AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re not on trial, you know. You can answer in more detail. I probably won’t use it against you.” Her wide eyes flash as she goads her big brother.
“Well, it sure the hell feels like I am.”
“Poppy,” Roman cuts in, his tone warning her to back down.
Big mistake. She spins around on him, glaring across the table.
“You knew about this, didn’t you?”
“Nope.” Roman takes a slow swig of his beer, totally calm.
She purses her lips, cocking her head to the side. Probably trying to work out if she believes him.
“I’m gonna need a minute to think about this.” Poppy glances over at me, then at King, then back at me again. Sizing us both up, gnawing her lower lip. “I don’t know?—”
“Well, the great thing is this has nothing to do with you. So you don’t actually have to know.” King snarls at his sister, the vein at his temple throbbing.
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. We’re family, King. And what you do affects all of us, whether you like it or not. Family is fun like that. You dating a Capelli is the kind of thing we should discuss.”
King slams his fist down so hard on the table, both Parker and Roman jump.
“Enough! I’m not going to discuss my love life with you. It’s not actually open for discussion. Who I do or don’t date is none of your damn business. Period.” He glowers at Poppy, but she doesn’t back down, not even a little bit. Instead, she stands taller, pushing her chest out.
“It is, King. If that person is a Capelli.” She spits my last name out of her mouth like battery acid, and for the millionth time in my life, I curse my family name, our collective reputation.
“Still none of your business, Pops,” Roman says, glancing over at his sister and shrugging.
“Gawd, y’all just don’t get it. This is going to have repercussions. On all of us.” Poppy sweeps her arm out before turning her aquamarine eyes on me. “I mean, no offense, Juliet, but your family’s reputation is crappy.”
“Gee, thanks. Like I didn’t already know that.”
“Shut your damn mouth, Poppy. Leave it alone already.”
“I can’t, King. Word’s gonna get out that you’re with her, and there could be blowback. On me, the inn. It’s bad for business.”
Even after years of this sort of thing, hearing the words spoken out loud still stings. My stomach clenches, hands clammy, and I just want to get out of here.
“I’m gonna go ...” I step back, ready to bolt across the kitchen.
“No. This ends now,” says King. “Poppy, I hear what you’re saying. Rude as hell, but I get it. And I’m sorry about any blowback you might have to deal with. Tell anyone and everyone who dares to utter a word to come see me about their issues. Not your problem.”
Poppy opens her mouth, then shuts it again, unsure of what to say, I guess.
My chest loosens a little as his words sink in. King’s finally standing up for me.
Tension hangs heavy in the air between the siblings, and I can feel three sets of eyes boring into me. I squash down the urge to squirm, like I used to back in elementary school when kids would chant Crooked Capelli at me as I ran off the bus.
King’s hand finds mine, interlacing our fingers right there in front of everyone, and hot tears spring to my eyes.
Do not cry, Juliet. Do. Not. Cry.
My heart bangs wildly, and a lump lodges in my throat as relief and happiness surge through me.
We’re really doing this.
“Hmph.” Poppy juts out her bottom lip, her brow furrowing. Clearly not happy about this turn of events. It’s gonna take more than King’s say-so to gain her approval.
“Anyone else have something to say about my love life, or can we move on?” King glances at each of his siblings, but wisely no one else opens their mouth.
