The humiliation burned, but I kept my expression neutral.
“Understood.”
I drove down to the gas station, used their facilities, bought some coffee, and sat in my car for a while thinking. Three years of working 60-hour weeks, building my expertise in property acquisition, learning the ins and outs of real estate law and investment strategies.
Also, I could afford to buy my own place and never have to depend on family charity again.
The irony was that I’d gotten so good at my job that I’d started making some investments of my own.
When I returned to the cabin around noon, Marcus and his crew were setting up what looked like a full weekend party. They’d moved furniture around, set up beer pong tables, and someone was attempting to install speakers on the deck.
The neighbors probably hated it, but the nearest house was a/4 mile away, so they were getting away with it.
“There she is,” Marcus called out when he saw me. “Ready to help us set up? We need someone to run to town for more supplies.”
I looked around at the mess they’d already created.
“Actually, I think I’m going to head home.”
“Probably for the best.”
Mom’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see her emerging from the kitchen, carrying a platter of sandwiches. She must have arrived while I was gone.
“This is really more of a celebration for people who’ve accomplished something.”
The comment hit like a physical blow here. I was having just closed the biggest deal of my career, and she was treating me like a charity case. But I’d learned not to argue with mom when she was in this mood.
Dad, I just nodded.
“I’ll grab my things.”
“What things?” Marcus laughed. “You slept in your car.”
More laughter from his audience.
I walked to where I’d left my overnight bag the day before and picked it up. As I headed toward my car, I could hear Marcus making some joke about family disappointments. That earned another round of chuckles.
I was almost to my car when I heard mom call out:
“Make sure you don’t come back until you’ve got your life figured out. We’re tired of carrying dead weight.”
I turned around to see her standing on the porch with Marcus. Both of them looking at me with expressions of disgust and disappointment. Marcus had his phone out, clearly recording. The rest of his friends had gathered to watch the show.
“I understand,” I said simply.
Then I got in my car and drove away.