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.

deal with their charades was exhausting. There were times when Rita had to put up

thought of 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?

longer feign ignorance after seeing Sadie’s attempts at reconciliation. He set down his cutlery and

I just tell you to call her down to have a meal together? Why do you always have to

ears. “What did I do this time? I was just standing outside her room!

She didn’t do anything at all. Come on, Dad, let’s enjoy

Rita didn’t do anything? I know things haven’t been easy for you because you’re not my biological daughter, but I’ve vowed to treat you as my own from the day

mouth and attempted to mediate

time. They’ll move on soon enough. This

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 know that spoiling a child isn’t

stranger saw us like this in