"I'm good, mama. I do miss her, but I've been keeping busy." It's true. Min-Soo and I had a ton of history and her death hit me hard. Clearly, since I've decided to try to tank my career in her honor. Wanting to talk about anything other than this and the state of my career, I'm relieved when my dad and little brother walk in.
"Thought that was your truck in the drive," Taehyung says coming through the door, not bothering to wash any of the dirt off before pulling me into a bear hug. Thumping him on the back, I laugh.
"Boy, you smell like shit."
My mama gasps, "Kim Minji, you watch your mouth in my house. And Sea, you take your filthy behind to the mudroom and get cleaned up before you traipse through my kitchen," she scolds as my brother and I answer, "Yes, ma'am," in unison.
Taehyung goes back into the mudroom just as my dad is walking out beaming. "It sure is good to see you home, girl. We've been missin' you around here." He gives me a hug much like Sea's, clapping me on the back before going over to my mama and welcoming her with a kiss. "You didn't tell me she was comin' home, love."
"I didn't know. She just showed up." She smiles over at me.
"I didn't know myself, honestly. But I'll be home for a spell. You'll be sick of me before you know it," I joke.
My dad's face is pinched in concern. "Everything okay?"
I should have been more careful with my words. It's gonna be hard keeping anything from them as soon as the tabloids get wind of the label letting me go. I might as well be the one to tell them. Taehyung comes in and pours a glass of tea for him and my dad, leaning against the kitchen counter and waiting for me to answer my father.
"Everything is fine." Like a band-aid. Do it quick. "I'm not with my label anymore, and Jin and I are shopping new options for this next album."
My brother lowers his glass, my parents look confused. My dad shakes his head and asks, "What does that mean, Minji?"
I made it sound like it was my idea to make the blow easier, but I can see that I'm going to have to give them more. "It means that I'm not with Glenn Co. Records anymore and that I'm looking for a new label to produce and release the next album." I shrug like it's no big deal when I know it is. It's a big fucking deal.
"You got fired?" Taehyung blurts. I'm gonna kill him. Only my older brother would call me out and put me on the spot. Now the question is do I lie to my parents or do I just admit that I got fired. Fuck.
"Well, I guess you could say that. I wish you hadn't, but I should've known you would," I mutter glaring daggers at him.
"Fired? Whatever in the world for? Can they do that?" My mother rubs her hands over her apron, wringing the ends anxiously.
"Mama, honestly. It's not a big deal. Jin and I have been talking about leaving for a while now. I've outgrown them." That's partly true. I have outgrown them, but Jin and I had hoped to stay there at least until this next album released.
"Hell, mama, she's made enough money that she never has to sing another song as long as she lives and she'd still be fine." My brother tries to smooth over his fuck-up. I shoot him an appreciative look. I'm so over talking about all of this.
My dad nods. "Jin is a smart man. I've always liked him. If he thinks this is a good move then it must be. I'm just happy to have you home for a while. We can use some help with the new mare." He winks at me knowing how much I hate ranch work.
"Yeah, right, like, City over there is gonna get up with the roosters and get her hands dirty." My brother laughs, knowing damn well I've worked the ranch since I could walk and help out whenever I come home because I hate to see him and my dad busting their asses. My mother turns to the stove and I flip him off. He blows me a kiss like the bratty older brother he is. Despite Taehyung throwing my ass under the bus, it's good be home.