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“I’ll speak to you later, okay?” My mom says to James as we pass him. She grabs his arm and leans on her tiptoes. “Don’t be too hard on him.”
With one final glance at Ace, I let Mom lead me away, hoping I didn’t just land him in a whole heap of trouble.
When we pull up to the house, Mom cuts the engine and turns to me. “Ready to talk about it?” I’d given her the silent treatment the entire ride home. “Remi, work with me here, please.”
“What’s to say? You’ve both made up your minds.”
“And just like that, you’re going to listen to your mother for once?” Her brow rises, and I press my lips together. “Hmm, thought not.”
“So, I like him. Is it really that big a deal?”
“James seems to think it is. He cares about you, sweetheart, and he knows those boys better than you or me.”
“Does he?” I sneer. “Because something doesn’t add up, Mom.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“He was so excited to bring them to the house, but it’s like they can’t stand each other. Ace talks about him like he’s to blame for something.”
“Ace is angry at the world, baby.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “And he’s lashing out at the one parental figure he has left. James told me Ace harbors a lot of hatred toward him over what happened with his mom. But he tried to help. Unfortunately, Maria wouldn’t allow it.”
“Yeah, maybe.” But I didn’t buy it. There was something else.
There had to be.
“Does it really bother you so much, the idea of me seeing him?”
“Every parent wants the best for their child, Remi, and honestly, I’m not sure Ace is what you need. Bexley however—“
“Are you kidding me right now? You just found out I like Ace and you’re going to sit here comparing him to Bexley?” I reach for the door handle. I need to get out of here.
“Sweetheart, that’s not what I meant.”
“You know, Mom, you of all people should know that good looks and a charming smile are only skin deep. It’s what on the inside that counts, and Bexley Danforth is nothing more than another devil in sheep’s clothing.”
With that, I stumble out of the car and take off toward the beach.
Chapter Nineteen
Ace
Our stare holds as Sarah and Remi’s footsteps get quieter before the front door opens and closes, signaling that we’re alone. The vein in James’ neck pulsates to the point that I wonder if it’s about to burst. He waits another five seconds to compose his words before laying into me.
“What the fuck is wrong with you? I have given you everything you could possibly want or need and yet, you still fuck it up. You still go against the one thing I warned you about.”
“No, I’m pretty sure you warned me about parties and drugs in the house. I ignored them too, if you hadn’t noticed.”
His face turns beet red at my words. “That’s it. I forbid you from seeing her again,” he bellows.
His eyebrows almost hit his hairline when I just start laughing. “You forbid me? Come off it, you jumped up prick. I’m a fucking adult, she’s almost eighteen. We can do what the fuck we like, and you can do fuck all about it.”
He opens his mouth as if he wants to argue, but I don’t give him the chance. “I don’t need a father,” I grit out. “I’ve managed my entire life without one, and without you. It’s too little too late for you to act concerned about my welfare and my future.”
“I’m not trying to replace him, Ace. I’m just trying to give you what you missed out on.”
“Too fucking late. And replace him?” I sneer. “I can barely fucking remember him. He’s been gone almost all my life, but you’re fully aware of how long it’s been, aren’t you?” I narrow my eyes at him, willing him to say more, but all he does is straighten his back and smooth down his fucking tie.
“You’re right,” he says, sounding much calmer all of a sudden. Funny what happens when you get close to exposing someone’s indiscretions.
