Chapter 503 Awkwardness
Seeing the hurt in Catherine's eyes, Susan felt just as bummed and torn.
It was obvious Catherine was really into Todd this time. After all, Todd was tall and built. Thanks to hitting the gym regularly, he looked more like he was in his fifties instead of sixty. Plus, he had that classy, funny, down-to-earth vibe that women Catherine's age would totally dig.
Susan wanted to say more to remind Catherine, but seeing her sad face, she knew Catherine got the message, so she held back.
In the cab, they both stayed quiet until it pulled up at Dorothy's neighborhood.
After paying, the cab took off. Susan glanced up at the tall buildings, about to say something.
Catherine beat her to it. "Susan, you can drop me off here. I know you don't wanna go to Dorothy's place."
Hearing that, Susan felt a pang and handed over the shopping bags. These clothes and shoes were for Catherine to rock at the wedding.
Right then, Catherine frowned and said, "I know Dorothy's messed up a lot, but she's your sister. Now that you're doing better, you should let it go."
"Mom, I don't hold anything against Dorothy. I hope she has a good life too," Susan replied.
Catherine nodded. "I know you're a smart kid. This wedding's a chance. Dorothy's agreed to come. Be nice and give her a call or something."
Susan thought for a sec and said, "I got a new bag and scarf. I'll bring them over tomorrow, and you can give them to her."
Susan knew her wedding could be a shot at patching things up with Dorothy, but she wasn't sure if Dorothy felt the same.
To dodge any awkwardness, it was better for Catherine to hand over the fancy bag and scarf. Whether Dorothy took them or not, it would be a peace offering.
But Susan was genuine. Despite all the past drama, this was the best she could do now.
"Okay," Catherine nodded, looking pleased.
Just as Catherine was about to leave, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Catherine!"
Only someone really close would call her that. Catherine spun around.
It was James, jogging over from a distance.
Seeing James, Susan frowned, wondering what he was up to this time.
James came up to them. His clothes were noticeably cleaner than before. They weren't fancy, but they were decent and clean.
Looked like the $800 Seb gave him each month was coming in handy. Susan hoped he'd be content with that. As long as he didn't cause trouble for her and Catherine, she was cool with Seb continuing the payments. She didn't want to see James homeless or worse.
Seeing James, Catherine's eyes flashed with disgust. "What are you doing here?"
James just grinned. "Catherine, where've you been? I couldn't find you anywhere."
"Don't call me that. We're not that close anymore," Catherine shot back.
James didn't seem to care about her coldness. His eyes landed on the shopping bags Catherine was holding. "Bought clothes and shoes? These brands are pricey, huh?"
"Susan got them for me to wear at the wedding," Catherine replied icily.
James's face changed. He turned to Susan. "Susan, your wedding's in three days. I couldn't find you lately. Shouldn't you tell me about the wedding? I'm your dad, and Catherine and I should be there."
Susan's voice was cold. "I didn't plan to invite you, but Seb said he'd give you a gift."
James exploded. "What? Not invite me? I'm your biological father. Why can't I come? I must be there, and I want to go with Catherine. We're still a couple, and you should buy me some decent clothes. I need to save face, and you don't want to be embarrassed, do you?"
"A couple? We've been divorced for twenty years!" Catherine snapped.
Susan had enough. "James, I'm telling you, don't mess with me. There's no way I'm letting you come to my wedding!"
Seeing that arguing was pointless, James said, "Fine, I won't talk to you. I'll go find Seb. He'll definitely let me come!"
As James was about to leave, Susan called out, "Wait a minute!"
James turned back with a hopeful smile. "Susan, changed your mind?"
Susan's voice was ice-cold. "Not inviting you was a decision Seb and I made together. Talking to him won't help. This is final. If you cause any more trouble, Seb won't give you the gift."
Hearing that, James took another look at Catherine's cold expression and got furious.
Pointing at Susan and then at Catherine, James angrily accused, "You two heartless women! Now that you're living the good life, you want to kick me aside. No matter how much I beg, it's useless. You are truly ruthless!"
"Do you have any shame?" Susan shot back, disgusted.
"You..." James was at a loss for words.
Catherine stepped forward, her voice cold. "James, Seb gives you $800 a month. What more do you want? Don't be too greedy. Think about what you've done for Susan. Now you have $800 a month, which is enough for you to live on."
"$800? I'm her father. She's marrying a rich guy. Giving me $8,000 a month wouldn't be too much. Just wait, I won't let you have it easy!" With that, James stormed off.
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