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As for Will and Millie, they welcomed another son just before Austin and Ava. Another boy named Axel. Both my cousins have been very vocal about these babies being the last, which I don’t blame them. Bentley is a handful, and he’s only one child.
My cousin, Addy, is sitting across from me, but she’s been awfully quiet. Just when I’m about to say something, I notice a stolen glance across the table to Masen Cooper, Andy’s male best friend since they were kids.
The memories I have of Masen aren’t exactly pleasant. He was always trying to cause mischief when we were kids, pushing the boundaries to get us into trouble. When we were teenagers, he was the first one to sneak alcohol into every party, and boy did he like his women.
With us living back here in the States, Masen comes over to see Andy quite a lot. Though, some things never change. He’s still a womanizer, but according to Andy, he’s been quiet lately.
“Okay, listen, everyone.” Nash stands up, raising a glass as everyone follows. “A cheer to my talented sister. Even though I’ll never read romance, I’m grateful for the smut you put out in the world, which makes women horny and want to fuck guys like me. Cheers!”
We all fall into a fit of laughter, not surprised by Nash’s toast. If Rocky were here, he would’ve cried at that speech. Proud one of us is carrying his legacy.
As the night goes on, we laugh, drink, enjoy each other’s company before parting ways. Not for long, though, since we decided to fly to LA next week to spend time with our parents. Bentley loves his cousins, plus they spoil him for attention.
“There’s one more stop I want to make before home,” Andy says just outside the restaurant.
“Ice cream?”
“You just ate some,” he reminds me.
“So, I can go again?”
As we walk along the street, Andy holds my hand amongst the crowds walking.
“Did you think Addy was acting weird tonight?” I ask, the thought only coming to mind as we cross the street.
“She’s a psych major. They’re a different species.”
“That’s a mean thing to say about our cousin,” I scold him.
“It’s not mean. Psychologists seek to understand emotions. Their technique is to observe behavior. Addy isn’t like Millie and Ava.”
“Is something going on between her and Masen?” I blurt out.
Andy stops mid-step. “Are you kidding? No way. Her best friend is Cruz, Masen’s younger brother. Can you seriously imagine how messy of a love triangle that would be?”
I nod, knowing just how fucked up and messy that would be, which makes it all the more forbidden and just confirms what I saw tonight.
Something is definitely going on.
“You’re right. I’m crazy,” I brush it off.
“Okay, we’re here.” Andy stops outside of an unfamiliar building. “I’m going to cover your eyes for your surprise.”
“Really?” I laugh.
“Yes, really,” he replies with sarcasm. “Come here.”
We enter the building as I stand with Andy’s hands covering my eyes. Impatiently, I wait with bated breath.
“Are you ready?” Andy whispers behind me.
He removes his hands as I open my eyes. The building is an art gallery which looks familiar. Then it comes to me, this is where Andy’s first portfolio was showcased. The walls are covered with pictures of me, reflecting from a projector.
I gaze in awe at all the photographs, some from when I was young and others from when I was in my teens. Many of the photos were taken when Andy begged me to be his guinea pig when he first received an expensive camera.
I’m mesmerized by all the photos, which onsets nostalgia as the memories of my childhood bring happiness and fill my heart with joy. I only hope Bentley will have a life as wonderful as mine.
As I turn around to express my gratitude, Andy is kneeling on one knee with a box in his hand.
