Free Freeform by Xavier Neal

me.”
     
    “ Hate is a strong word.”
     
    My argument turns her head and grabs the attention of my aunt, my uncle, and a strange man I can only assume is going to attempt to take my father's place.
     
    It's not something he should bother trying.
     
    “Oh my,” her voice cracks while her eyes watch June and I travel to seats opposite of my aunt and uncle.
     
    June bumps into the chair I'm trying to pull out for her. “Ou...”
     
    I quietly whisper, “You okay?”
     
    She nods away her embarrassment.
     
    My mother shifts in her seat, her quivering hand slightly blocking her scarlet painted lips.
     
    She looks like a high class escort with all that make up. She should wear less. She used to wear less. Dad liked her natural look. He loved to see the actual elegance of her without the false and unnecessary coating from layers of makeup. He taught me to appreciate the true grace in a woman's vulnerable exposure. Dad used to say when a woman lets you see what she naturally looks like in the morning, she's given herself completely to you. I've had many women in my expeditions, many claim they're all mine, many willing to marry me and offer their life to me, yet I was never given the simplest chance to admire them in their most bare beauty.
     
    After she draws in a calming breath, she states, “You're...you're...you're actually here.”
     
    “I am.”
     
    “In the...in the flesh.”
     
    “Decorated, but still mine nonetheless.”
     
    She gives June a startled glance. “And you brought a date?”
     
    “That's just June,” Aunt Brandi brushes off. “She's nobody important. Just my assistant. You've met her before.”
     
    Hearing the words irks me more than expected. “That's where you're wrong Aunt Brandi. June is something special.”
     
    June shakes her head and whispers to me, “I'm really not.”
     
    “You really are.”
     
    She shakes her head again and denies to me, “I'm not,” and then quickly to my mother, “I'm-I'm-I'm really not. It's okay you don't remember me. I'm not- I- I probably wouldn't even remember me.”
     
    My hand lands on her thigh preparing to continue this argument despite where we are.
     
    She has to eventually see how amazing she is. Maybe that's why Fate smashed us together. So I could show her that.
     
    Her hand lands on top of mine at the same time Aunt Brandi clears her throat, a mischievous grin growing. “It was my mistake, Tucker. She is very important, especially for the next few weeks.”
     
    The stern look slumps June into her seat.
     
    Don't give me that look. I can't stay just to make June look good in my aunt's eyes. Hey- Just give me- Fine. I'll figure something out! I'll find a way so my leaving doesn't ruin June's career, alright?
     
    “I'm...surprised to see you,” my mother cautiously continues. “I mean in person instead of on a phone screen.”
     
    I try to offer her a less painful smile.
     
    Skype chats don't require me to be in the same room with the person who blew off my father's death like it was a pet dying rather than an actual person. Doesn't require me to stare into the blue eyes I was given, for longer than a few seconds.
     
    “David Stintson, I'd like you to meet my son Tucker.” Her tone immediately softens, admiration and warmth so overwhelming, it churns my stomach. “Tucker this is my fiance, David.”
     
    How can she sound so happy to be with a man who isn't her soul mate? Who isn't the man who helped birth her fucking son? How can she sit there smiling like he’s some reward from Fate rather than the consolation prize he actually is?
     
    Salad is placed in front us. Without making eye contact to the man sitting where my dad always refused, I manage to muster up, “Hello.”
     
    “Hey!” The enthusiasm in his voice is also nauseating.
     
    He didn't just win a Nobel Peace Prize for getting to meet the son of the woman he's banging.
     
    “It's nice to finally meet you, Tucker. Your mother's told me so much