I didn’t know what it was about that question, but Ford’s entire demeanor changed in a blink. He was no longer leaning toward me, instead shifting back in his chair. His body language said he didn’t have a care in the world, but the expression on his face told another story entirely.
“About ten years ago. After my mom died.”
I’d been away at college when Mrs. McKenzie’s accident had happened, and I’d had no reason to come back home for the funeral. I’d never been particularly close to any of the McKenzie kids—I’d never been particularly close to anyone, actually—unless one counted a near-obsessive rivalry with Ford. But everyone in Starlight Cove knew she was a kind woman who’d adored her family.
I’d never had that kind of relationship with either of my parents, so I couldn’t imagine the level of grief Ford and his siblings had faced after losing a parent who actually loved and cared for them.
“I was sorry to hear about your mom,” I said, softening my tone.
Ford shrugged. “It was a long time ago, but thanks.”
“Is your dad still around?” Interestingly enough, I hadn’t seen Mr. McKenzie at all in the time I’d been back, which was weird, considering the size of Starlight Cove. Come to think of it, I also hadn’t heard anything at all about him.
“Barely.” Before I could ask him to elaborate, he asked, “What about your parents? They moved to Florida, right?”
“Yeah, thankfully, or I wouldn’t be here right now.”
His brows lifted as if he hadn’t been expecting that. Though I wasn’t surprised he didn’t know just how volatile our relationship was. No one did. My parents were very careful about that—had to keep up appearances, so they’d made sure to berate me only in the privacy of our own home. To everyone else in town, they were the perfect couple, the perfect parents, and we were the perfect family.
“You wouldn’t have moved back to Starlight Cove if they were still here?”
“Definitely not.”
“So, you’re not close.”
I laughed. “Um…no.”
“I sense a story there.”
Before I could answer, our waitress showed up with our entrees. After placing our meals in front of us, she asked, “Can I get you anything else right now?”
Ford glanced at me with a raised brow, and after I shook my head, he said, “We’re good. Thanks.”
“I’ll check on you in a bit,” she said before leaving us alone once again.
She’d barely walked three steps when he gave me an expectant look, obviously wanting to continue our conversation.
I twirled some of my pasta, gathering a bite, and shrugged. “There’s no story. I’m not the daughter they wanted, and they have no problem reminding me of that every chance they get.”
Ford’s face clouded over with what looked an awful lot like anger. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“What, becoming a doctor isn’t good enough for them?”
“Not really. They’re more of the mentality that Dr. Dicknose is.”
Ford coughed, sputtering on the bite he’d just taken. After drinking some water, he asked, “Doctorwhat?”
“You heard me.” I picked up my wineglass, smirking at him over the rim. “You didn’t think I could work with him every day and not have a derogatory nickname for him, did you?”
“I didn’t really think about it, but it fits.” Ford speared a bite of his seafood lasagna. “And what’s their mentality?”
Thank God I was on my second drink of the night so I could affect a nonchalance I definitely didn’t feel. Lifting my shoulder in a shrug, I said, “That I need to have a husband to be of value, and since they’re certain I won’t find anyone who wants to be with me, I’m basically worthless.”
Ford’s mouth dropped open as he stared at me. “What thefuck?”
“Yeah.”
