Garrison was set on dragging me along, determined to show off just how perfect and happy his family was. He never missed a chance to pull me into their little circle, as if wanting me to drown in it with them.
I looked up at him. “Garrison, I’m alone in this world. I don’t have a family.”
His face twisted for a second with awkwardness, maybe even a little shame. I let him sit with that before I kept going.
“My family is gone. You knew that, didn’t you?”
“And about the Charles family... Why would I take part in a family meeting in a place where I don’t even have my own room?”
That shut him up again, but he still tried to put on a good show for Claire. “Lambert, Dad was just angry when he kicked you out. Don’t be upset. We’re still family, no matter what.”
I let out a cold laugh. Now we were family? I wondered what he called it when he shoved me off that boat.
“Garrison, maybe you should remember some of the things you’ve said before. I haven’t forgotten any of it.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the air. Garrison looked uneasy, and Claire decided I was the problem.
“Lambert! That’s enough!”
I looked at her, feeling the disappointment settle in. She always took Garrison’s side.
“Fine. You all enjoy your family talk. It has nothing to do with me.”
I’d had enough. I turned to leave, but Claire’s voice, sharp and low, stopped me.
“Don’t move! I didn’t say you could go. Where do you think you’re going? Come back.”



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