•BRIANNA•
“Okay… So the thing is,” I began, taking a deep breath to push through my nerves, “your mom said she’s been inviting you over for dinner, but you haven’t been coming. She doesn’t know why. No one does, actually, except you. And… she asked me to help convince you to come for dinner on Friday because, well, she believes we’re close and that you might listen to me.” I paused, exhaling as I got it all out in one breath.
Adrian’s expression instantly hardened. His jaw tightened, his face becoming unreadable, like I’d somehow overstepped a line I hadn’t known was there.
“I’m not going to any family dinner,” he replied, his voice a flat, cold monotone. “I have my reasons, and I’d rather keep them to myself.”
“But…” I started cautiously, hoping to keep the tension from escalating, “your mom insisted. She’s been trying every possible way to get you to come, and I’m… well, her last hope. She thought I could maybe get through to you.”
He crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on a point beyond me. “I don’t care if you’re her only hope or not. I’ve already made up my mind, Brianna. I’m not going, and you’re not going to change that.”
I took a breath, trying to steady my resolve. “Adrian, I know we’re not that close,” I began softly, “but… I’ve seen how much this means to your mom. She just wants one night, one dinner where she can have her son at the table, where it feels like a family again. Please, for her sake. Just… go. One night. That’s all.”
His face darkened further, frustration flickering across his eyes. “I said I’m not going!” he snapped, his voice ringing through the quiet office.