Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
“Wolfgang, it’s rude to say such things to people,” Cynthia said to chastise him, but she didn’t bother to apologize for her son’s behavior, which spoke volumes about her opinion.
Dex felt so damn small and inadequate. He came here to help Hammer make a good impression yet was fucking things up regardless of his choices.
Hammer cleared his throat. “I don’t see an issue with people eating their meal however they feel most comfortable.
“Maybe if you sit on the sofa on your own. If there’s company, people will judge your manners,” Peter said, glancing to Wolfgang, as if this was a teaching opportunity.
“People who judge you over something so silly are not worth being around,” Hammer answered. “What matters is how you treat others, not whether you know which fork to use when eating fish.”
“Rules exist for a reason,” Peter insisted.
Dex swallowed, glancing at his cutlery. “But this is the right fork? It’s okay, your parents clearly know more than me about these things. I’m happy to be instructed.” Happy was one word for it. Miserable and dumb would have been much more fitting.
“Some rules are just about filtering out who you associate with, though, and don’t have any practical value,” Hammer said before looking up at Peter with a tense smile.
Dex followed how everyone else ate as he put food in his mouth, but still wanted to join the conversation to praise Hammer and show him in a good light. “And it’s not like Ham—Florian doesn’t follow any rules. He can be quite strict about certain things. He never eats his food out of plastic. Even if it’s a TV dinner, he’ll put it on a plate. He always uses condoms too.” The last one wasn’t true, but was sure to appeal to these rule-abiding people.
Cynthia’s fork fell onto her plate with a loud clatter as she placed her hands on both of Wolfgang’s ears. “This is not a topic to discuss around a child,” she whispered, going red.
Dex’s brain felt like a pulsing mass, and he choked out, “Sorry I—”
Peter raised his hands. “Maybe let’s just focus on food for now, and then Wolfgang could play the piano for us?”
Dex nodded. He nudged Hammer’s foot in a silent apology.
Cynthia rubbed her forehead, ignoring Wolfie’s inquisitive gaze. “That’s a fabulous idea. Do you still play?” she asked Hammer.
Dex choked on a piece of fish. Hammer? Playing piano? What the hell?
He did his best not to spit his meal out, but his eyes watered so hard he had to rub them with a napkin.
Hammer shrugged. “You know I never liked it.”
“And that’s how you end up with the kind of company you keep,” Peter said.
“Maybe I should show myself out, if I and my company aren’t wanted here?”
Dex’s heart sank. “I don’t know much about the piano, but I’ll happily listen to Wolfgang play.”
The kid sat straighter, beaming. “Yes, please stay. Mommy, I’ll even skip dessert if need be!”
Cynthia sighed, closing her eyes for a few seconds. “Excuse your father, Florian, but you must understand why he is slightly agitated.”
“It’s Hammer.”
She stalled, only to correct herself while looking as if she’d been forced to swallow a frog.
“Let’s go to the living room then,” Peter said, finishing his pasta.
“So what do you do, Dex, apart from riding bikes?” Cynthia asked, downing her glass of wine.
Dex slouched, shoveling the last bits of pasta into his mouth. “Oh, I work at my uncle’s junkyard. It doesn’t sound like much, but I get to drive a forklift, a truck, use this massive cement mixer, and my uncle is teaching me welding.”
Finally, he seemed to have caught a glimpse of interest from the kid. “Have you ever driven a digger?”
Dex grinned once he swallowed the last bit of food. “Hell yes! I was using the bucket and everything.”
“We can take you to Diggerland for your next birthday,” Cynthia said, leading the way out of the dining area once everyone finished eating.
The kid jumped with joy before sprinting down the hall, through an arch, which revealed similar decor to the one that had surrounded them during dinner. Only this time, pictures of landscapes and seascapes hung on the wood-paneled walls instead of still life. The living room was almost as big as Frank’s entire home, with a luxurious sofa and a grand piano on one end.
Dex squeezed Hammer’s hand as the boy set up in front of the instrument. “They’re a bit grumpy, but still happy to see you,” he whispered.
Hammer didn’t seem as enthusiastic and shrugged. “Are they?” he whispered when his younger brother leapt onto the stool in front of the keyboard, uncovered it and started playing with a skill Dex had not expected from a child this young.
Dex’s eyes went wide, and for a moment he listened in amazement. “Did he compose it too? He’s so talented.”