Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 41

“Here, have a drumstick, son–in–law.” Her mother beamed as she reached across the table, piling food into Theodore’s plate with the serving fork.

“Oh, no, really, please–let Dad have it. Today’s his special day.” Theodore politely angled his plate away from her insistent hands.

Emma couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. Theodore didn’t even like her family’s cooking!

He had a thing for spicy food–just not the greasy kind. And this chicken, pale and swimming beneath a layer of fat, checked every box of what he hated most.

But her mother’s enthusiasm was a force of nature–good intentions barreling forward, undeterred by the most polite refusals.

She kept ladling food onto his plate, cheerfully repeating it was with the “serving fork, serving fork,” as if that detail might make it more enticing. In no time, Theodore’s plate was piled sky–high.

Watching him, Emma almost felt sorry. The look on his face was a silent plea for help, but she could only think: serves you right!

Once, she would have quietly shifted some of his food onto her own plate, helping him out of a bind without anyone noticing. Today, though, she didn’t bother.

Eat it yourself.

Theodore shot her a few desperate glances, but Emma pretended not to see. He sighed, resigned, and began to nibble at the mountain of food, struggling with each

bite.

Then Gabriella started in. “Emmie, sweetheart…”

Here we go.

When her mom called her “Emmie,” it always meant she wanted something. And when the request was for Theodore, she’d always ask through Emma.

Her mother knew better than to complain directly to her son–in–law. Air grievances to the daughter, let the son–in–law overhear–that was Emma’s designated role in this family: the go–between, the tool.

“Emmie, darling…” Gabriella’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “We have some good news in the family!”

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Emma didn’t take the bait.

Good news in this house never involved her–unless it involved money.

When Emma didn’t respond, her mother pressed on, “Jonathan has a girlfriend now.”

Still nothing from Emma, but Theodore chimed in, “That’s wonderful news.

Congratulations.”

Emma smirked bitterly. Congratulations? And how much would a ‘congratulations‘ cost this time?

Gabriella’s face lit up. “Yes, we’re thrilled, but…” She hesitated, sighing, “Her family has pretty high expectations. They won’t agree to the marriage unless Jonathan buys a new house.”

“Another house?” Emma frowned. “Didn’t you buy this one for Jonathan to get married

in?”

Years ago, they’d used the excuse of buying her brother a wedding house to squeeze money from Emma–well, from Theodore.

Her mother looked troubled. “These girls nowadays…can’t please them. She won’t settle for a used house. She wants a brand new one, and she wants her name on the

deed…”

“So? What’s that got to do with me?” Emma cut her off. “I don’t have any money. Not a dime.”

Theodore started to speak, but Emma stomped hard on his foot beneath the table.

Her mother dropped the pretense, turning pleading eyes on Theodore. “Son–in–law, we wouldn’t ask if we had any other choice. Think of it as a loan. We’ll pay you back…”

“With what?” Emma snapped, cutting Theodore off again. “You going to sell your other daughter? Or should I break another leg for you?”

A loud bang split the air–her father had slammed his hand on the table.

After a couple glasses of whiskey, he was always ready to blow.

But Emma was angrier. She tossed her fork down. “Don’t bother slamming the table. Just hit me. Kill me and be done with it. At least then we’re all free of this mess!”

“You think I won’t?” Julian bellowed, grabbing his plate as if to hurl it at her. “I should have never had such an ungrateful daughter!”

Gabriella clung to his arm, begging, “Please, stop it! For Theodore’s sake, let’s not

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fight.”

Emma almost laughed. For Theodore’s sake? As if Theodore actually cared about

them.

Theodore reached for her shoulder, speaking gently. “Let’s just look at some places, all right? We’ll see-”

“There’s nothing to see!” Emma jerked away, standing abruptly, fixing her glare on her parents and her brother. “So, you’re getting married, is that it?”

Jonathan nodded, silent.

Chapter 42