“See you later, Jasmin.” Piper waves at me. “Parker, don’t take too long. I can’t guarantee I won’t end up fighting this woman.”
“Don’t do anything like that. Not all press is good. Remember that.” He points a finger at his sister before pulling me around the counter and toward the entrance.
“Your sister seems to like to make things messy.” My voice is low as we head to the door.
“She really doesn’t like this woman. Not that I blame her. She’s a pain in the ass.”
The sun is bright as he opens the door and I shield my eyes. It’s already getting hot early in the day. It’ll be brutal for the wedding in a little over a month. Oh my God it’s coming up quick and we still have so much to do.
“I can tell.” I laugh. “She seemed like a very unpleasant person.”
“She is. If we weren’t just now expanding into this area, I wouldn’t have accepted it.”
He finds my car at the end of the row. It’s a wonder I didn’t have to park further away. “Thank you for last night.”
“You’re welcome. I had a lot of fun. Did you?”
“Yes! I haven’t had so much fun since I was a kid. It was nice to get a break from being an adult. Besides I feel like adulting is overrated.”
“It totally is.” He laughs.
“You would be the one to say that.” A deep voice sounds from behind us and Parker’s entire stance stiffens.
“Hey, Pierce.” He gives him an awkward wave. “This is my girlfriend, Jasmin.”
“You’re the one I’ve been hearing whispers about.” He holds out his hand to shake mine and I take it. “I didn’t believe it at first.”
“That’s me. Nice to meet you.” I give his hand a quick shake and pull mine back. He seems like he’s in a bad mood and I’d rather not prolong this interaction.
“Parker, isn’t there an event you’re supposed to be overseeing?” He narrows his eyes at his little brother.
“Yeah. Piper’s covering for me while I walk Jasmin to her car.” I hate that Pierce makes Parker feel so small. Gone is the boyish charm, and I miss it.
I may be the oldest of my siblings, but I don’t belittle them. They know I’ve got their back no matter what. Even when they’re annoying or I don’t agree with their actions. I’m their support.
“Don’t take too long.” He turns his attention toward me. “I guess we’ll be seeing you at game night? I actually got an invite this time.”
Parker rolls his eyes. “You almost always get an invite, you never show up. Forgive us for not wasting our breath telling you to come when it won’t change the outcome.”
This is getting intense. I don’t want my interaction with Parker to be overshadowed by this.
“I’ll be there if I can. I have wedding stuff to help my sister with.” I give him a quick wave to let him know this conversation is now over. I may not have any authority here, but I know how to shut down a conversation. “I’ll see you later, Parker.”
“I’ll call you when I get off later tonight. Have fun wedding planning.” His entire body relaxes and I know his brother has left the area. Now, I understand why they have animosity for him. He’s not pleasant.
I give him a quick kiss before getting into my car. Seeing Pierces behavior makes me want to be a better sister. But I still hope to make Parker see his brother differently. Something clearly happened to make him bitter.
“I can’t believe Mom didn’t give you crap about not coming home last night.” Daniela is sitting on my bed, scrolling through her phone.
“Seriously? You’re almost never home.” I shake my head as I lay out the clothes I’m wearing to the office this week. “We’re adults, she isn’t dumb.”
“I guess. You’re just her perfect daughter, I figured she’d lose it.” She giggles. I’m not sure why she’s under the illusion I’m the perfect daughter. Not when she dotes on her and Adam. I’m the child that gets things done.
“Or, she’s hoping to marry me off next.”
“Probably.” She holds her phone screen in my face. “Look at this one.”
It’s a God awful yellow dress with more ruffles than should be legal. “I am not wearing that.”
