AllFreeNovel
Share Us
quander it.
“Hey,” she said when she answered the door, peering out. “Where’s Nick?”
I shrugged and replied, “Downstairs.”
“I’ll show you to your room,” she said, holding out her arm. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. I think your work will be a hit.”
“You’d think that with Seattle being on the water, people would be sick of all things nautical.”
“The complete opposite.” she smiled. “This is your room. We can go through clothes later if you like.”
“Thanks again,” I said and walked in the room.
“I’ll give you a minute to get situated,” she said and walked away.
“Thanks,” I said.
I called my mother to fill her in. She was excited to hear things were going well. I also told her how I ran into Nick and asked her if she had planned this. She insisted that wasn’t her plan, but I didn’t believe her.
When I was done talking to my mother, I joined Claudia in the living room. She offered me some wine, and then sat in the armchair next to me, with her feet tucked under her bottom.
“This is an amazing place,” I said.
“Thanks,” she replied and smiled proudly. “I love it here. It’s quiet and the fireplace is cozy.”
“Is there someone special in your life to share it with?” I asked.
“Oh no,” she scoffed. “After what my parents went through and then Nick’s heartbreak”—she paused, screwed her lips down then added—“I figured it was safer to be single.” She sipped her wine.
“Really?” I replied, surprised. “Doesn’t it get boring—not to say that you’re boring.” I blushed.
She laughed. “My life is so busy I don’t have time for boring.” She looked over at the flickering flame in the fireplace. I spoke out of line and felt terrible.
“You don’t sound too certain.” I put my glass down and curled up in the corner of the sofa. “I’m sure you are being asked out all the time. You’re gorgeous.”
“Thanks, but you’re too kind.” She looked away. “I can see why my brothers loved you.” She smiled. I gulped, looking away, uncomfortable. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make that sound terrible.”
“It’s fine.” I shrugged it off. “I’m guessing Mason and Nick told you all about me.” I felt my cheeks burn, embarrassed. It sounded horrible admitting dating brothers. What was I thinking?
“Nick did, yes.” She nodded. “Mason doesn’t really talk to me much. He doesn’t like my honesty.”
“I bet.” I shook my head.
The room fell silent, other than the crackling of the fire. The flames were mesmerising. I found myself lost in it.
“Why did you choose Mason?” she said, filling the silence. My heart skipped and I felt at a loss for words.
“W—well, I—I was so upset with Nick for lying to me—”
“But you told him that you kissed Mason,” she questioned. I nervously wrung my hands in my lap.
“I did—” I glared at her the sob building in me. She hummed, looking over at the fire, sipping her wine. I watched her. My mouth slightly parted. “Does Nick hate me?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” She shook her head looking at me. “Why?”
“It just feels weird. I never used to feel that way around him,” I replied, then stood. “I’m going to bed.” I looked up at the clock. It was only nine. This was going to be a long night.
“Night.” She swirled the wine in her glass. “Oh, by the way, Nick bought those sketches.” I stopped dead in my tracks, gulped then felt my body cover in goosebumps. Did she invite me here to throw things in my face? I spun around. She looked up at me, smiling.
