Another 'Shitstorm' Just Arrived

The following chapter is written in 3rd Person POV following Becca…

At Pho Hoa, while Jay’s group was on their way to the library…

“Rebecca, darling.” A woman greets Becca upon seeing her from the entrance of the restaurant.

The woman is impeccably dressed in a white designer dress that hugs her shapely body as if it was made for her — which it definitely was. Her oversized designer sunglasses cover her eyes and cheeks, making anyone who sees her focus on her striking red lips. For any regular person walking the street, she’s overly dressed for the summer heat of the city; but for the woman who Becca knows this person to be, this is the woman’s attempt at being ‘understated’. She’d know this fact more than anyone.

She is family after all.

“Mother?” Becca reacts, failing to mask her surprise. Her mother, Victoria, a known figure in one of the country’s most prominent political dynastic families — the Rehnquists, doesn’t make unannounced appearances quite often after all.

“Oh, darling…” Victoria says with a tone of concern. “You look awful.” Becca’s mom comments after giving Becca a once over.

“Unemployment is clearly not treating you well.” She intentionally adds to slowly pin prick at Becca’s ego.

“I didn’t expect you to visit so quickly, mother. It only took you a week. I think that’s a personal record for you.” Becca fires back sharply.

“I heard my lovely daughter was having a tiff with her father. How can I not be concerned, darling?” Victoria asks with masked sarcasm.

“I’m quite certain that’s not the real reason you’ve decided to visit, mother. Can you please just tell me what you are actually doing here?” Becca asks bluntly.

“Not here, darling. Not in front of these… staff.” Becca’s mom tells her, uttering the word ‘staff’ as if she was holding in vomit from coming out of her throat.

“Right here is fine with me. I’m not sure you can see it from behind those… glasses, but I’m terribly busy.” Becca responds, acting coy and swallowing the word ‘gaudy’ to describe her mother’s sunglasses, as to not openly antagonize her.

“Oh, darling. There’s no need to pretend with me. I’m sure what you’re doing is nothing important at the slightest.” Victoria says dismissively, trying to add another pin prick. Becca tries to ignore her mother’s jab, and instead reiterates her instructions to the staff and critiquing their work just to show to her mother how wrong she is.

Victoria sees Becca’s futile attempt at showing authority and one ups her immediately.

“You there. Girl.” Victoria calls out, snapping her fingers to grab their attention. Tricia, being the closest person who could hear Victoria, turns around to answer her call. “Prepare the VIP room of this place for us.” Victoria commands like she owns the place. Tricia glances at Becca for confirmation, but Victoria adds another jab before Becca can respond to Tricia.

“This… establishment does have a VIP room, yes?” Victoria asks, where she could have easily meant ‘hovel’ when she used the word establishment. Tricia once again glances at Becca for confirmation, and this seems to be the last straw for Victoria.

“Are you what passes for service personnel these days? Unbelievable. Just do as you're told. Quickly.” Victoria says commandingly, again replacing her most likely preferred word of ‘servant’ with something more politically correct. Becca has heard enough as well, and concedes that she might as well end this charade with her mother and meet her in private before they make a bigger scene just a couple of hours before the Grand Opening.

“Please lead my mother to the private dining area, Tricia. I’ll follow you shortly.” Becca finally instructs Tricia.

“Of course, Becca.” Tricia finally responds. “Right this way, Mrs. Hoff—” Tricia addresses Victoria, who immediately snaps at her.

“Don’t ever call me by that name, girl.” Victoria instructs, showing cracks in her calm facade. “You address me as Madame Rehnquist when I speak to you.” Victoria adds.

“Sure thing.” Tricia politely responds with a smile, while it’s taking all of Becca’s willpower not to snap at her mother. “Right this way then.” Tricia says, before turning around to try and lead Victoria to the private dining area.

“Wait.” Victoria commands. “Where has that boy gone?” Victoria asks, sending warning signals in Becca’s mind. Victoria takes her phone from her bag and makes a call. It doesn’t take long before a young man enters the restaurant, puffing on a cigarette.

“Darling, I told you to stop that disgusting habit.” Victoria comments upon seeing the young man. He doesn’t respond, but instead just drops the cigarette on the floor of Becca’s restaurant, before putting it out with his shoe and leaving obvious ash marks on the floor.

“Sup, sis?” Becca’s brother, Nathan, smugly greets her. Becca continues to hold in her fury at the obvious disrespect that her brother just showed to her and Viv’s restaurant.

“Come, darling. Luckily Rebecca hasn’t gone completely insane and has at least installed a private area in this… place.” Victoria tells Nathan, before turning around to face Tricia. “Well? Lead the way, girl.” Victoria commands Tricia, rolling her eyes at her perceived incompetence.

“Hohoho. I don’t mind following that from behind.” Nathan crudely comments as he leers at Tricia as if she’s prey to be devoured. When Nathan takes a step past Becca, Becca grabs her younger brother by the arm and grips it tightly.

“Don’t you fucking dare, you little shit.” Becca warns Nathan with open hostility, not hiding her vitriol at the combined disrespect her family has shown her today.

“Owww~, I’m telling mom!” Nathan sarcastically replies like a spoiled brat, calling back to how he’d usually respond when Becca tried to assert authority over him with physicality. Nathan then forcefully pulls his arm away from Becca’s grip, showing her that he’s not the little kid she can do that to anymore, and that in terms of physical strength, he has Becca beat now. Nathan can’t help but smugly laugh at Becca’s shocked reaction to Nathan overpowering her.

“I’m not that little kid any… ~ho-ly~ shit. Would you look at the tits on her.” Nathan starts to say, trying to goad Becca; before getting distracted, and walking past Becca entirely.

“Hi.” Nathan greets Paige, immediately putting his arm around her and not giving Paige a choice. “Who might you be, sexy?” Nathan asks Paige. Becca clenches her fists in fury now, wholly ready to resort to clocking her younger brother for both harassing Paige and having the gall to ignore her.

“Not gonna tell me your name? Or was I already right when I called you sexy?” Nathan continues to creepily flirt.

*CLAP! CLAP!*

Nathan and Becca immediately stand at attention upon hearing the loud claps from across the room. Even the staff stop in their tracks upon hearing it.

“The two of you can have your little reunion with me, darlings. Don’t make me wait.” Victoria says from across the room. Her last sentence not leaving her children any room for misinterpretation that consequences will be swift if her order isn’t followed.

“We will continue this later.” Nathan whispers to Paige’s ear, before intentionally brushing his hand on Paige’s ass as he separates from her. “Don’t you go anywhere, sexy.” Nathan tells Paige, almost sounding like a threat, before walking past Becca again to join his mother in the private room.

“I’m terribly sorry, Paige. Are you alright?” Becca asks, as soon as Nathan leaves.

“I-I’m fine, Becca. I’ve had worse from frat bros back in college.” Paige tries to assure Becca.

“That added context makes me doubt your initial response.” Becca replies. “I’m positive that little shit is the most obnoxious fraternity member currently in existence, and anyone’s membership in that archaic ‘tradition’ is no excuse for their treatment of you. I can only apologize on his behalf.” Becca tells Paige, obviously furious.

“I promise you don’t have to worry about me, Becca. I’m more worried about you.” Paige turns the tables on Becca. “Are you alright?” Paige asks her, and this question snaps something in Becca as she straightens her body further before tugging on the hem of her coat to straighten it.

“I am alright, Paige. Thank you for asking.” Becca answers, to which Paige gives her a reassuring and supportive smile.

…

“If Vivian asks, tell her I’m dealing with guests. Under no circumstance should she get involved with my discussion with my family and that I’ll make sure to give her an update afterwards.” Becca instructs Paige, and Paige gives her a nod that she understands.

“Also, here.” Becca then adds, before handing Paige her phone. “If Jay or the others call, don’t tell them that my family’s here. They’re already dealing with enough problems.” Becca instructs Paige, who gives another nod.

“Also, tell them that under no circumstance should they come here until I say so, especially Cassie.” Becca continues.

“Got it.” Paige confirms. “What reason should I give them in case they ask?” Paige asks.

“Tell them… another ‘shitstorm’ just arrived.”