A Guest In Her Home

Brandi slumps in the leather chair across from her mom’s desk, still wearing her school skirt, legs crossed tight. She came straight from being sent home early and she’s already bored out of her mind. Maureen keeps typing, pretending she doesn’t notice the silence getting louder. “You could at least look at me,” Brandi says. Maureen’s shoulders stiffen, but she keeps her eyes on the screen. Brandi rolls hers. Another day of watching her mother fold under pressure. The door swings open. Ava steps in—blonde, chest spilling from a low-cut blouse, confidence thick in the air. Her gaze lands on Brandi first and stays there. A slow smile pulls at her mouth. “Well. Who’s this?” Maureen jumps up too fast, voice soft. “This is my daughter, Brandi.” Ava’s eyes don’t leave Brandi’s body. “Pretty name for a pretty girl.” She moves closer, the scent of her perfume hitting warm and sweet. Brandi glances at her mom, waiting for the usual push-over line that never comes. Maureen just stands there, fingers twisting together. “Family meeting in my office?” Ava asks, tone cooling. Maureen’s face drains. She starts apologizing, words tumbling fast. Ava cuts her off. “I don’t keep people who bring their problems to work.” The threat hangs there, sharp. Maureen’s mouth opens, closes. Then it spills out—weekend plans, anything to keep her job. Ava’s smile returns, wider now. “You’re offering the girl?” She looks Brandi over again, slower this time. “Done.” Brandi’s stomach drops. She stares at her mom, waiting for the joke that isn’t coming. Maureen won’t meet her eyes. The quiet stretches, heavy. Ava’s already reaching for Brandi’s bag like it’s settled. Brandi stands, jaw tight, heat rising under her skin. She follows Ava out, the door clicking shut behind them, leaving Maureen small behind the desk.