Page 21 of Breaking the Glass
“Goddamn it, Ash!” Malik shouts as Finny bursts out laughing.
“Whoops.” Ash grins, crossing his arms across his chest. “Don’t be a dick.”
Malik exhales slowly, anger dripping from his words as he says, “You aresolucky I’m feeling nice today.”
“Shut up. You and I both know you’re not going to do shit.”
“Only because I don’t want to right now, you little fuck.” Malik chuckles.
“Be downstairs on time, please.” I address the room, and they all nod in agreement, not giving me any peace of mind for their punctual arrival.
Ash meets my eye and nods, a gleam of sorrow in his gaze. I don’t know if it’s in sympathy for me having to go meet with our father and assistants. Or if it’s because he feels left out.
I nod back at him before retreating from the room, closing the door of our theater on my way out. I wish he could come with me, but he’s lucky he doesn’t have to. Even if he doesn’t realize that.
Trailing my fingers along the wall, I drag my feet down the long hall of our wing, already dreading the rest of the night, wishing I could just curl up in bed and block the rest of the world out.
Maybe even do a little drawing on my iPad—my escape from the world the last couple of years. I’m not Picasso or anything, but I enjoy it, and it’s not like I’m sharing them with anyone, so it doesn’t matter.
It’s just for me. Besides, I’m a much bigger appreciator of art than creating it.
But ignoring my responsibilities, unfortunately, is never going to happen. Not unless our father makes Asher the heirinstead of me. But Ash would reject it instantly. He has no desire to run the businesses or be the face of the family.
I didn’t grow up excited for the position exactly, but I knew it was either Ash or me, and I wanted him to get the freedom I never would. He’s my baby brother after all … even if it’s only by three months.
I do like the business side of things. It comes naturally to me. I don’t even think it’s the job lately that’s been so draining. I think it’s justlifeitself.
I don’t know how to fix it without punching my father in the face until he comes to his senses. But that would just be a temporary solution, and then I’d be left with bloodied knuckles and the same sense of dread I’ve been drowning in all along.
Throwing one door of the wing open, I sigh heavily and head downstairs to meet with my father, Maria, and Katie, his assistant.
This should be about as fun as a dentist appointment.
Just as I imagined, that meeting could have been a text message, telling me who to speak with, when, and about what. We basically covered an itinerary that I could have studied myself, without the look of disappointment in my father’s eyes hanging over me.
Walking out of his office, I come face-to-face with Adrianna, who is dressed for the evening, apart from her mask that’s dangling in her hand.
As an art appreciator, I can admire the work of her dress while simultaneously knowing I wish tonight would never happen and she wouldn’t have a reason to wear it.
“You look wonderful,” I say to her in passing, desperate for some fresh air before the night truly begins.
Maybe even a cigarette. I don’t smoke, but it sounds better than being sober. But I guess fresh air will do for now.
The sun is low in the sky, cascading colors of orange and red across the horizon. It’s beautiful, like art in real life. I already feel calmer after a few deep breaths, the cool evening air resetting my body.
A few staff members—a crew that tripled in size for tonight—are finishing setting up a flower display the size of a car in the west garden, complete with a water fountain that flows gently throughout it. I didn’t even know that was possible.
I’d hate to see the floral budget for this evening. Everywhere you look, there’s an elaborate bouquet or strewn petals or car-sized displays, and that’s not even talking about the decorationsinsidethe house.
This whole engagement party just seems like a waste of time and money since they’re not marrying for love but convenience. We don’t need this grand show to prove to the world we’re a happy family. A staged photo shoot and interview would do just fine.
I watch the staff race around, completing finishing touches on everything in the garden, frantic and stressed. I could go help them. I should. It’s what a good person would do.
But instead, I disappear inside my mind, reciting food in alphabetical order. Then animals. Then names, nouns, anything I can think of, until the sun disappears behind the horizon, and I have no idea how much time has passed.
“I thought I’d find you out here.” Ash’s voice sounds behind me, and I don’t bother turning as he walks up to me in his tux,leaning against the railing at my side that overlooks the west garden. “That bad, huh?”
I shrug, struggling to come back to reality. “It was fine.” I pick at the stone railing. “Didn’t need to happen. I think he just likes feeling in charge.”
