The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Vince nodded in agreement.

Rita and Sadie soon took their places at opposite ends of the table. As soon as Sadie sat down, she lowered her head in dejection.

Vince asked casually, “What’s wrong? Did you have a bad night’s sleep?”

Tears welled in Sadie’s eyes as she lifted her head.

Rita could only marvel at Sadie and Karen’s increasingly dramatic performances. She felt that they ought to dabble in an acting career, as Sadie

would be able to make a name for herself and have an outlet to put those acting skills to good use.

Rita had to put up an act too if she

all that while reaching for her favorite dish. “It’s nothing, Dad. Rita doesn’t come back often, so let’s not dwell on it any longer. Let’s eat. You said you were hungry, didn’t you, Mom?

at reconciliation. He set down

down to have a meal together? Why do you always have to

nearly questioned her own ears. “What did I do this time? I was just standing

at all. Come on, Dad,

you because you’re not my biological daughter, but I’ve vowed to treat you as my own from the day your mother and I got married. The least I should do is make sure you’re being treated

in her mouth and attempted to mediate with

from time to time. They’ll move on soon enough. This is the sort

you trying to smooth things over?” Vince asked. “Your own daughter doesn’t even dare to m complain to me because you spoil Rita so much and shield Rita from the consequences. Don’t you

Sadie asked. “If a stranger saw us like this in public, they’d think I’ve done something