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Ripley instantly shook his head, a frown pulling together his brow. “No. I don’t remember a lot. I was pretty young at the time. But I remember Dad and her arguing about how he just wanted Mom to be happy. And her telling him she never would be as long as she was there. He tried. And I guess I can’t blame him for finding someone who made him happy and just living in that moment.”
That’s all it was, though, a moment.
I didn’t see love sparkling in Huntsman’s eyes when he spoke about my mom. There was a fondness, happy memories, I guess, but they weren’t in love. Maybe she was his moment of escape, a chance to just be with someone who didn’t feel like they were forced into loving him and having his children.
“You get along with your mom?” he asked, looking at me curiously.
I wasn’t really sure what to tell him. My mom never let me do anything fun. My mom tried to keep me locked up out of fear of losing me. My mom was controlling and overbearing, and a little fucking judgmental—but I loved her anyway.
“Things have been tense for a little while,” I admitted cautiously, watching my words. “She lost her parents young. She lost her sister a few years ago. She doesn’t really let a lot of people get close, and she likes to be a bit overbearing and protective.”
“You miss her?”
“I like having a bit of freedom and independence.”
He smirked. “You miss your boyfriend?”
“Annnddd I think we’re done here,” I laughed, making a show of looking over my shoulder and searching for our food.
“When do I get to meet him?”
I turned to face my new brother, my eyebrow raised in question. “You already playing that card? We’ve known each other for a hot minute, what makes you think you have a say?”
His amused face dropped quickly, the serious straight lips returning as he looked me in the eye. “One thing you’ll learn about The Exiled, is that blood ties and loyalty are important. You’re my sister. And to be honest, you’re kind of growing on me.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little warmer as I looked across the table at him. “You mean you’re kinda learning how awesome I am and not sure how you lived your life without me?”
He chuckled, the sound reminding me a little of my… our dad. He shrugged. “Hey, you’re a better shot that half the boys in the club. I’ll take whatever bragging rights I can get.”
Picking up the ketchup bottle from the center of the table, I threw it across at him with a grin on my face. He caught it just as Dakota slipped inside the booth beside me.
Ripley’s playful attitude dropped instantly, and he moved out. “I’m gonna go round up these assholes so we can eat and get going.”
He was gone in a blink, the moment between us over.
But hopefully not the last.
I had to admit, he was growing on me too. Especially now that I’d seen a slightly softer side.
“So the girls said there’s a place downtown that’s really casual about checking ID’s, and will serve almost anyone if they like the looks of you,” Dakota said with a wide grin on her face. “You in?”
I could really go for a drink and some fun.
How could I come to Vegas and not either get drunk, get married, or gamble my life savings away?
“Sounds like a plan,” I replied with a smirk, tugging down the front of my black dress to reveal a little more cleavage.
“That’s my girl.”
