“She’s not holding out for anything. She’s not that way.”
“Every woman says that,” his mother said. “Even if they are in love. We’ll make sure you’re taken care of when the time comes.”
“No,” he said. “Don’t even think of it. It’s my life and I’ll handle it.”
Didn’t seem he did that great of a job with what she’d dumped on him two days ago though.
His grandmother only added to it and took Natalie’s side yesterday when he visited.
The more someone was chased, the faster they ran, he’d been told.
He had to remember that and why he’d never told Natalie he came to the island for her to begin with.
“Your father always said the same thing. He’s the broke one trying to convince some twenty-year-old his body is as old as the work on his face.”
“You’re one to talk, Erin. You’ve had more work than me. To your body and your face.”
Arik put his hand on the table hard enough to rattle the glasses.
This was a mistake.
But it was what he needed.
To see how dysfunctional his parents were together reminded him everythingnotto do or be.
That meant listening to Natalie when she said she needed space.
It’s not like she was going out on the town looking for someone else.
“Do you two ever stop?”
“You’re the one that asked us to meet together,” his mother said. “I only said yes because I was positive your father would say no.”
“And you could hold it over my head. I don’t think so,” his father said, draining his scotch, then lifting his hand and the empty glass for another.
Since Arik was paying, his father would take advantage. It was why they ended up at this country club that he’d never be caught dead in at another time.
Of course both his parents were members. Wouldn’t want either of them to miss a perfectly staged opportunity to outshine the other.
It was a game of theirs.
Just like being here with him. Most of the members already knew his life story thanks to his parents broadcasting every detail like it was a competition.
“I don’t care what either of you thinks. I’m going to be a father and I’m excited.”
“Are you staying on that island?” his mother asked, the sneer practically etched onto her face. She’d claimed to enjoy her visit, but he knew better. Places like that were fine for a weekend, but not much more.
“That’s where she is, so yes.”
“You have enough to fight and move your child.”
“Never.” It hadn’t crossed his mind. “Why would I? I’ve got nowhere else that I need to be. I happen to like it there.”
“Doing nothing,” his mother said. “That’s just your excuse to not go back to work.”
At this rate, he’d need a dentist; his teeth were clenched so tight it was a miracle they hadn’t cracked.
“I’m working, not that it’s any business of yours. I’m heading to the airport after lunch and flying to Seattle.”
