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“But I didn’t invite Calvin,” I said. “Why would you bring him?”
I’d been clear when I told them about the wedding. My text said Calvin and I weren’t on good terms, but I still wanted them to join me.
And they just invited him anyway?
“Because he’s your brother,” Mom said.
“And I said no.”
Levi’s hand tightened on mine. “It’s our wedding day. We can do what we want.”
“I can’t believe you’re being so petty.” Dad shook his head.
“He sent you a gift.” She handed me a blue paper bag. I sifted through and only found a book inside.
How To Get Divorced.
“Is he serious?” Levi muttered.
“It’s more than you deserve, considering you didn’t invite him,” Dad said.
“Hefiredme.”
“He thought long and hard over that,” Dad replied. “And he had my blessing.”
“He bought the house across the street.”
“Only because you wouldn’t let him have the one he wanted. If you would give in, this wouldn’t be so hard on you.”
My anger and confidence faltered. I felt the same regret I usually did when I tried to put my foot down. I didn’t know how, but my parents always could prove to me that everything that happened was because ofmeand never because of him.
“Like I said”—Levi’s voice was low, showcasing a dangerous tone I’d never heard before— “it’s our wedding day. And I’m gonna ask that you have your attention on my wife and not her brother. Otherwise, I’ll ask you to leave as well.”
Mom’s jaw dropped. Dad frowned.
I never talked to them that way, and I could see Mom look at me as if asking if I was going to let my husband talk to them like this.
I knew I shouldn’t, yet I was angry.
Just like Levi said, this was mywedding day. Yet they weren’t trying to get to know the man who had his hand in mine, who I’d just joined my life to. They only cared about why Calvin wasn’t here.
“It’s my day,” I said quietly.
Mom shook her head. “Until you treat us like family, we’ll be elsewhere.”
Was I treated like family when I was fired? When Calvin tried to demolish a house just because I got this one?
I watched them go without saying anything, fists clenched.
“Have they always been like that?”
“Usually when I give in, it’s easier.”
“You shouldn’t have. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was your day.”
“For revenge, at least. I guess I can’t be too mad when we’re also doing this all for Calvin.”
Levi turned, his rage now directed at me. “I’mnotdoing this for?—”