The Daughter In the Corner

Party at the Roger’s

“Why do I not have any better dresses?!” Amara grumbled as she paced in front of the four cocktail dresses she owned.

Now that they had moved back to the estate and she now had a huge walk-in closet to fill, all of her clothing was consolidated in one small nook of the room. She took after her mother in that she hated wasting money and only bought the necessities. Many of the t-shirts she owned were freebies she got in school throughout the years. Afterall, it didn’t make sense for her to wear name brands when her pastimes were climbing trees or running on trails and even when she grew out of her tomboyish ways, she never had the need to change her wardrobe; but for the sake of image, she owned a few proper dresses for events.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have anything that would outshine Jenny. Resigned to that fact, she picked an elegant silver evening dress and decided to go for a different style from Jenny so at least they would both stand out in a different way.

After a simple nude makeup, she walked downstairs to face the music.

***

Dustin kept glancing at the doorway, impatient for Amara’s return. She seemed a little stiff; perhaps she was still living in the shadows of her past. He made a mental note to talk to her about it. He really hoped that his family… all of his family would get along. He wanted to ensure that his children took care of each other when he wasn’t around anymore.

Amanda had left the room earlier to check on the kitchen before the Sinclairs arrived so that only left Jenny and Dustin sitting next to each other on the sofa.

Jenny raised a brow when her father bowed his head and sighed. “Dad, are you okay?”

Dustin looked up. “Hm? Oh, yes. I am fine. I’m sorry. It’s been such a long day.”

Jenny smiled and patted his hand kindly. “That’s okay, Dad. Make sure you take care of your health.”

At that moment, Amara walked in.

“Amara!” Dustin beamed at his youngest. “Come, sit down next to me.” He patted the empty seat next to him.

Amara smiled and moved closer.

“Oh my, why are you wearing that?”

Amara paused and looked down at her dress with a frown. “Is something wrong with this dress?”

“It makes you look older. I’m surprised Amanda didn’t advise you on your wardrobe. Dad, how come you never pay attention to Amara’s attire? Instead of buying me dresses, you ought to buy her some.”

Amara blinked; her lips became a tight line as she fought to control her temper. Jenny’s words cut deep and reopened the wounds that apparently never disappeared.

Dustin frowned. “When did I…”

The doorbell rang at that moment cutting off his words.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair. Welcome!” the butler loudly announced their guests' arrival.

Jenny frowned and she looked at Dustin quizzically. “Sinclairs?”

Dustin nodded. “Yes, the Sinclairs are our neighbors in the countryside. They are here in the city for a short time for business, so I thought it appropriate to host them. You should get to know them. I hear there is a collaborative project going on between the Farley and Sinclair Groups.”

Jenny grimaced slightly. ‘Yeah, I know him more than I want to.’

Everyone walked out of the living room to welcome their guests in the foyer.

“George! Nina! Welcome to my humble home. Come in! Amanda is making last minute preparations. Dinner should be ready soon.”

George Sinclair smiled broadly and warmly shook Dustin’s hand. “Dustin! Thank you for having us over! It’s good to see you all again. And… is this your…” He paused and gestured towards Jenny who stepped forward and nodded politely.

“Hello, I’m Jenny Farley.”

Dustin smiled and made introductions. “Jenny is my daughter from my first marriage. And you all know Amara.”

George raised an eyebrow at Dustin and smirked. “So, the old rumors are true then?”

Dustin blinked once slowly in affirmation.

Nina cleared her throat and approached Amara to break the heavy mood. “Oh, darling! I haven’t seen you in ages! Look how much you’ve grown.”

Amara smiled weakly. She would have been happy, but Jenny’s earlier comment made her self-conscious. After swallowing hard she was able to muster out a polite response. “It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Sinclair.”

“Nina!”

Everyone turned to find Amanda hurrying out with a wide grin on her face. With a loud squeal, Nina threw off her husband’s hand and rushed into Amanda’s open arms and the two laughed as they hugged each other.

“My! You’ve added some chub around the waist! I like it!!! You were so boney before it makes for an awful hug! Now you can be my cuddle buddy!”

“Oh, Nina you old tease! I see you’re still as facetious as ever!”

Nina stuck out her tongue playfully and clung to Amanda’s arm, leaning her head on Amanda’s shoulder.

Nina was normally a cold calculating woman but ever since Amanda befriended her, her personality turned a full 180 but even that was exclusive to Amanda. Maybe it was Amanda’s way with people or perhaps they shared an intimate relationship in a past life, but whatever the case, Amanda had become the catnip to the sassy feline named Nina.

George rolled his eyes, already used to being discarded whenever Amanda was around.

Turning to Dustin he said, “The boys are coming separately. They should be here shortly.”

Dustin nodded. “Let’s catch up in the living room then. I have a bottle of good whiskey I saved for this occasion.”

“Oh yes!! Let’s!” George beamed at the idea of a good glass of whiskey. The adults left in pairs leaving Amara standing in the foyer with Jenny.

Jenny threw Amara a blank look before she followed the older generation.

Amara felt a twitch in her face muscle then realized she had been pursing her lips too tightly.

‘Why is she always trying to agitate me?’

She trudged to the living room when the doorbell rang once more. Amara turned around and shot to the front door before the Butler could reach it.

Pulling it open she was face to face with the Sinclair brothers.

“Derrick! Hunter! Welcome!”

The two men dipped down and gave her a quick squeeze.

“Hey, Amara! This is for you.”

Hunter handed her a small bag which she took gratefully.

“Aww, thanks!”

Just as Derrick was about to hand her his bag, he caught a glimpse of Jenny in the back in a stunning black dress that hugged her hips. He could hear Amara talking but nothing she said registered. All he could see was the blonde goddess before him and he desperately wanted to get closer to her.

“Derrick?” Amara followed his gaze and landed on Jenny. Suddenly, she felt like her world was crumbling down around her.

‘First dad… now she wants to steal Derrick too!? Hell no!’