Chapter 29: Exchange of Taunts
I sat there, arms folded tight on my chest, spine straight as a rod, eyes squeezed shut, trying to block out the noisy buzz of the hotel restaurant. Sara's voice cut through it all like a damn megaphone and I took a deep breath, willing myself to relax. Low chance with her around.
"So, how are you doing these days, Aeri?" Sara asked, leaning forward over the table, her red dress rustling as she propped her chin on her hand. Her tone was casual, but it bugged me—she talked to Aeri on the phone damn near every week, so she already knew everything.
Aeri shifted beside me, her knee brushing mine under the table. "I'm good, good—just figuring out life as usual, hehe," she said, her voice light but edged with a tense smile.
"Oh, come on," Sara said, waving a hand like she was swatting away Aeri's words. "Get married already! You aren't even working, and this *baby* can take care of himself now—he's an adult." She jerked her head toward me, her lips curling into a smirk.
My nerves twitched hard, a jolt of irritation sparking under my skin. I shot her a glare, sharp and cold, my jaw tightening as I met her stare.
She made a face back—disgusted, exaggerated, her nose wrinkling like I was something she'd stepped in. I could feel the heat rising in my chest, but I forced it down, exhaling slow through my nose.
Stretching this out with her wasn't worth it—she'd just get louder, and I'd end up looking like the asshole. I leaned back in my chair, hands still folded, keeping my cool.
"Ahh... stop it, Sara," Aeri said, her voice softening as she looked down at the table, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass. "I don't want to get married yet—I'm a little confused still, you know? And more than that..." She paused, then turned to me, her hand clutching my arm in a warm, loving grip. "I love taking care of my baby." She brushed her fingers through my hair, messing up the neat way I'd set it earlier, her touch gentle and familiar. It got all tousled, strands falling into my eyes, but I didn't care—it was Aeri, and that made it okay.
I coughed, straightening up quick, brushing her hand off as I grabbed my water glass.