Page 13 of Watch Her Bleed
Kaia simply pulls me away by the hand to put distance between us and him. When we get into the dining room, Mom and Dad look up at me as they are setting the table. “Aurora,” Mom says. “You’re late.”
“You said six. It’s six,” I say. “Can I help?”
“Yeah. Grab the silverware,” she says, frowning at me. I turn back to walk into the kitchen and Kaia walks with me. Enzo is leaning against the counter watching us without saying a word to either of us.
I look up at Kaia and she smiles. “What?” she asks quietly with her back to Enzo.
“You’re insane,” I whisper.
“Someone has to protect you,” she says softly. I smile weakly at her and we go back into the dining room. I hand the silverware to Dad and he still doesn’t say anything to me. Yeah, this is going to be a terrible evening.
“Sit,” Mom says as she takes the silverware from him. We all take a seat so that I am between her and Dad. When Dad stands up to go into the kitchen I know that was intentional. Enzo sits beside me and I glare at Kaia when she goes to say something.
“You start on Monday?” she asks, trying to break the silence so I can relax some.
“Uh. Yeah. I signed my contract today,” I tell her.
“What contract?” Dad asks, walking back into the dining room.
“For a job,” I say simply.
“Where?” he snaps at me. “Why didn’t you let me see the contract?”
“Because I know how to read,” I say flatly.
“Where?” he asks again.
“Russo Group Incorporated,” I say. “I’ll be an executive assistant to the owner's son.”
“Russo group?” Enzo asks, suddenly interested in the conversation.
“Yes,” I say.
“Which son?” Mom asks.
“Mattia,” I say.
“He’s supposed to take over, isn’t he?” Enzo asks.
“I have no idea,” I say honestly. “I’ve met Frankie a few times but I just met his sons today when I signed my contract.”
“Are they paying you well?” Enzo asks.
“Yes,” I say before looking over at Kaia. We are both incredibly confused about why they give a shit. They never care about anything I’m doing.
“How much?” Dad asks.
“$85,000,” I say.
“Not bad,” Mom says. “Benefits?”
“Oh yeah,” Kaia says, insinuating.
“Yes,” I say. “They seem to take care of their employees.”
“Good,” Enzo says. “They know about your blood sugar issues?”
“No,” I say. “I’m sorry… Since when do you all give a shit about me?” Kaia is wide-eyed for a second.
