“I know, it’s fine.” Paula smiles at her sister, but I can see the pain behind her eyes. She doesn’t like being singled out even if she doesn’t want to be a part of the day to day. It’s clear the distance she’s put between herself and the winery also has ties into her relationship with her family. One of the many reasons I don’t think someone should ever mix family and business. There are exceptions of course, but this isn’t one of them. Paula ends up the ass end of all the jokes.
The only problem is nobody realizes she’s not laughing.
Everyone at the table is staring at me. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times they explain the rules, I can’t keep up. At least they didn’t have me take score. It would be a mess.
“What phase am I on?” I whisper to Paula.
She grabs the notebook from her mom, and studies the list of names. She smirks and hands it back.
“You’re on phase two.” She places a hand on my leg and squeezes. “If you need help all you have to do is ask.”
“Do I have any shot at being anything other than dead last?”
She shakes her head. “Sorry. But I’m about to take some of these guys out.”
“How do you pay attention to what’s in your hand and what the others are playing? It’s too much going on at once.” Especially when you add in the noise. Everyone is talking over each other. Drinks are flowing. And I have no clue how I fit into game night.
We didn’t do anything like this growing up. Family movie night was a tradition, but outside of that, nothing. As horrible as I am at playing a simple card game, I am enjoying myself.
“Hey,” Piper raises her voice. “No whispering over there. We can’t have you conspiring against the rest of us.”
“Pfft. You’re only saying that because you’re just about tied with Tristan for last place.” Phillip butts in. “Maybe try paying attention to what’s going on around you instead of scrolling your phone.”
“You. Are. Going. Down. Mister.” She points at her brother and her cheeks flush a bright pink.
“Bring it on.” He stands and motions to his sister. “Being the baby of the family won’t save you tonight.”
“Oh my gosh.” Abigail shakes her head. “Phillip, sit down.”
I wonder if this is what she meant when she said her family wasn’t normal when it comes to game night. They are cutthroat when it comes to this game, and willdistract each other to get the upper hand. Maybe it’s like this for any games they play.
Was this what I was missing out on during my childhood? Honestly, seeing them all put their differences aside and have fun together while trying to destroy the other is heartwarming. Above all else they are family.
I know it’s the same for my family, but it was never as loud as it is here. I have a few cousins my age, and we used to get together, except it was very chill. Everyone kind of did their own thing. We never played games or anything.
If there is anything I can compare this to, it’s probably when I was in theatre. While it was fun, and loud, it wasn’t a family unit.
Tonight makes me feel like I might want this in the future. The distant future, for sure, but a big family is appealing.
“Tristan, it’s your turn.” Parker nudges me.
“Oh, sorry.” How did everyone go without me noticing? Oh, right, I was too busy being in my head instead of the moment.
I take a peek at the card with the phases listed and check my cards. Looks like I finally get to move on to the next phase.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
paula
Last night was fun.Pierce didn’t bring up the winery once. I forgot what it’s like to unwind with my family. We’re actually a pretty lively bunch when we’re not fighting amongst each other.
I’m feeling all the booze this morning, though. The will to leave my bed is long gone. I roll over, expecting to find an empty space beside me, but Tristan is there. Still sleeping. His face is relaxed, and he’s softly snoring. Why is this man so adorable?
Never did I imagine I’d have these feelings for someone. I mean, I think I knew itcouldhappen one day. But when we set out on this ruse, I never imagined actually falling for him. It seems too soon for him to completely turn my life upside down. Relationships are supposed to take time.
I remember Mom telling me Dad pursued her for months. She played hard to get so she would know he was serious about her. Apparently, Dad had a bit of areputation before they got together and she was not messing around with her heart.
Tristan is nothing like that. He’s been nothing but kind and considerate since I met him months ago. I’ve been the one consistently pushing him away, despite the sparks I felt hanging out with him that first night.
