Chapter 17: Carter

##Chapter 17: Carter

"It's fine, Mom," I say soothingly through gritted teeth.

She nods, but her eyes dart around the spacious kitchen with its endless sea of white marble counters and stainless-steel appliances, checking to make sure nothing is out of place. Even though she's in the middle of preparing dinner, everything is perfect and clean. Wiped down and polished. As soon as she uses a spice, it's put away in the cabinet. As soon as she's finished with a dish or pan, it's washed and set back on its shelf.

How the fuck does a person live like this?

It makes me want to smash everything in my path just to tick my father off.

The back door slams and Mom flinches as the sound reverberates through the first floor. A fine tremble racks her hands as she brushes them over the silky material of her dress, making sure it's in place.

Heavy footfalls land with sharp clicks that echo against the polished marble tile in the hall.

I straighten my shoulders and pull myself up to my full height