She ignored me as we made our way to the backyard.
Everyone was staring at us, and it was awkward as hell, and I had no idea what she was going to do.
This girl was completely unpredictable.
“Everything okay?” Gracie asked, and I didn’t miss the concern in her eyes. It wasn’t jealousy or anger; it was pure concern.
For me.
My girl knew me well.
“Um…not really. We’ve been duped, Daddy,” Britani said, and now she appeared hostile toward me.
“Duped?” Grant said, his eyes finding mine. Everyone sitting around the fire was now staring at me.
“Gunther has a girlfriend.” She threw her hands in the air dramatically.
Thanks for the discretion. Gunther will not be telling you any more secrets.
“Who the fuck is Gunther?” my father asked as he looked around in confusion.
“Apparently, I don’t look like a Cutler. I look like a Gunther.” I shrugged.
Gracie’s head fell back in laughter, and our parents covered their mouths with their hands to try to keep themselves from doing the same.
“So how exactly did you dupe my daughter?” Grant pushed to his feet, his face bright red as he stepped toward me.
“I’m as in the dark as you are. Britani walked into the restroom uninvited and she demanded an answer about us starting a relationship and she forced me to tell the truth.”
“Which is?” Jana asked, and now she was glaring at me.
Was I missing something?
Was this a prearranged marriage that I hadn’t been informed of?
“I’m seeing someone. I have been for the last few months.” I didn’t look over at Gracie to see her reaction, because I didn’t want anyone to catch on to who I was talking about.
My mom’s eyes widened. “Oh. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Because I didn’t know where it was going. It’s still new. And I guess I hadn’t realized you’d promised me to a woman I’d never met.”
Now it was my father’s and Cage’s turn to fall forward, burying their faces in their hands and laughing so loud I could swear Pops snorted.
“I don’t believe we promised anything. I think there’s been a huge misunderstanding,” Presley said, her eyes filled with apology when she looked at me. “I said that I’d introduce you to Cutler. There were no promises made.”
“Did you think we were coming here because we actually like cheeseburgers and corn on the cob? I don’t do anything without an objective. You’ve wasted our time, Presley,” Britani hissed, and there was a whole lot of venom in her tone.
“I’m only going to tell you once not to speak to my mother like that,” Gracie said, pushing to her feet, which had everyone doing the same the minute she stepped forward. “I think you owe both her and Cutler an apology.”
“That will not be happening.” Britani glared at Gracie.
“Well, needless to say, I think it’s a good thing you like construction, because if you can’t be honest about your relationship, then you are in no position to run my company,” Grant said, spewing his anger at me.
Really, dude? That’s the best you’ve got?
“I think it’s time we call it a night,” Jana said.
“I think that’s a very good idea.” Presley crossed her arms over her chest. “I’d offer to walk you out, but I just don’t want to.”
