arents commented on how quiet I was at dinner time. I just shrugged them off, not exactly knowin

sily planning for my 19th birthday. It had been a month ago, but she had w

l get-together at the house, just a few friends and the family. Bu

f time and money to my parents. I should have known better than to hope. But I had

to you! The least you can do is answer

nd blinked my thou

ught," I responded, knowing that it would

st rude. I taught you better t

dn't allow your mind to wander or interrupt and only to speak when spoken to and to sit quietly, patiently, and wait your turn.

't mean to ignore you. What wer

head and pulled back in a severe bun that sat flat against the back of her head. Not a single hair was out of place, proof that not even her hair would dare disobey her. The tight hair-do pulled her face back slightly. Or maybe it was her latest round of Botox; I really cou

me anyway, the beauty was hidden beneath too much make-u

for your birthday, maybe I should just cancel it. We won't e

being fine popped out. That would have

to welcome my new client and let them see me as a family man. Y

ht with a sigh. It was not about me, but my father's cli

eally want a birthday pa

eased by false pleading. Sh

was expected to fill them out and take them to the post office. My father sat back in pleasure as he listened to her, his business suit strained a bit at the seams over his ever-expanding stomach. His blond

mother's plans and smiled, trying to

'oeuvres, my mind wandered back to the guest. Or r

Jo

. There was no doubt in my mind that he was on the list. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing him a

ip of my water to wet my dry mouth. I shifted in my

si

er felt it this powerful before. I couldn't tell if I enjoyed it or if I h

you do to your hand

s. I smiled as I remembered the way Mr

Jones, our new neighbor," I explained

p playing in the kitc

w recipe that I wanted to tr

mattered t

moment she married my father 20 years a

. My parents would be next to horrified and would subject me

are of these things. But it was the type of thing that would cause my mother to press her lips in distaste and another lec

adies I knew, and I adored spending time with them. O

ductive. However, you need to be more careful. Me

fully, feeling a bit irritate

y now. But no matter wha