Chapter 89

‘Hey, Dad,’ Ari answered, trying to keep his tone casual. Jay Moretti, not one to waste time with small talk, launched straight to the point. ‘When are you coming home?’ ‘I’m busy.’ ‘It’s your mom’s birthday in two weeks.’ Was that a hint of accusation in his voice that Ari detected? Ari remained silent, hoping his lack of response would end the conversation. ‘You didn’t come home for Christmas or New Year’s,’ Jay continued. ‘Are you going to keep running away from us?’ ‘Dad, I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. I can’t just drop everything.’ ‘Ariel, you can’t keep avoiding your family. She’s still your mother, you know. She’d want you at her birthday party.’ Ari’s lips curved in a self-mocking smile. ‘Are you sure she’ll be happy to see me?’ Jay huffed, the sound punctuated by the clinking of ice in his crystal glass. ‘Of course! You are her son, Ari. Her flesh and blood.’ Ari smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. ‘That doesn’t always guarantee a warm welcome in our family, does it?’