Page 31 of Trick or Tease

“A greasy bacon cheeseburger from Carolina’s Diner on Main Street.”

His lips curled and he visibly shuddered like it was the worst thing he had ever heard. “You could choose anything, from anywhere in the world, and you choose the place up the road you eat at all the time?”

“What can I say? It’s a good burger.”

“You are out of your mind, legitimately.”

“When’s the last time you had one?”

“The summer before I left, I guess. I haven’t thought about it in years. That used to be my order too.”

“I’ve carried on the tradition. You’re welcome.”

Thankfully, he stuffed his face and stopped talking. He was acting like a prick, probably feeling the need to defend his lifestyle after all the judgmental comments. He didn’t need to take it out on me, though. I just wanted to understand him a little better.

“So where do you vacation these days?” I asked, partly out of curiosity and partly to change the subject before we got into a full-blown argument about food. “I’m guessing it’s not camping at the state park.”

“Actually, I just got back from Thailand a few months ago. Incredible beaches, amazing food, and the culture is fascinating. Next year I’m thinking Bali or maybe the Maldives.”

“Wow,” I said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “That sounds expensive.”

“It is,” he said without a hint of shame. “But what’s the point of working hard if you can’t enjoy the rewards? Life’s too short to stay in one place. There’s a whole world out there to explore.”

I took a sip of my beer, the cheap stuff he’d been complaining about. “I’ve always wanted to see Italy. The history, the art, the food. I’d love to walk through Rome and see the Colosseum, maybe visit some of those little villages in Tuscany.”

“You should do it,” he said.

As if I could just hop on a plane and leave for two weeks. “Yeah, I’ll get right on that.”

“The world is massive, Sabrina. There are cultures and foods and experiences you can’t even imagine. Staying in one place your whole life seems like such a waste.”

I felt my jaw tighten. “A waste? So my life here is a waste?”

“That’s not what I meant⁠—”

“No, I think it is exactly what you meant. You think anyone who doesn’t want to globetrot and live in a high-rise apartment is somehow missing out on the ‘real’ world. I’m going to inherit Granny’s house eventually. I’ve always seen myself living there. Cook in the kitchen that has fed generations of my family. It’s a simple dream, but it’s mine.”

“I think people should want more for themselves. You deserve everything, Sabrina.”

And just like that, my anger was gone. Was he being a dick because he cared and thought I should see and do more?

That was understandable. My parents and Granny said the same thing. They were always telling me to chase my dreams.

I couldn’t let myself read too much into it. This was dangerous territory. The kind of thoughts that led to late-night fantasizing and ultimately heartbreak.

“I’m glad you convinced me to come home for the party,” he said, glancing around the crowded hall with something that looked almost like fondness. “I would have regretted missing this. My parents deserve to have both their sons here for something this important.”

“Even if the food and beer are subpar,” I teased.

“At least it’s edible.” He grinned, letting me know he was kidding. Just trying to push my buttons.

Maybe there was still some part of the old Garrett in there, the one who understood what family meant.

“It’s delicious and you know it,” I said.

“I’m also looking forward to getting back to work.”

And just like that, reality came crashing back down. Of course he was eager to get back to his real life. Of course this was just a brief pit stop before he returned to his world of high-stakes deals and expensive dinners.