Episode 304: Outside

The pretty child wiggled in Justine’s arms, giggling and smiling under the sun’s warm rays. Justine smiled too. Truly believing Quentin had been wrong. That coming to the garden party wasn’t going to make her feel worse about her family situation. It’d make things better. She’d no longer be on the outside looking in.

They’d have to accept her life with Quent if she didn’t let them ignore it any longer. Of course, Addie had always accepted Quent and boldly defied daddy about it. And Bassie, well, she knew he thought Quent was a passing fad but he’d always supported her too albeit secretly so as not to disrupt the cash train. It was her mother and father that she had to soften up. Mother, naturally would be easier than father.

Phillip Marques wore a creamsicle shirt beneath a gray linen suit, perfect for his Gatsby persona but not so much in line with his tyrannical personality. "I don’t believe you have invitations, especially not to turn your sister against us."

"Oh, I’m sure you’re doing a fine job of that on your own Daddy," Justine observed, hiking Tansy higher on her hip so her father would have to look. He didn’t. Quentin massaged the small of Justine’s back, clearly sensing her turmoil. She gazed up into his eyes, amazed by him. The man had no desire to be there and yet he was, for her.

"Wow. Sign me up. An adorable baby and still looking at each other like you’re hotter than melted butter;" Addie sighed dreamily.

"That is nothing to emulate Adria." Their father glared at Quent. "She has so much potential and it’s all going to waste as some lower class house-frau."

Episode 305: Are You Happy Now?