If they didn’t get Mama on board, their entire charade would fall apart.
Chapter Sixteen
JAYCE
Jayce stretchedand curled his fingers, repeating the motion to help ease the tension creeping up his arms into his neck and shoulders. Midmorning sunlight sparkled across the water, bathing the marina in a golden glow, but he barely noticed, his mind stuck on earlier events.
His skin still singed hot whenever he recalled Gretchen’s rudeness to CeCe that morning. He knew he’d been banished to the bedroom for good reason, but he couldn’t hide while Gretchen insulted her. What planet did the woman live on? If someone was out of anyone’s league, CeCe was out of his, by a long shot.
He’d said as much when he had a moment alone with Gretchen. He’d also made it clear he didn’t appreciate her impromptu appearance. If she wanted to meet CeCe’s parents—or anyone else in their lives—it needed to be ontheirterms, not hers. He wasn’t sure how long he could keep her bulldog tendencies at bay, but he’d at least bought a couple more days to sort things out. Gretchen had headed back to LA in a semi-dignified huff, claiming she had a few other publicity angles to pursue. Hopefully, by the time she returned, his parents would be on board, and more importantly, CeCe and her mother wouldbe back on good terms. CeCe needed her mom, and whether or not Mrs. Dupree participated in their plan, he wanted the two women to reconcile. But how could he help?
All ability to form a coherent thought, let alone brainstorm viable possibilities, vanished the second he caught sight of CeCe strolling down the pier toward him. Her legs looked incredible in cutoff jean shorts. And when he read the words on her graphic tee, he stifled a laugh.I’m in My Nerd Era. He loved the way she stayed true to herself despite the extra media scrutiny.
“Ready for this?” she asked, stopping beside him.
Clenching his fists again, he fixed his gaze on the end of the pier. The Unbound Bookshop gently bobbed in its slip, its polished wood and pristine white sails gleaming in the sunlight. He’d never seen a more beautiful boat. But the appeal of the vintage sailing schooner did little to ease his apprehension. It would be hard enough to sell his parents on his fake engagement scheme one-on-one, but contending with their constant bickering made the task feel impossible.
At least neither of them followed celebrity news and hadn’t heard the gossip yet. Not that a blank slate to announce their sham engagement would make the morning any less unpleasant. “Is it too late to chew off my hands instead?” he asked wryly.
“I’m afraid so. But just in case…” She laced her fingers through his, giving his hand a firm squeeze.
Together, they trekked the remainder of the long pier. Jayce tried to steady his pulse, pacing each breath with the rhythmic lapping of waves against the wooden pilings. As they drew closer to their destination, agitated voices carried above the pleasant cadence of seagull cries, offering an ominous greeting.
“It’sThe Curious QuestofQuinley Culpepper,” his mother insisted, putting extra emphasis on the wordof.
“Actually, the title of the book isThe Curious QuestforQuinley Culpepper,” his father countered, his tone equallycondescending as they debated the literary inspiration behind the day’s themed brunch and sailing tour.
“Considering you’ve read five books in your entire life, please forgive me if I don’t kowtow to your literary expertise.”
“And forgivemeif I’m not impressed by your pretentious vocabulary.”
“Pretentious?” his mother snapped. “Is it my fault you don’t know the meaning ofkowtow? Or is it the wordsforgive methat you find so unfamiliar? Goodness knows you’ve never said them yourself.”
Ouch. Jayce winced. Not even noon and they’d already dragged out the heavy artillery. “Ready to abandon ship?” he whispered to CeCe. “I think I’d rather be shark bait.”
“Not yet,” she whispered back. “But I’m willing to consider shoving you overboard as a last resort.” Still holding his hand, she tugged him up the gangway.
His parents stood on deck, squared off like two buccaneers about to cleave each other to the brisket. However, if it weren’t for their scowls and hostile posture, they could be mature cover models for Nautica or J. Crew. Both his parents still looked great, even in their unoriginal—and ironically well-coordinated—ensembles of linen pants and nautical striped shirts. Sure, they’d gained a few extra pounds over the last decade, but they carried them well. His father still had all his hair, even if it boasted a little more salt than pepper these days. And his mother had finally ditched her after-divorce dye job, trading the overly processed blond style for her natural chestnut waves. A good call, in his opinion.
Seeing them together conjured wistful memories—memories from a happier time, before all the anger and bitterness. Pre-split, his parents had the kind of gross, lovey-dovey, excessively affectionate relationship kids complained about but secretly appreciated because it made them feel safe. They’d beenhusband and wife, best friends, and equal partners. Until they weren’t.
Now, they argued over prepositions in book titles. And chased people away with their toxic unpleasantness. He had a feeling Sage and Flynn had ducked below deck until the tension died down. He had half a mind to join them.
“Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad.”
“Jayce!” His mother beamed, the literary feud momentarily forgotten.
“Welcome home, son.” His father matched her shift in demeanor.
“Thanks for coming.” Jayce tightened his grip on CeCe’s hand, grappling for the right words. Despite rehearsing a hundred different variations of his speech, he had no idea what to say next.
“Of course! I wouldn’t miss a rare opportunity to see my baby boy,” his mother chirped, adding, “Although, I’m not sure why we had to meethere.” Her tone and less-than-subtle glance at his father implied she also didn’t understand why he’d been invited.
Jayce cleared his throat, glancing at CeCe for moral support.
She met his gaze with an encouraging smile.
Turning back to his parents, he squared his shoulders.Best to rip off the Band-Aid. “CeCe and I have something to tell you.”
