by Kat T. Masen
“Why does that sound like something Ava would say?” I mock.
“Dear god…I’m turning into my sister.”
“Please don’t say that.” Charlie cringes. “By the way, Ava texted me to remind you about some nerd?”
Amelia keeps her lips sealed, eyeing me with amusement.
“So, Dad, what time do I get Will back, or should I just forget about him altogether and hook up with a nerd?”
“You’re annoying,” I tell her.
“Jealous, much?”
I cock my head with a sneer. “Yes, much.”
“Okay, you two, off you go. Amelia and I will go visit Adriana. Be back here at six or else,” Charlie warns, pointing her finger at Lex.
He appears amused by the threat and kisses her goodbye. I look over to Amelia, unsure of kissing her in front of her parents. Why the hell does it feel awkward like I need to impress them when I’ve known them my whole life?
Amelia’s expression mirrors mine, so she leans in and kisses my cheek while laughing.
“See you later, boyfriend.”
It was one of the best working days I’ve had in a long while. Being around Lex and getting down to business is almost like food for my soul. He knew exactly where I was going with ideas, never once questioning me, only making suggestions where he saw fit. We signed the contract, knowing the press will be on us when the announcement is made in a few weeks.
We stayed in the office most of the day while Charlie and Amelia went out. Time went by quickly, with the clock showing it’s almost dinner time.
There is a light knock on the door as Charlie enters the room.
“I thought I’d come to see you since Amelia is showering.” Charlie places a black box on the table in front of me. I open it carefully to see a stunning emerald and platinum gold ring inside. “I want to give this to you. Lex gave me this ring when I was pregnant with Amelia. I would be honored if you would give this to her one day.”
The ring itself is perfect, but the sentiment behind it means even more. Not only had I earned their forgiveness, but I’ve also been given their blessing to marry their daughter.
“Is it wrong of me to say thank god because shopping for a ring isn’t exactly something I know how to do?”
They both laugh as Charlie places her arm on my shoulder. Her eyes gloss over, and I beg she doesn’t begin to cry because I’m not sure how to handle it.
“I’ll give you my jeweler’s number, and you’ll never have to think about it again,” Lex concludes.
I take a deep breath, wondering if I can tell them honestly how I feel. But then, I remember Lex and Charlie played an essential part of my life before Amelia stepped in. Given their own journey, surely, they would understand.
“I want to discuss something because if anyone knows Amelia better than me, it’s the two of you,” I begin, then stall trying to find the courage to continue. “Amelia is not one for extravagant affairs, and with our lives so hectic, I don’t see us having any time to plan a wedding. Amelia’s internship is important to her, and Mom mentioned her caseloads have doubled over the last few months. Having Amelia help will take a load off her shoulders.”
“It’s true. The same goes for me. I’d steal Amelia for the summer if I could,” Charlie muses.
“If I was to propose real soon—"
“Are you thinking of eloping?” Lex interrupts, his eyes drawing together.
“It’s not really eloping if you’re planning it,” I inform them, jokingly. “I hope my soon to be mother-in-law can somehow wrangle all the family to Vegas for one night.”
Lex stays silent while Charlie lets out a long-winded whistle.
“It’s a challenge,” she confesses, turning to look at Lex. “Between Adriana and me, we can make it happen.”
“Why not Ava?”
“She has a big fat mouth,” Charlie admits, rolling her eyes.
I let out a breath, rubbing my face and suddenly nervous. I still had to think of a way to propose and something memorable. “Thank you, that’s if she says yes. Amelia can be stubborn at the best of times.”
Lex’s mouth curves upward into a smile. “The way my daughter looks at you, the odds of saying no are a million to one.”
“I guess there’s only one problem then...”
“What?” They ask in unison.
“A night in Vegas with Rocky Romano.”
Lex shakes his head while laughing. “Remind me to tell you the story of Rocky and Madam Kiska.”
“Kiska?” I repeat, the word sounding familiar.
“Madam Pussy, and yes, it ends up with your dear old father being handcuffed and a very questionable mugshot…”
28
AMELIA
There is no greater feeling than watching your father and boyfriend finally resolve their issues.
I’d been somewhat dreading our trip back home, unsure of how Dad would react. He never said we couldn’t visit as a couple, but he didn’t exactly welcome us either. His choice of staying quiet on the subject had left me uneasy, yet his part in the takeover was a sign of better times to come.
When Will asked Mom of Dad’s whereabouts, I did my best to reassure him it will be okay. However, inside—I was panicking. The two men are both as stubborn and egotistical as each other—one of the many things they had in common.
It wasn’t just resolving their fall out over me; they have business ties too.
The entire time they sat in the office, I almost ate a whole red velvet cake Mom had baked. In my defense, it was delicious, and something about the chocolate calmed the nerves eating away at me.
Finally, during a conversation over Addison’s new boyfriend, who Mom didn’t exactly approve of, Will and Dad walk into the kitchen while discussing work, of course.
I didn’t care if they wanted to work all day, flopping back into my chair and finally able to relax knowing they reconciled. Neither one said anything, but their expressions were enough to tell me all in the world is well again.
My glance shifts toward Will, noting how at ease he appears. Even Dad looks happy, something I never imagined seeing again with Will inside the same room. As for Mom, she doesn’t hold back her joy, unable to stop grinning while we joked over Ava's tragic love life.
However, in the presence of my parents, I wasn’t sure if kissing Will is acceptable. It was still all new, and I sensed Will felt the same. As they say goodbye, I give him a quick peck on the cheek, not wanting to push boundaries just yet.
With the two of them retreating to the office to work, Mom suggests we head to Aunt Adriana’s for lunch. Their house is only ten minutes away, giving us some time to chat.
“How do you feel?” Mom asks, looking relieved.
“Of course, I’m happy they’re on speaking terms again, but I guess I’m still trying to get used to being back together with Will. It’s only been a week, and we haven’t stopped to catch a breath.”
“I remember when your father and I first got back together. It was the same. We both had demanding careers, plus I was pregnant with you. Your father technically lived in London. I lived in Manhattan. There was a lot of adjusting and compromising.”
“How did you end up in LA then?”
“Your father had a business opportunity, and I wasn’t comfortable raising a child in the city. Rocky and Nikki did it with ease, but it wasn’t for me. I grew up in California in a house with a backyard. I wanted the same for my children. But also, your grandparents were considering moving, so that made the decision final.”
“And Eric?”
“Please, Hollywood?” Mom sneers while raising her brows. “There was no need to convince him.”
Mom pulls her SUV into the driveway. We exit the car and knock on the door; Aunt Adriana answers in an off-the-shoulder red floral dress. As usual, she looks terrific. Although she had similarities to Dad, being they are siblings, she is a very beautiful woman with defined features making her even more unique.
She ushers us in but
quickly pulls Mom aside, needing some legal advice for a friend of hers going through a divorce with four kids. Something about a wandering dick came out, which was my cue to leave.
I walk through the house and toward the kitchen to find Uncle Julian inside on his laptop. He stands up to greet me with a hug, dressed in a sports top, shorts, and sneakers.
I take a seat across from him with ease, always enjoying my conversations with him.
“How is Yale going?” he asks, pouring me a drink.
“Good, hard, challenging.” I sigh, then chuckle softly. “I’m trying to stay focused and reach the end.”
“I remember my days at Harvard. I used to think the same.”
“Andy and Ava are so lucky to have graduated and to be following their dreams,” I confess, wishing sometimes I wasn’t chained to studying. “Andy is so excited about the trip to South America, especially Brazil.”
Uncle Julian shakes his head while laughing. “Yes, I may need to take him down a notch. I’m not sure what he’s expecting when we get to Brazil, but it isn’t the land of supermodels.”
“Don’t burst his bubble.” I laugh along with him. “I almost did, and it didn’t end well. It was the night I ran into Will. We both drank way too much. I don’t even know how Andy made it home. I guess we’re just as bad as each other.”
“The two of you have somewhat been a troublesome duo,” he muses.
I smile at the fond memories. “And now look at us.”
“I’m proud of you both. You’ve come a long way to get where you are.”
“Thanks, Uncle Julian,” I say, then twist my hands uncomfortably. “So, um, listen. Thank you for stepping in the night of the Hamptons. It wasn’t my finest moment, and I never got to thank you for taking Austin home.”
He glances at me with a downcast expression. “It was best he went home. Nothing good would have come from him staying.”
“Was it that bad? I mean, in the car with him?”
“He was hurt, which was to be expected given the situation.”
“I wish it didn’t end that way,” I profess while lowering my gaze to the table. “I love Will, but I should have done the right thing from the beginning and not accepted Austin’s proposal.”
“We all make mistakes and have these not-so-pleasant moments in our lives. Don’t beat yourself over it. Austin will move on. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
I tinker with the glass in front of me, treading carefully on the subject though equally as curious. “Is that what happened with you and mom?”
“That was quite some chapter in my life,” he reminisces with a smile on his face. “If it weren’t for Charlie, I would never have met Adriana and have my family. I can’t regret what brought me my blessings.”
I nod my head in agreeance. “You’re right. In the end, family is everything.”
“It always is, Amelia. No matter how it may come into your life, once you have it, you wonder how you lived without it.”
I jump off my chair to hug him as he holds onto me tight. Uncle Julian always understood me. No judgment. Just thoughtful words and advice helping me move forward. Unlike Dad, he is very rational. He’s seen a lot in his lifetime and easily opened my eyes when I’d lost my way and focused on things that didn’t matter.
“You did the right thing. Will and you were always meant to be together.”
“You really think Austin will be okay?”
“I didn’t think I would be at one point in my life, but look at me now?” He quips with an upturned face. “I have everything I want.”
Aunt Adriana and Mom walk back inside the kitchen while continuing to discuss the so-called impending divorce matter.
“Oh no, why the long faces?” Aunt Adriana questions with a frown.
I smile, reassuring her it’s nothing serious. “No long faces, just a much-needed pep talk from my favorite uncle.”
Aunt Adriana snorts. “Don’t let Noah hear that.”
“I’m famished,” I tell them, already eyeing the food on the countertop. “Lunchtime?”
Uncle Julian says goodbye as Willow thunders down the stairs with all her soccer gear. According to Aunt Adriana, Uncle Julian coached her team, and they’re currently division one in their competition, meaning they must adhere to a strict training schedule.
“I don’t know why I agreed to this,” Adriana complains. “The soccer moms are all over Julian, and it is driving me crazy.”
“All perky?” Mom asks, cringing.
“Perky and going commando.”
“Ew,” I cringe, unable to get the image out of my head. “Moms go commando?”
Mom and Adriana laugh together. “When you’re trying to get the attention of your hot soccer coach, then yes.”
“Julian loves you, Adriana,” Mom assures her.
“I know, I know, and he shows me every night.”
“Every night?” I raise my brows, doing a mental calculation in my head of her age which I believe is the early fifties. “You mean at your age you have sex every night?”
I quickly turn to Mom, pointing my finger at her. “You are not allowed to answer this question nor even partake in this conversation.”
Mom raises her hands, calling defeat.
“Yeah, I’ll second that,” Aunt Adriana complains while scowling. “Don’t go talking about my wild stallion of an older brother.”
I let out an exaggerated groan.
“Did you have to use the words wild stallion and my Dad in the same sentence? This is just as bad as when Liesel mentioned the whole Dad being online with gray sweatpants.”
Mom purses her lips, her smile fixed. “I am aware my husband somewhat went viral all because I sent him out to the store late one night.”
“Okay…” I breathe, trying to rid my head of this conversation. “Change of subject. Anything but this, please. I’ve got Ava’s string of dating fails as the top contender.”
Our dinner at Nobu was fantastic as usual, but when we got home, the sleeping arrangements were somewhat left unanswered. How on earth do you have a conversation as to where your boyfriend should sleep? Austin never stayed in this house since his parents lived not too far from here. Given that I’m an adult, you would think this shouldn’t be an issue, but we are talking about the great Lex Edwards here. There was a strict rule of no boys staying in the house though that was years ago and surely—should no longer apply to me.
We’re standing inside the kitchen when I expel a yawn. Mom suggests I head to bed, given the time zone change can be tiresome at times.
“Um, sure.” I turn to look at Will, unsure how to bring this up. Thank God Dad had left the room because of a phone call. “But, um…”
“It’s fine for the two of you to stay in the same room if that’s where you’re getting at.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, thanking my lucky stars. Mom is fine, which means Dad must be the same. “It’s just different. Will has always stayed in our guest room.”
“I can stay in the guest room again if you want to relive old times?” Will proposes with a cocky grin.
I punch him in the shoulder. “You’re still a pain in the ass, Romano.”
I’m waiting for Will’s comeback, but he knows better than to say anything in front of Mom, especially if it involves anything sexual.
We say goodnight and head to bed but not before showering and brushing our teeth. My room hasn’t changed much over the years, still the same king-sized bed and a few prints on the wall. There is a shelf near my desk, housing all the books I loved to read.
Beneath the doona covers, Will caresses my stomach.
“Look, this is weird. It’s my parents’ house.”
“We fucked in the guest room,” he is quick to remind me. “I’m sure you haven’t forgotten the midnight rendezvous?”
“Shhh…can you not use that word? What if my sisters hear?”
“So, wait a minute,” he begins, then continues, “I’m supposed to sleep beside you and not touch y
ou?”
“Think of it as some sort of a challenge.”
“I’m challenged enough. I run an empire. I’d like to fuck you, please.”
“Can we just hold off?” I plead with a squeaky voice. “I mean, what’s three nights?”
Will groans. “Fine, good night.”
He rolls over and falls asleep within a matter of minutes. What’s with men being able to do that? Meanwhile, I’m here trying to figure out my whole life while having flashbacks of middle school when my dress got caught on the chair, and the whole class saw my underwear.
Somewhere during the night, I wake up unable to sleep. It’s still dark out, and when I turn to look at my phone, it’s just past two in the morning. I toss and turn to no avail, desperate to touch him but bounded by my morals. Maybe, all I need is to touch his skin. There’s no harm in that.
I run my hands down his torso, hovering around his stomach until temptation is too much to bear. My hands slide into his pants, resting on his shaft. He is hard, making me crave him even more. As I begin to stroke him, his soft moans escape until I can’t take it anymore.
“Hey, you said no touching,” he whispers.
I quickly climb on top and ease myself on him. “If it takes less than a minute, it doesn’t count.”
At a slow and agonizing pace, I begin to ride him. It doesn’t take long, despite the speed, to feel the familiar build. That is until every sensation heightens, and I explode into a blissful finish.
I remove myself from him, falling beside his body while we both catch our breath.
“I feel used,” he scoffs, laying on his back with his arm behind his head.
“Oh please, you were hard already.”
“I don’t deny that. You caught me in the middle of a great dream.”
“Was it about me?”
“Hmmm…maybe?”
“Maybe?” I turn, suddenly annoyed. “Who else are you dreaming about who made you hard?”
“Not sure…” he teases.
“You know, dream cheating is a real thing and can hurt just as much as the real deal.”
