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I extend my hand, and he takes it. The handshake is a test to determine if the man before you is strong and from a good upbringing, but Mr. Jamison knows who I am, and I suspect that he is either working with my father or being blackmailed by him. The latter seems more plausible.
“It’s nice to meet you too, son. Now how about we go inside, Celine has prepared some light snacks.”
Cyrus reaches for my hand and beams up at me. All her fears and worries have vanished.
Summer beach houses here in Briar Bay should really be called summer mansions. Beach house insinuates quaint little shacks on the beach. Not this house, it’s spectacular and that is a lot coming from me.
We follow Mitchel through the house and out onto a patio that overlooks the ocean, if we were to walk down the stairs off to the left we would be on the beach.
“You’re here,” a woman says, who I’m presuming is Celine. She looks to be in her late twenties and the definition of a trophy wife. Her long blonde hair falls down her back. The dress she wears is skin tight, leaving next to nothing to the imagination. It’s an odd pairing, I would have pictured Mr. Jamison with someone like my mother over Miss Barbie, but who am I to judge if they want to be together–more power to them.
“Nice to see you, Celine,” Cyrus says with a smile.
“And you must be Diesel.” Her heels clack against the tiled floor. I extend my hand early so she doesn’t come in for a hug.
“I’m excited to be here. Cyrus met my parents not long ago, and when she asked me to meet you, I couldn’t say no.”
“Let’s sit, Mellie is bringing out the refreshments.”
Cyrus snorts so softly, but I heard her. She knew that when her father said Celine was making the snacks that it really wasn’t her who prepared them.
Another woman in her mid-thirties walks out onto the patio, she looks more relaxed, and her smile for Cyrus is genuine. She places the tray of mini sandwiches down and rushes over to Cyrus.
“Oh my gosh, look how much you have grown. I know it hasn’t been that long, but seriously, you look more mature.”
“I was so excited when Brick said you were here. Are the girls here?”
“My sister is with us and she took them shopping. Your father managed to get an appointment at Giselle’s for their end-of-year graduation. They start high school next year.”
“Wow, Diesel's best friend Cuyler is Giselle’s son.”
Mellie looks me up and down, sizing me up, I see the judgement in her eyes. She cares a lot for Cyrus, and the tattooed boy standing before her isn’t making the cut.
“That’s great,” Mellie says. I’m not sure that she realises how high-profile Giselle’s really is, or the price Mitchel is going to pay for the dresses. “Everything is prepared for you, and if you don’t need me for anything else, Brick is going to drop me at the dress fitting.”
“Go,” Mitchel says. “I told you and Brick that you are to enjoy your holiday and not fuss over us. We are more than capable of fending for ourselves. And the dresses are on me. Giselle has been instructed to add them to my account. And no asking the price.”
“Mitchel,” she warns.
“Don’t Mitchel me, those girls are like family to me. Let an old man feel good about himself.”
Mellie scoffs. “You’re not old, you’re only a few years older than us.”
“Just say thank you Mitchel and go help the girls find the perfect dress.”
“Thank you, Mitchel,” she says with a laugh.
Celine stands off to the side, just like Cyrus, and watches the exchange between Mitchel and Mellie. Brick walks into the room and both Mitchel and Mellie smile.
“There you are,” Brick announces. “I will be back to take Cyrus home in a few hours.”
Both men make eye contact, and for a split second, I swear I see desire, but I must be going crazy. My mind reels at the thought that Cyrus’s father is having an affair with a married couple, but that’s not possible. They are just long-term friends, genuine friends. Not the kind that people like our families keep.
Once Mellie and Brick are gone, we all sit.
“How are you liking Briar Academy?” Celine asks Cyrus.
“It’s okay as far as schools go. I’ve made a few friends.”
