Chapter 1
Jacob
“Surprise! We got married.”
I knew something was going on when Dad invited me for a drink after work. He never invites me for a drink. My suspicions were further raised when I walked into the coffee shop where he sat at a table with his mistress. But…marriage?
I blink and shake my head. “What?”
“We got married,” Dad says.
Does he expect me to congratulate him as he sits there, grinning from ear to ear, with the woman he had an affair with on his arm? Their affair is the reason my parents’ forty-year marriage ended bitterly. To put the icing on the proverbial wedding cake, Molly is only two years older than me. Two years. She could be my sister. Am I supposed to call her ‘mum’?
“What do you want to drink?” Dad asks.
I’m too shocked to answer, but the coffee shop is busy, and we’re taking up a table. We need to order drinks soon.
Molly holds out her hand. “Look at the beautiful ring Barry gave me.”
I keep my gaze trained on my father. “When did this happen?”
“Two days ago, in Vegas.”
“We couldn’t wait. We’re so in love.” Molly flutters her lashes at Dad.
“We thought we’d arrange a reception now we’re back. You could do a best man’s speech,” Dad says.
I can’t believe he has the gall to ask me that.
“Are you happy for us?” Dad asks.
What does he expect me to say?Yes, I’m thrilled you married the secretary you couldn’t keep your hands off. I’m ecstatic you’re happy while Mum cries herself to sleep at night, wondering why her husband couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.
“Congrats.”
Molly slumps her shoulders.
“You could be a bit more enthusiastic,” Dad says.
“It’s fine. It must have come as a bit of a shock. We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other.” Molly smiles brightly.
“Will you do a best man’s speech at our wedding reception?” Dad asks.
Not unless hell freezes over. “It wouldn’t be a good idea.”
He frowns. “Why not?”
It would upset Mum and make her believe I approved of Dad’s behaviour.
“Why don’t you give Jacob a few days to think about it? He looks shell-shocked,” Molly says.
“Fine. What do you want to drink?”
“You know my favourite.”
“Of course I do.”
Dad kisses her. They make silly, cutesy noises full of giggles and lip smacks. It earns them a few stares from the other customers. I rub my forehead above my right eyebrow with my forefinger. It would be awesome if the ground would open and swallow me. I am not okay.
