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My dad is cheating on my mom. My poor mother, who has done everything for him the last twenty-three years, is sitting at home believing whatever excuse he gave her while he’s out to dinner with some mistress whore. I can’t believe him.
“Are you okay?” Colton’s voice is low, which tells me he’s afraid of saying anything at all.
“You knew.”
“Huh?”
“You saw them when they came in. That’s why you started to freak out and kissed me so I wouldn’t look at the door. You fucking knew and you said nothing.”
He reaches over to put his hand on my knee but I immediately push it off. Instead of trying again, he sighs and places it back on the steering wheel. We ride the half hour home in complete silence while I wonder what my life is going to be like now.
That night was the first time we ever fought. I wouldn’t talk to Colton for a week after that, and I’ve barely spoken more than ten words to my dad since. When he got home from the restaurant, I told him that either he tells my mom or I will. I’ll never forget how hard she cried, or how Maverick punched our father in the face when he found out.
“Honey, do you mind helping your brother set the table?” My mom asks, handing me a stack of plates.
I take them from her and walk into the dining room. Maverick is already placing down the napkins and tablecloths when I get in there. I follow behind him and put a plate at each chair. However, when I’m done I realize something looks off.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Six? Why are there six?
“Mom, I think you gave us one extra.” I call out.
Counting once again, I still come up with the same number. When I look confused, Maverick starts to count as well, but with names.
“Mom. Dad. You. Parker. Colton. Me. No, it’s right.”
The sound of his name has goosebumps rising across my skin. “Wait. Colton’s here?!”
“Yes?”
“Why?!”
A chuckle comes from behind me and all the air seems to leave the room. “Well damn, Mac. Try not to make me feel too wanted.”
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I didn’t expect to see him today, and the last thing I want is to sit at dinner with him, Parker, and my family. It’s bad enough I need to pretend to like my dad. Adding more awkwardness to an already tense situation is making me feel sick.
In the worst possible timing, my mom calls for Maverick and asks for his help. He walks out of the room, leaving Colton and I alone together. I stay completely still. Maybe if I don’t move, he won’t say anything.
“McKenna.” Okay, maybe not. “McKenna, look at me.”
I take a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm before turning around. The second my eyes land on him, I begin to salivate at the mouth. He’s wearing the shirt I got him for his 21st birthday – a turquoise, plaid button down that brings out the color in his eyes. The jeans he has on hug his hips perfectly, and his hair is messy in the way I’ve always loved on him. Why does he have to be so good looking?
“You’ve been avoiding me.” He’s not asking; he’s telling me that he knows.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I mess with the bottom of my shirt, giving myself anything other than him to focus on. “Because, it’s not right. I’m engaged.”
A dry laugh leaves his mouth. “It’s a friendship, McKenna, not a damn offer to run away together.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Seriously? That’s all you have to say? You’re sorry?” My eyes meet his but I don’t say anything, so he continues. “You can’t do this. You told me we could be friends. You can’t expect me to have you back in my life for four days and then not care when you take it away again. You can’t do that!”
I motion for him to quiet down, not wanting anyone else to hear us. “What are you so hell bent on being my friend for? Why is it so important to you?”
He looks as if he wants to scream, but instead, he clenches his jaw for a second then rolls his eyes. “It’s not. Screw it, okay? It’s fucking not.”
