Her eyes dilate and that flushing of her cheeks intensifies as she pushes herself to stand, shaking her head as she promptly exits the conversation. I can’t help but be a little disappointed that she does, though. I was having fun riling her up.
Chapter Ten
Cassi
Ihad to walk away. I don’t know what kind of game he was playing or is playing or whatever but I want no part of it. I can’t fucking believe he got me with the fake dead dad story. Or I guess his dad really is dead, but the fabricated story was wild and had me feeling awful. That’s like something I’d pull to prove a point and it has me feeling more than a little irritated.
We cruise for a little while before anchoring off in the middle of the sound. My dad instantly takes his post as lead fisherman, at least that’s what I assume he refers to himself as in his head. My mom and I are sipping champagne in two of the lounge chairs overlooking the deck while dad attempts to show Nico how to bait and cast a line.
I can’t help but watch Nico, he’s so focused, hanging onto every word my dad says like it’s the gospel. He strikes me as the type of man who doesn’t do anything half ass and is determined to be the best in anything he attempts. Unfortunately, for him, it’s looking like fishing isn’t one of his strengths.
It takes Nico three separate times before he finally releases the line properly, allowing his bait to sink down into the water. My dadclaps him on the shoulder in encouragement but the little wrinkle between Nico’s eyebrows tells me he’s more than frustrated with himself. Nico reaches over to his right, grabbing two beers from the galvanized ice bin, passing one to my dad before they fall into conversation about Nico’s work.
I can’t quite make out every word he says, but I don’t need to. Watching his mouth move is more than enough for me, it is a gorgeous fucking mouth. I mean, I’m not really a fan of the asshole that’s attached to it but still. He’s a pretty face to look at, with a wicked tongue, steady hands and a huge?—
“Enjoying the view, Cass?” My mom asks.
I startle for a moment, like I’m snapping out of a daze as I look to her.
“Hm?”
She gives me a mischievous smirk that looks far too much like one that I deliver regularly. I’ve gotta say, I’m not sure I enjoy being on the receiving end of it, though.
“Your sister certainly has excellent taste. Nico is a…fine young man,” she says, giving me a knowing look.
I pretend to be unaffected by her words, despite me absolutely freaking the fuck out. I mean, it’s not like she knows anything. She’s just teasing me, attempting to be playful. Regardless, I want nothing to do with any of it.
“He’s easy on the eyes but that personality could use some work,” I say with a shrug before taking another sip of my champagne.
My mom’s brows furrow as she cocks her head to the side.
“How do you mean?”
Doing my best to avoid her gaze, I set down my drink as I stare out at the water.
“He’s just a little surly for my taste, serious. You have to admit, he’s kind of an asshole. I mean, look how hard he’s trying to impressyou guys,” I say as gesture around us. “Does he really think money can cover up what he’s clearly lacking?”
“Wow, you seem to be really opinionated of someone you met only two days ago. I think you’re being a little harsh there sweetheart.”
I shrug my shoulders, wanting to be done with this conversation. Unfortunately, my mother doesn’t seem to share the same intention.
“He seems good for Carly. He has a good head on his shoulders, stable career. Probably spoils her a little more than she needs if I’m being honest,” she muses.
I snort in agreement to that. Yeah, maybe that’s actually a con. My sister definitely doesn’t need more people treating her like she’s god’s gift to the earth. She wears that badge proudly every day of her life without any help from anyone.
“They deserve each other,” I comment under my breath, not really intending for my mom to hear it. More of just a statement to the universe.
She doesn’t agree, though. To be fair, she doesn’t disagree either. Instead, she quietly finishes her drink before standing and moving to my dad, plopping herself into his lap. He holds her with one hand easily, somehow simultaneously manning a pole and a beer. Name a more talented man to ever live, go ahead, I’ll wait.
Some people can’t stand parents that are still so in love with each other. I personally have always found it deliriously romantic. I mean, what could be better than being raised by the perfect example of true honest love? Maybe the only downside to having parents who are so nauseatingly in love is that it is a consistent reminder of what you haven’t found yet.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely grasp the fact that I literally just turned twenty one. I have plenty of time to find my forever person. Is it so wrong to wish they’d come along already,though?
As if his ears were burning, my phone pings with a text message from Alec.
Alec: How was work, beautiful?
I smile at the screen before typing out my reply.
