Page 11 of Feeding Hope
“We’re escaping Mom and her bullshit rules. You’re teaching Mom a lesson and putting Eddie in her place.”
Yup, not a surprise. “You’re very wrong. Eddie and Tony came to Mom and me today and asked to be sent to boarding school to get away from you. They’ve also requested that they go to Fanatic’s during vacations.”
Dante pursed his lips before breaking into a huge, beaming smile. He shot his fist into the air in celebration. “Yes! I won! When’s Eddie leaving?”
“Eddie’s not. You are.” I waited for my words to sink in.
“What?” Dante screeched.
“You’re out of control, thoughtless, uncaring, cruel and downright hateful.”
“So’s Eddie!”
“No. Not like you. Look how you just celebrated her wanting to leave home. Such a nasty reaction, Dante. You’re spiteful and indulged. That stops now,” I said firmly. Dante snorted.
“Whatever. You should let Eddie go; no one likes her,” he retorted.
“Actually, nobody fuckin’ likes you. Aria and Alyssa are heading out to different schools to get away from you and EJ. Eddie and Tony literally begged to attend boarding school. You’re the common denominator, son. And you’re fuckin’ vile. This is your bag; take it. By the way, your mom is researching boarding schools for you.” I dropped the bombshell as I shoved the backpack at him.
Dante was going to hate me by the end of the week, and somehow, I was perfectly fine with that.
Two hours later.
“You want me to do what?” Dante yelled, stamping his foot. I raised an eyebrow at the full-scale tantrum erupting from my youngest.
“Pick up the dirty glasses and cups and load the dishwasher,” I repeated calmly.
“What the fuck!” Dante screeched.
“Swear at me again, boy, and I’ll wash your mouth out with soap,” I warned.
“Fuckin’ try it!” Dante sneered.
Half an hour later
“Dante’s muttering about child abuse,” Ace said, sitting next to me at the bar.
“Yup, he’s still foaming at the mouth,” I agreed with a grin.
“There’s a bar of soap in the john with teeth marks,” Gunner announced, joining us.
“You’ll find they match Dante’s,” I replied, and Gunner grinned before his eyes tracked Dante sullenly picking up glasses.
“The fucker’s plotting your death,” Gunner muttered as he accepted a beer from Aaron. Aaron snorted and moved away, wiping the bar down.
Every so often, Dante picked up a glass and sent me a murderous look. He was definitely muttering under his breath.
“Kid’s mentioned child services,” Ace added, laughing.
“Shame Dante can’t call them because Phoe gave away his cell the other day when he was mouthy.”
“Damn! Phoe’s serious?” Gunner asked.
“Deadly. Dante’s lost two gaming consoles, phone, laptop and his entire Assassins collection. Phoe’s given everything to charity. Dante doesn’t give a shit because he thinks I’ll replace it all. He’s wrong.”
“How’s Eddie and Tony?” Gunner inquired quietly.
“Not good. Eddie was withdrawn when Dante and I left this afternoon. She and Tony were deadly serious about leaving, so they didn’t cause more upset,” I explained.
