Backed Into A Corner

[Avery's POV]

When I get home, I find my stepfather alone in the living room, and by his demeanor, it is clear that he was waiting for me. The usual stench of alcohol is a lot stronger, and the eyes that take me in are bleary. Whatever the hell was bothering him was serious, and I was half tempted to turn and head out of the house again.

Immediately, I go on alert as I stop in place and wait for him to deal whatever blow he is about to deal.

"Avery," he begins, speaking gently as if he actually cared. "I've been waiting for you."

"I figured," I respond, narrowing my gaze. "What do you want?"

After the day I had, I wasn't in any mood to pussyfoot around with this man. I wanted him to tell me what the hell he wanted so I could go see my mother, shower, and then go to bed since I would have to get up early to start job hunting.

"How's the new job?" He asks, causing me to go on high alert because of his sudden interest. "Are you liking it?"

"Fine. It's a job," I respond slowly.

"And the p