He pivoted sharply. “How’s that a fucking good thing?” The annoyance in his voice startled her and had me biting back a retort.
“That’s not what I meant.” She tried to pacify him with one of those sickly-sweet smiles she reserved just for him. It didn’t work, his brow lifted, his expression asking her to explain. “I meant that working on a cruise ship would give her some much-needed exposure to deal with people. You know, since she’s so shy and keeps to herself. Maybe meet and party with people her own age. Or find guys her age to date. She’s young and the only men she’s known are either related to her or your neighbors like Griffin and his brothers. I mean I could give her some pointers on her social skills, dressing and hairstyle...”
Okay, when did she become my mother? And what’s the emphasis on my age?
Rolling my eyes, I stopped listening. This woman who’d been dating my brother for God knew how long and about to be family, didn’t even know me and was now trying to justify her relationship with me.
“Glad I’ll miss that reception, after all.” I slid off the seat, not bothering to look at both, before I walked out.
I heard Shay’s reply, though, “marrying me doesn’t mean you know my sister, Ryleigh. No promises, remember?”
So, he wasn’t as blind to her pompous air as I thought and what did he mean about no promises? Heading to my room, I dragged my feet, comparing the pain of him almost kissing me against him marrying her.
If only it didn’t hurt...
26. Under The Influence – Chris Brown
Skye – 18 years; Shay30 years
A week later, I glanced out the church door. People milled around. Chatting, laughing, smiling, all blissfully caught up in their own lives. This was supposed to be a happy occasion, right? My emotions, however, were anything but. I’d win an Oscar, Emmy and Tony all rolled into one for pulling off the biggest façade of my life. No one would’ve even suspected the rolling chaos beneath my fake smile, petite laugh and squared shoulders. For every tear I was internally shedding, I’d take two deep breaths, hoping they’d keep me upright. So far, I was doing well yet consciously afraid that once Shay and Ryleigh stepped up to that altar, I’d crumbled or worse, throw a tantrum like I was seven again, begging him to stop, to rethink his decision, to marry me instead.
You’re going to hell for your disgusting desires, girl. Wait, I am there.
“Skye!”
I spun around sharply, panicking that someone cottoned on to what was going on behind my fake smile.
Dad was hurrying down the passage that led to the dressing rooms, shaking his head. “He needs you.”
I frowned. “Shay?” He nodded. “Crap, Dad, he’s marrying in,” I glanced at my watch, “About fifty odd minutes,” I hedged, not wanting to see him. There was no telling what I was likely to do if I did.
“Please, Angel. Go to him,” Dad urged, his face a mask of concern. “You’re the only one who can calm him down.”
“Good thing the bride is not here yet or we’d have two panic attacks on our hands.” I rolled my eyes turning to walk away. Dad laughed. “I told him he was crazy to marry,” I blurted before my brain to mouth filter kicked in.
“Maybe this time he’ll listen?” Dad’s soft words pierced my grumbling, freezing me on the spot. I glanced at him over my shoulder, but he winked and walked off before I could say anything.
