Chapter 2

2

I didn't want to sit with these weirdos anymore, so I went to the kitchen to help my mom.

As soon as I walked in, she tried to push me back out.

"Go talk to your aunt. I can handle the kitchen. I'm making all the dishes Tommy likes."

I frowned. "Mom, why are you making his favorites? I'm your son, remember?"

"Your aunt only visits once a year. After your grandparents passed away, she's the only family your father has left. I'm always here, I can cook for you anytime."

Fine. I hated them, but it was the holidays. I didn't want to make a scene for my parents' sake.

I looked at my dad and Silas chatting on the sofa and decided to let it go for now. But Beatrice's family had no intention of being civil.

When it was time to eat, Beatrice immediately started piling the expensive prime rib and lobster tails onto Tommy's plate.

By the time I picked up my fork, the meat dishes were almost empty. They were eating like they hadn't seen food in a year. I quietly put my fork down.

Beatrice finally spoke up. "Percy, are you still doing that coding stuff?"

Before I could answer, Tommy interrupted. "Being a programmer is hard work, Percy. Careful you don't end up bald like your dad."

I saw my dad's embarrassed smile and felt my blood boil.

"Being bald is better than being a freeloader who wears fake brands and eats like a starving animal because he can't afford steak at home."

My mom shot me a look, and I had to keep eating to hide my annoyance. Tommy dropped his fork and stared at me.

"You took the eighty-eight dollars from my dad's gift card, didn't you? Now you're talking trash?"

I laughed. "Your dad sent a hundred bucks total, and I grabbed most of it. This meal alone costs way more than eighty-eight dollars."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "We're family. Do you really measure family in dollars? You've become so shallow, Percy."

I thought to myself, "If you roll your eyes any further, you'll see your own brain."

"Auntie, your son brought up the money first. Don't get mad at me for doing the math."

Speaking of money, Tommy acted like he'd been struck by lightning.

"Uncle Arthur, Auntie, how much are you giving me for a holiday gift this year? Maybe two thousand each? We spent a lot on the wedding, and you guys didn't give much of a blessing then. This could make up for it."

Tommy actually held out his hand. Before I could say anything, he added another jab.

"And Percy, you're thirty. You're too old to be getting holiday money anyway."

He gave me a sly, smug grin.

"You really have no shame, do you, Tommy?" I smiled back fakely.

I had lost my appetite completely and went back to my room. If these people were my employees, I would have fired them long ago.

But they were relatives, so I had to endure it. Suddenly, my mom opened my door.

"Percy, would you mind moving to the guest room in the garage for a bit?"

My dad had renovated the garage into a small studio apartment for guests.

I was confused. "Why? Why should I sleep in the garage?"

"Tommy's wife is coming tomorrow. They need a place to stay, and your room is the nicest. Just for a few days, okay?"

"They're guests. We can't make them stay in the garage. Be a good son, and I'll make your favorite meal after they leave."

I was incredibly annoyed, but seeing as they were my dad's only relatives, I compromised.