Chapter 7
He looked at his mom- the woman who’d taught him to reason, to hold the line. Now she was spouting this
crap
with a straight face.
It hit Vance: this family had changed a long time ago.
Like when I’d fixed Faye a soda and come back to the bedroom soaking wet. Or the expensive pillows I got for the Lyons–next day they were on Sky’s dog bed. And Vance, he’d ignored how deep I was sinking in this mess.
Finally, Vance was done playing along. He turned to Faye, dead serious:
“Faye, I used to see you as a sister.”
–“0
Faye’s eyes lit up, but his next words iced her hopes: “But from now on, you’re not my sister. I’m cutting off all ties with you.“[]
He spun to face Nora and his dad: “If you keep enabling her, backing her… then Elise and I are done coming home.“]
Without another word, he walked off. Behind him, Faye and Nora called out in a panic, but he didn’t look back.
Vance’s heart was pounding. He checked his watch, gunning the car faster. Last time the wedding got postponed ‘cause Faye’s dog had a “medical emergency.” This time, nothing was gonna screw it up.
Fight then, Vance finally saw his own heart clear. When he was with me, things felt right–he just took it for granted. Thought I’d always be there, always waiting, ready to jump into his arms with a smile when he turned around.[]
But now, Vance was scared.]]
Ten minutes later, he burst into the empty banquet hall, panting. He almost collapsed, grabbing a server with shaky hands: “Where is everyone?“[]
The server jumped at his face: “Sir, the bride never showed up! We thought it was strange. Groom never showed either. Guest area’s empty!“]]
“Where are the bride’s family and friends?” Vance pressed.]
The server shook his head: “No sign. But a guy came by, said he was a friend, paid the deposit and left…“[]
Vance’s hands trembled as he dialed my number, but it went straight to voicemail. He lit a cigarette, trying to calm his nerves.
Then he saw it—the endless line of luxury cars. The window of the front limo rolled down, revealing a profile just like mine.[]
