52 Reasons to Hate My Father Read Online Free PDF Page B

this is a bit much. His grin literally goes from ear to ear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an expression on his face before. In fact, I’ve seen him do so much scowling lately, I forgot he was even capable of smiling. And since when does Bruce ever notice my outfit, let alone comment on it?
    I warily glance down at my blouse and smooth out the hem. “Yes,” I reply guardedly.
    “Well, it’s adorable.”
    Adorable?
    “Thanks,” I mumble, placing my bag with Holly in it on the floor and sliding into the seat across from the desk. I’m careful to keep my eyes locked on Bruce. Just in case the alien inhabiting his body suddenly decides to break free and attack. “Someone’s in a good mood,” I point out.
    His grin broadens (if that’s even possible) and he sinks down into his chair and clasps his hands in his lap. “Today’s a good day,” he replies smugly.
    I nod, feeling the anticipation rise up inside me again. “It is.”
    For a moment, he doesn’t speak. He simply stares at me with that stupid grin on his face while he lightly twirls his desk chair from side to side.
    “So,” I prompt, eager to move this thing along and finish packing for Vegas. I can almost feel the check in my hand. See all those beautiful liberating zeros lined up across the page.
    “So,” he echoes back unassumingly. As if he doesn’t already know why I’m here. As if this isn’t the single most important day of my entire life.
    I fight back a groan. “So, what do I have to do? Just sign a piece of paper to say that I received it or something?”
    He raises his eyebrows inquisitively.
    “The check ,” I remind him, growing impatient.
    “Oh right,” he replies, his amused expression never fading. “The check.”
    It takes every ounce of strength for me not to roll my eyes and say “Duh!” Instead I offer him a tight-lipped smile.
    “Actually, it’s a bit more complicated than that.”
    “Okay,” I reply slowly. I don’t really remember Cooper saying anything about the process being complicated. But then again, he was so nonchalant about it. Infuriatingly so. I remember drilling him for hours the moment he got home, demanding to see the check and insisting he divulge every detail of the encounter. But he just kept shrugging and telling me it was no big deal. So I pretty much assumed that I would take a seat, sign a few documents, and that would be it. But then again, Cooper downplays everything. And I suppose when you’re dealing with a check that size, there’s bound to be a few legalities involved.
    I glance at my watch. “Well, do you know about how long it’s going to take? I booked a plane to Vegas tonight. Jia and T are throwing me a birthday party.”
    Bruce flashes me another smile, although this one is suddenly different. It’s almost condescending. As though he knows something I don’t and it’s going to bring him great pleasure to share it with me. “It might take a while,” is all he says.
    I’m not sure why, but there’s something in his tone that sends a shiver down my spine. And when I look into his eyes again, an unexpected feeling of dread suddenly settles into the pit of my stomach.
    Something is not right. Something is off. I can’t put my finger on what, exactly, but I can just feel it.
    “Bruce.” I pronounce his name vehemently. “What’s going on?”
    He leans back in his chair, like he’s getting comfortable for a long movie or something. “Well,” he begins in a light and friendly tone, “your father has made some adjustments to the arrangement.”
    “Adjustments,” I hear myself repeat, although my lips are growing numb so I can barely even feel the words form on them. “What kind of adjustments?”
    When he doesn’t answer me, my heart starts to thud in my chest and the dread in my stomach has now brewed into some kind of lumpy soup. “I’m still getting my check today though,” I press him. “Right?”
    Bruce’s mouth twists into a contorted, almost