The evening that changed everything was supposed to be a celebration of Kyle’s promotion to vice president of operations at our father’s company. My mother had spent days preparing—cooking Kyle’s favorite foods and decorating the dining room with congratulatory banners. I arrived early to help set the table and prepare the salad, hoping that contributing would help me feel more included in the family festivities. I’d picked up a bottle of Kyle’s favorite whiskey as a gift. Even though I was stretching my budget that month with the costs of settling into my new apartment, I wanted this evening to go well. I wanted to believe we could be a normal, loving family now that we were all adults.
The evening started pleasantly enough. My father opened an expensive bottle of wine, and my mother served her famous beef Wellington. Kyle seemed to be in good spirits, accepting compliments about his new role with his characteristic confidence that bordered on arrogance. He was already on his second glass of whiskey by the time we sat down to dinner, but that wasn’t unusual for him.
“To Kyle,” my father toasted, raising his glass. “Following in my footsteps and exceeding even my expectations. Harris Development will be in good hands with you at the helm someday.”
We all clinked glasses, and I offered my own congratulations. “The company’s lucky to have you, Kyle. Your clients at the Riverside project seem really happy with your work.”
Kyle nodded appreciatively. “Damn right they are. I turned that project around after Jackson nearly tanked it.”
The conversation flowed smoothly through the main course. My mother asked about my new position at the medical practice, though her interest seemed perfunctory. Kyle was already on his third whiskey when he started talking about his girlfriend, Megan, whom he’d been dating for about six months.
“We’re talking about moving in together,” he announced. “Her lease is up next month, and it doesn’t make sense to renew when she spends most nights at my place anyway.”
“That’s wonderful, dear,” my mother said, though I noticed a slight tightening around her eyes. She’d always been traditional about couples living together before marriage.
“Megan’s great,” I said, genuinely meaning it. I’d met her a few times and found her intelligent and kind. “She mentioned last time I saw her that she’s hoping we’ll come to her family’s lake house this summer.”
Kyle’s expression darkened slightly. “When did you talk to Megan?”
“We ran into each other at the grocery store last week,” I explained. “We chatted for a few minutes. She’s really nice.”
“What else did she say?” Kyle’s tone had an edge to it now.
I shrugged, not understanding his sudden shift in mood. “Nothing much. She mentioned something about your dad’s fishing boat needing repairs before you visit.”
“She should keep her mouth shut about my family,” Kyle snapped, cutting me off.
The table fell silent. My mother looked down at her plate while my father cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“Kyle,” I said carefully, “she didn’t say anything bad. She was just making conversation.”
“Last month, she had the nerve to say, ‘Our family is intense,’” Kyle said, his voice rising, “like her family is so perfect with her alcoholic uncle and shoplifting sister.”
“I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it,” my mother interjected, clearly trying to diffuse the situation, but Kyle wasn’t listening. The alcohol had lowered his inhibitions, and he was fixating on perceived criticism.
“And now she’s talking about us to you behind my back.”
“It wasn’t like that at all,” I protested. “It was just friendly conversation.”
Kyle scoffed. “Always so perfect, aren’t you, Stephanie? The doctor, the good daughter, everyone’s favorite.”
I almost laughed at the irony of him calling me the favorite, but I knew better than to point out the obvious.
“Kyle, I think you’re misunderstanding—”
“Don’t tell me what I understand.” He slammed his glass down, sloshing whiskey onto the white tablecloth. My mother flinched but said nothing.
My father finally spoke up. “Son, let’s dial it back. This is supposed to be a celebration.”
Kyle stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the hardwood floor. “I need some air.” He stormed out of the dining room toward the kitchen.
After an uncomfortable silence, my mother suggested we move to dessert. I offered to help clear the plates, using it as an excuse to check on Kyle and hopefully smooth things over.
I found him in the kitchen pouring another generous helping of whiskey.
“Kyle, I’m sorry if I upset you,” I said quietly, placing the stack of dinner plates on the counter. “That wasn’t my intention.”
He turned to face me, his eyes bloodshot. “You always do this—acting all innocent while stirring up trouble.”
“That’s not fair,” I protested. “I was just making conversation about Megan. I like her.”
“Well, keep your nose out of my relationship,” he snapped. “And stop trying to buddy up to my girlfriend to get dirt on me.”
“That’s not what happened at all,” I said, my frustration rising now. “Why would I do that?”
“Because you’ve always been jealous of me,” he said, taking a step closer. “Dad’s company, Mom’s attention—everything. You can’t stand that I’m successful while you’re still paying off student loans.”
His words stung because they were so opposite to reality. It was such a complete inversion of our family dynamic that I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.
“Are you serious right now?”
That laugh was the match to gasoline. Kyle’s face contorted with rage.
“Don’t you dare laugh at me.”
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