”
I don’t look back.
I push through the glass door and step into the cool afternoon air, gulping it in like I’ve been underwater too long.
My phone buzzes.
I check the screen before answering.Jules calling. Something that feels a lot like hope stirs in my chest as I answer. “Hello?”
“Hey, Dad!” Tate’s voice bursts through the line, bright and excited.
