Chapter 3

3

The next morning, I packed my things and moved in with my friend, Luke Finch.

He spent the whole morning bragging about his company's IPO, the projected stocks, and the massive payouts. I couldn't focus on a word.

I decided to go for a drive to clear my head.

I found myself drifting toward the hotel where I had held my wedding reception years ago.

Across the street, the same old hot dog stand was still there.

Everything in this neighborhood was the same, yet my life had turned upside down.

I bought a snack and sat on the curb to eat.

"Well, look who it is. Caleb, what are you doing squatting there like a bum?"

I looked up. Jude was walking toward me, holding the baby. My mother and Roxy were right behind him, dressed in expensive clothes.

I stood up and leaned against my car, watching them coldly.

"Caleb, are you so broke you can't afford a real meal?" Roxy asked, feigning concern.

My mother chimed in. "If you're unemployed, you need to do something. Jude's friend is looking for a mall security guard. Why don't you try out?"

I let out a sharp laugh. "I don't need your charity. Mind your own business."

I reached for my car door, and Roxy gasped.

"Wait, is this your car?"

Before I could answer, my mother scoffed. "Him? He couldn't afford a hubcap on a car like this. He probably can't even afford a bike."

She actually reached out and pulled me away from the vehicle.

"Don't touch other people's property. You can't afford to pay for a scratch."

She glared at me. "Jude is trying to help you find work, and you're being a brat!"

Jude stepped in again with that fake kindness.

"Hey, we're family. Let's not fight. Caleb, we're heading into this restaurant for lunch. Why don't you join us?"

Martha snorted. "Look at the rags he's wearing. The waiter would throw him out. He's just like his pathetic father―no class."

Roxy whispered, "She's right. How about I order a burger and bring it out to you?"

I smiled and waved them off. "No thanks. I feel like I'm about to throw up. Enjoy yourselves."

I watched them walk into the restaurant like they owned the place. Then, I got in my car and drove away.

The car was mine. I had saved for years to buy it as a surprise for my family.

Now, they didn't deserve to even sit in it.