Chapter 5 - Confrontation in the Sun
The entire Parker family froze.
"Audrey, stop playing games," Trevor said, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "This isn't funny anymore. You cut off the cards? You canceled the rooms? We don't have anywhere to go!"
"Oh, so you don't find it funny?" Audrey asked, tilting her head. "That's strange. Yesterday, you told me that leaving me alone in the lobby while you enjoyed champagne without me was a joke. You told me not to make it a 'whole thing.' I’m just following your lead, Trevor. I thought this was our new family sense of humor."
Diane stepped in, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Audrey, you are being incredibly petty! It was a harmless prank! We were going to come back down for you. You are ruining a milestone anniversary over your own insecurity!"
Audrey turned her gaze directly to Diane. The older woman actually flinched at the sheer coldness in Audrey's eyes.
"Diane, I paid for this entire trip. Every flight, every room, every meal. I did it out of respect for the forty years you spent married to Russell. But yesterday, you posted a picture captioning it 'The whole family together at last' while I was downstairs handling your bags. You made it very clear who you consider family. And since I am not part of it, I see no reason why I should finance it."
"Audrey, let’s go somewhere private and talk," Trevor pleaded, noticing that other guests were beginning to stare. "We’re a team, remember?"
"A team?" Audrey laughed, a sharp, clear sound. "A team doesn't let one player carry the financial weight of an entire family while being treated like an uninvited ghost. For years, I have paid your debts, bought your mother's gifts, and funded your sister's lifestyle. And yet, I am still the outsider who 'doesn't know how to build a home.' Well, you're right. I don't know how to build a home with people who don't respect me. So, I’m dismantling it."
"You can't just leave us stranded here!" Brooke cried out. "We don't have the money to pay for five-star suites on Amelia Island!"
"Then I suggest you find a lovely three-star motel inland," Audrey said politely. "I hear there's a lovely holiday inn near the highway. Now, if you'll excuse me, the sun is beautiful today, and I have a poolside cabana waiting."
She turned her back on them and walked away.
May you like
"Audrey!" Trevor yelled, trying to follow her, but two large, sharply dressed resort security guards smoothly stepped into his path, blocking his way with polite but immovable firmness.
"Sir, please settle your outstanding balance and exit the property," one of the guards said.
