I is for Indignation
Brian’s POV
Another holiday season and another family dinner. Tonight we dine with Jennifer.
It’s not so bad. Jennifer is a gracious hostess. Her home is stylish without
pretense and the conversation is lively. Jennifer happens to be a very
intelligent woman; Justin obviously takes after her. She sets a beautiful table
and is a very good cook. Another thing Justin inherited. Tucker surprised me,
he’s not just a pretty face. He and Jennifer are knowledgeable of local politics
and up to date with current issues. Even Molly is a delight to be around, when
she’s not trying to flirt with me. She’s harmless and it’s amusing how flustered
Justin gets when Molly lays the innuendoes on thick.
I don’t mind dinner at Jennifer’s house. It’s a relaxing, pleasant evening out.
*****
Justin’s POV
I hate this shit. I don’t understand why he puts up with it. I’m beginning to
hate the holidays when we’ve been summoned for the family dinner at Deb’s. It
never ends. One minute they love him, then next he’s the asshole or the fuck up.
They blame him for Gus being here and not JR. Can he help it if Lindsay decided
to fly in and not Mel? Of course not, but somehow they make it all his fault.
Does it ever occur to them how much they hurt him with their cruel comments? No.
Sometimes I find myself getting angry at him; I wish he’d stand up for himself
but it’s not my call. In some ways I understand why he stays silent. Suffering
in silence. But I don’t have to stay silent and I won’t. I won’t say anything in
front of him but I swear if they say one more thing…
*****
Brian’s POV
I know he hates when we go to family dinner at Deb’s. I can see it in his eyes.
He may be smiling on the outside but his eyes are shooting daggers. He wonders
why I put up with it, with the indignation. Why I won’t say anything.
Why should I, when he does it so much better than me.
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