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“You used to shy away from portraits,” Mom points out. “Kept saying you weren’t confident enough.”
I shrug. “Wanted to give it a shot.”
“Well, that’s good.” She squints at me.
“I’m so sad that you’re leaving in two days,” Aunt Helena says, touching my arm. “It was so good having you here for the summer.”
“I had a lot of fun,” I remark and press my hand over hers. Uncontrollably, I glance at Reid.
He regards me in a longing way. “I’m glad you came back.”
My heart flutters at his statement, and I tell him sweetly, “Me too.”
I can feel everyone watching us, and the urgency to confess foams inside so much it starts spilling over.
Drawing for courage, I flick to my parents, then say, “There’s something you should know.”
Dad sets down his fork, a pinch between his brows. “What is it, honey?”
I hear Aunt Helena take a deep breath and Genevieve harrumphs.
“Well, something happened earlier on in the summer and…” I wipe my palms on my shorts, growing more nervous.
“We fell in love,” Reid boldly states.
“What?” Dad gasps, his eyes ping-ponging between us. “As in you and…Cassie?”
“Yes,” I manage to admit. “We became close again, and we developed into something more.”
“Are you saying you’re in a romantic relationship?” Mom confirms.
I nod.
“We are,” Reid answers. He looks at me, adding, “We want to be together.”
“My god.” Dad snaps his gaze to Aunt Helena. “What the hell have you done?”
She sputters a short breath. “What are you saying? I had nothing to do with it.”
“Bullshit! You encouraged them, didn’t you?”
“No, Dad,” I implore. “Aunt Helena has nothing to do with it.”
“Why would she encourage us?” Reid grunts, seeming upset with Dad for snapping at his mom.
“Because it’s what our twisted father wanted,” Dad roars. “This ends now!” He shoots up from the chair and reaches for me. “Cassie. We’re leaving.”
“Jeff,” Mom mutters, straightening.
After replaying his words, I jump up and splay my hands. “Wait. What do you mean, it’s what Grandfather wanted?”
Dad scoffs. “He said the only way Reid would be able to take over the company or have access to his inheritance is if he married you.” He points at Aunt Helena. “She told me it wasn’t the reason for the invitation, that she handled it. I guess that was a lie.”
All the focus in the room is on Aunt Helena now.
Genevieve has gone quiet, head low and looking uncomfortable.
Aunt Helena rises from the chair. “Cassie.”
