“No, that’s not good news.”
I groan. Why does Gavin always have to see every glass as half empty?
“Is it because you think she’s out of your league?”
He jerks his head back. “What? No.”
“Then, is it because you’re insecure about your style? Because I’ve been dying to do a makeover on you since you bought that pair of leggings two years ago.”
“Elena, just stop.” He puts up a hand to shush me. “I have a girlfriend. Remember Sonya?”
I pause. “Aren’t you guys, like, on a break or something?”
“Yeah, but what if we, I don’t know, decide to start dating again?”
“Oh my God, even your breakups are boring.” I snore.
“It’s more complicated than that. You know how status and all that matters to Dad.”
“I do,” I admit. Dad is a series of contradictions, and this is one of them. Despite his humble beginnings, Dad can be a pretty big snob.
“Anyway, we dated for over a year. And even though Dad wanted us to be together more than I did at times, I admit that we complement each other well. Sonya is bold and caring, and I’m sensitive and hardworking.”
“Are you actually describing your relationship? Or the pairing of a Zinfandel with a panko-crusted halibut?” I shake my head at him.
He stares at me, unamused. “Not every relationship is the kind that sweeps you off your feet. Look at Mom and Dad.”
“You’re not twenty years deep in a marriage. We’re talking about dating. And those relationships should sweep you off your feet.”
“Oh yeah? How many relationships have you been in?” He narrows his eyes at me with pursed lips.
“That’s different. I had too much of a life to settle down.”
“While I didn’t?” he says, seemingly offended.
“No, you didn’t,” I say plainly. “You were too busy playing the role you were expected to. No one expects anything from me, so I do what I want.” As soon as I say the words, I realize this is the root of our differences. That ever since It’s Ok! took over our lives, our paths had been set for us to go in completely opposite directions.
“Is that how you really feel? That no one expects anything from you?”
I shrug, unable to meet his eye. Although I’ve always felt this way, the directness of his question is a first.
“I’m sorry,” he says. And by the softness of his tone, I can tell he genuinely means it. “I would have suggested to Dad to include you in the business earlier if I had known.”
“It’s okay,” I say. “I don’t blame you. I know how important firstborn sons are to Dad.”
It surprises me how sad I feel when Gavin doesn’t disagree with me. It’s not like he can change who Dad is any more than I can.
I clear my throat, getting back to the task at hand. “Now that we’ve been given a blank slate here, I can help you make the most of it.”
“What about Dad? He’ll find out about USC after things settle at It’s Ok! If I don’t have Sonya to go back to, he might not survive the whole ordeal.”
“We’ll worry about that when the time comes. And besides, who knows if Callie’s even interested in you?” I joke with him to put himat ease, even though I’m pretty sure the feelings are mutual. When he still doesn’t budge, I place a hand on his shoulder, tipping my head toward him. “Isn’t it about time we start living our lives and not Mom and Dad’s?”
Reluctantly he nods. “Fine,” he agrees. “But no makeover.” He puts a finger up to warn me.
I make no promises.
—
