Page 48 of I Choose You

“Did he date many women? Others who seemed to be after his wealth or name?”

He shook his head. “No. That’s the other odd thing. He seldom saw anyone since my mom died until now.”

I shrugged and looked out the window. This conversation wasn’t making me feel good. Talking about money only emphasized how different we were. He was loaded, whereas I was not. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been in the position to worry about someone wanting to be with me for money, or the lack of it.”

“He’s a damn billionaire. It makes him an easy mark.”

“I’m sure he’s considered it.”

“But he’s older.”

I laughed, glancing at him to see if he was serious about that comment. “He’s not decrepit! I’m sure he has full control of his mind.”

“I know but—”

“You act like he’s senile or something.”

“Let me finish. He’s older, and I wonder if it’s making him cautious. Or worried about missing out. He’s been alone all this time, and suddenly, he has a crisis to want to be with someone he doesn’t really know?”

I crossed my arms, relying on my experience with this one. “Hey, if they want to find a partner, good on them.” If my mom was actually dating someone, I’d be just as guarded as he was. But I would never want to stand in the way of her happiness. “Your dad is very wise. He always has been. He’s successful and knows what he wants, right?”

“Yeah, but—”

“No but. Then you trust his judgment.”

He turned onto my street. “Are you this level-headed about your mom?”

I heard the sarcasm in his retort, but it didn’t piss me off. He could put me on the spot all he wanted. I wouldn’t lie about this. “Of course not. Not at all.”

“I can’t believe Kody didn’t show,” he said almost as though he had to avoid that quiet from returning.

“Why didn’t he?”

“Dad wants us to both bring a date to the wedding. And that’s not Kody’s speed.”

I scoffed. “I know that.”

“Look, I’m sorry about what happened senior year. I—”

I held up my hand. Seeing my building out the window, I wanted to just go. Now that he’d broached this particular topic, I wanted to avoid it. “That was a long time ago.”

“But I—”

I shook my head and flipped the visor down, checking my makeup in the mirror. “No. Forget about it. I have.”

I’d intended to get him back. This was supposed to be my chance tonight. Revenge should have been mine. But now—at the very end of the damn evening—when he mentioned it, I couldn’t stomach talking about it or hearing another word.

I hadn’t forgotten about it. And as I sat there and readied to leave, I realized I wasn’t anywhere near forgiving anyone for it either.

17

KADEN

I pulled up in front of Brooke’s place, mulling over her words. I’d already considered everything she’d advised and remarked about. It was different hearing it from her than from anyone else. An independent party’s input was valuable in any tough decision. But this wasn’t my choice. Dad had already decided to marry Margaux. My only decision was to accept it or not.

Ultimately, if it made him happy, I’d live with it.

What hadn’t pleased Dad at all, though, was Kody’s no-show. I didn’t think my brother would actually bail and go out as he’d planned. When we were younger, both of us pushed Dad’s buttons and rebelled. Our disobedience wasn’t without cause, but we knew when we were out of line to an unforgivable boundary.