Chapter 26 - Reese

At some point tonight, I knew we would have to face my mother and stepfather, more so the former. While you’d think we could blend and hide amongst all the guests, I knew it was inevitable. Unless we found a group of athletes to stand with, I would stand out. It helps that I chose a sparkling red dress.

So I guess subconsciously, I wanted to stand out. I wanted people to take notice of us. Because despite that, Don feels inferior, like he needs to do things such as buy a new suit and rent that over-the-top jaguar; I am damn proud to be here with him. Bringing him tonight was my fuck you to my mother and a demonstration to all I decide who I date.

Growing up, I struggled with my self-esteem and put so much of my value on her praise. Dad and mamãe have always praised me and encouraged my aspirations, which should be a good thing and was. It made the fact that Mother rarely praised me more noticeable. Now that she’s got us in her sights, the little kid in me is curling up into a ball in