Free Lucky 13 by Rachael Brownell Page B

“I didn’t know you were home. I need to speak with you.”
    “I’m working on my homework right now.” A lie. I was lying on my bed staring at my ceiling, thinking about Grant.
    “Dinner will be ready in an hour. I expect you to be finished so that we can talk.”
    “Yes, sir.” I turn to head back to my room when I hear him clear his throat. “Is there anything else?” I ask, turning back toward him.
    “No. It can wait.” He turns and disappears into the living room before I have a chance to respond. He always has to have the last word. It’s almost as if it’s a personal challenge for him.
    Eloise knocks softly on my door exactly an hour later and announces that dinner is ready. Marking my spot, I toss the book I was reading on my bed and head downstairs for what will surely be the most interesting meal I’ve had in weeks. I can’t imagine that my father is going to confess his sins over meatloaf. I could be wrong, but knowing him, more than likely not.
    “Father,” I state dryly as I enter the dining room and take a seat as far from him as possible. My place setting is to his left but when Eloise sees that I won’t be sitting in that chair, she rushes to move everything before serving my father and then me.
    I begin eating before she’s left the room, knowing that my father won’t talk about business with her around. I eat as quickly as I can, hoping to escape sooner rather than later, when I remember that I need to ask him about the football game tomorrow.
    “I’ve been invited to the football game tomorrow night by a friend. I wanted to check that it would be okay if I went.” I avoid eye contact as I wait for his decision.
    “We have plans tomorrow night. There is a social engagement at the Foundation that you will need to attend. Black tie. Please make sure that you dress accordingly.”
    “Since when?” My eyes flick to his. Big mistake. I know better than to question my father. Ever.
    “Since last week. We leave at seven sharp so make sure you are ready on time.” There’s an edge to my father’s voice that I’ve come to learn is only present when he’s close to his breaking point.
    I nod my head in acceptance of his orders. “May I be excused?”
    “There’s one other thing we need to discuss, Madison. I would like you to reconsider transferring the house to me.” Straight to the point. My father never was one to tip-toe around an issue.
    “I’ll consider it.” Standing, I wait for my father to grant me permission to leave. For a moment, as we stare at each other, I wonder if his intentions are pure. Does he really want the house for himself or is he only after it for the money? Either way, I won’t be handing it over without a fight.
    Libby is disappointed when I call her and tell her that I won’t be able to go with her to the football game. She makes me promise to go to the next one with her, and I do. It’s a promise that I hope I can keep.
    I text my father the following morning to let him know that I will be driving to Raleigh to shop for a gown for the event. He needs to contact the school to let them know that I won’t be there. If it wasn’t for that, I would have gone without letting him know. I want to keep my contact with him as minimal as possible until my birthday. After that, I don’t need to listen to anything he has to say anymore. I will legally be an adult and able to make my own decisions.
    Libby starts blowing up my phone with text after text before first period even begins. I’m already on the road to Raleigh so I call her to let her know where I am. She begs me to turn around and come back for her. Shopping with Libby would be fun but unproductive and I’m stretched for time as it is. If I went back for her, I would lose over an hour and miss my hair appointment. I can hear her pouting on the other end of the line as I hang up, the warning bell ringing in the background. She’s going to be late.
    Eight hours later, I’m back home, my dress