I gave in, and I regretted it the moment I walked into that overpriced steakhouse.
The whole family was already there, sitting around a long, fancy table, laughing loudly like a scene from a show. My cousin Brandon, my biggest childhood bully, sat in the middle, grinning like he owned the place.
When he saw me, his smile widened.
“Look who finally showed up.”
Brandon leaned back in his chair, his voice loud enough to draw attention.
“Didn’t think you still remembered us, big man.”
I forced a small smile and tried to sit at the far end of the table.
Brandon raised an eyebrow.
“Nah, Robert. Someone’s already sitting there.”
I looked around. The only open seats were next to Brandon or his equally smug sister Melissa.
I reached for another chair, but Melissa rolled her eyes.
“That one’s taken, too.”
I stared at her.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
Brandon chuckled, leaned forward, and said, “Robert, this table is for close family. Find a seat somewhere else.”
A few people laughed. Not everyone, but enough to make my jaw tighten.
My mother looked uneasy, but said nothing. My aunt wore a smug smile. My uncle shook his head as if I were some kind of problem, and Brandon looked pleased.
I could have left. I probably should have instead.
I smiled slightly.
“Somewhere else, huh?”
I said, “fine, I’ll stay.”
I grabbed a chair from a nearby table and dragged it over, setting it just outside their main group. Technically part of them, but barely.
A waiter approached, looking confused, but I waved him off and ordered only a coffee.
Brandon and Melissa exchanged a glance, but stayed quiet.
Then their real reason for inviting me became clear.
I wasn’t stupid. They hadn’t come to reconnect.
They were here to show off.
Throughout the meal, they made a big show of acting rich.
“I’ll have the wag you,” Brandon announced loudly, snapping his menu shut. “And the lobster and drinks for everyone.”
He shot me a smug smile.
“It’s a special night after all. We should treat ourselves,” Melissa added.
“Get the best desserts, too,” my uncle said.
Plates and glasses kept coming and the total kept climbing. I stayed quiet, slowly sipping my coffee, watching with a calm expression.
When the food was gone, the glasses were empty and everyone leaned back looking satisfied.
The server came over and placed the check on the table.
$2,185.50.
He said it directly in front of me.
Brandon stretched and said, “You’ve got this right, Robert.”
Melissa laughed.
“Come on, that’s nothing for you.”
No one said a word. Every set of eyes was on me, waiting.
I let the silence stretch, then picked up the check, glancing at it as if the number meant something. A quiet, calm laugh slipped out.
Brandon frowned.
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