Chapter 1
I bounced down the stairs that morning, feeling more excited than I could ever remember. Today was the day I’d start my career with Dad’s company, and I couldn’t have been happier. I stopped at the landing, checked my reflection in the mirror, ran my fingers through my hair, smoothed my skirt, and spun around before proceeding down the stairs. But as I approached the kitchen, I heard something that had become all too familiar recently—my parents were arguing again.
“Thomas, they’re a family of rednecks, for Christ’s sake. What were you thinking when you invited them here? Just think about what this will do to our reputation in the community!”
“Helen, they’re family. He’s my brother, for crying out loud. They’ve lost their home and almost everything they own. And besides, they’ll only be here for a couple of weeks at the most.”
I walked into the kitchen, and my parents didn’t say good morning to me or even acknowledge me. My dad stood with one foot resting on a kitchen chair, giving my mother the evil eye, his face beet-red. Mother sat at the table, her hair disheveled, her face cupped in her hands.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Mother’s head snapped up, and she stared at me, fire in her eyes. “I’ll tell you what’s going on. Your redneck uncle is coming to stay with us, along with his redneck wife, those misbehaved twins, and their slutty pregnant daughter.” She slammed her fist down hard on the table before looking at Dad with the evilest look I’d ever seen on her, and then she got up and stormed out of the kitchen. Dad blew out a loud breath, slowly shook his head, and rubbed at his eyes.
“Whoa, Dad,” I said, “I’ve never seen Mom that pissed off before.”
“Yeah, well, she’s being ridiculous. I’m just trying to do what’s right and help my brother. Is there anything wrong with that, Brea?”
I hadn’t seen my uncle and his family since I was thirteen. And although they were a bit on the rough side, they were nice people, and I was happy to hear they were coming over. But, wait, did I hear Mother correctly?
“Betty Sue’s…pregnant?”
“Yeah, I’m afraid so.”
Betty Sue and I were the same age, and we’d gotten along really well when we were younger. For some reason, the news that she was pregnant excited me, and I couldn’t wait to see her again. I suddenly realized it had been six long years since they’d visited.
“When are they coming?”
“They’ve been on the road for several days. They should be here this afternoon.”
I understood now why Mom was so pissed off. She hates surprises. After I poured myself a cup of coffee, I turned my attention to Dad, who was anxiously pacing around the kitchen. “Mom’s going to be okay, Dad. She’ll realize her mistake and apologize later, I’m sure.” I looked at the clock on the wall. “Shouldn’t we be going to work now? I don’t want to be late on my first day.”
“Well…about that, sweetie, you should probably stay here and help your mother around the house for a while, at least until Bob and his family get settled down in their own place.”
“But Dad—”
“Honey, please, do me this favor. I can cover your duties at the office for a while longer. Your mother’s already overwhelmed by Bob and his family coming here, and I’ve got meetings most of the day and can’t be here to help.”
I had been so excited about settling into my office and was disappointed. I suppose I could wait another couple of weeks. “Okay, Dad. But you’re still going to pay me.”
For the first time that morning, I saw Dad smile as he walked up and hugged me. “Thank you, sweetie. I owe you one. And yes, I’ll pay you.”
