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I want this type of happiness in my life. And I want it with Nyla.
"Come on Nic. You're stalling!" Tyson snaps at me and I shake my head, throwing my hand in.
They have a very interesting way of playing poker, most of which includes the loser doing some outrageously humiliating shit. I've got a good hand, but not good enough that I'd risk looking like Eric.
"I'm going to sit this one out. I know when to cut my losses."
"Ah booo!" They call out, but I stand up from the table and walk over to my kitchen to get myself another cup of ice.
I don't even hear Mr. Thimble, Nyla's father, walk in behind me.
"Hey, son, I'm glad I caught you on your own. Come sit with an old man, let's talk for a minute." He says and waves me over to one of the stools.
I swallow hard and nod my head. I've run into catastrophic medical emergencies, and I wasn't as nervous as I am now.
This man has a real air of authority about him. Even though he doesn't say much, you can tell that he gets shit done.
"Sure. Can I offer you something to drink?" I ask
"That's alright. I'm fine." He waves his hand in refusal.
I grab my drink, trying not to let my nerves show, and I sit down where he gestures.
"Well son, I'm not a man of many words as I'm sure you can see, so I'm going to cut right to the chase."
I nod and he continues.
"I'm beyond ecstatic that my baby girl has found someone who makes her happy. We've all been worried that she was closing herself off and wouldn't give herself the chance to find someone that would try to do this for her."
"I understand, honestly, I assure you I truly care for your daughter and will do what I can to make sure she stays happy."
The man doesn't blink, just continues staring at me. "I hope so. You have to realize that my Nyla has thick skin, it takes a lot to affect her. She's always been like that. I believe when you say that you want to make her happy, but if she ever calls us again crying like she was, we're all going to come back, and it won't end in us playing a poker game. It's not a threat, but a promise. That woman is our life and main priority."
I'm not used to being on the receiving end of threats of violence, but I can see where he's going.
"I'll do my best, that's all I can offer you." I say.
"Well, son, I hope you know what that entails. Like I said, it takes a lot for something to affect Nyla, but when things do get too hard, my baby is a runner. She'll run from you, and you're going to have to be prepared to chase if you truly feel like you're up for this job."
I nod, taking in his advice, but I've never known Nyla to run from anything. I don't see that happening.
Just as the conversation gets a little tense, Aiden rushes in and tells his father that they need him to be the judge because Eric is cheating at something.
"Nice talking to you, son." Mr. Thimble says and gets up to leave.
I understand the protectiveness of it, but I'm starting to think they may not know Nyla as well as they think. She's never going to run. It's not in her.
* * *
A drawback in trying to impress my girlfriend's brothers, too much to drink. I sway slightly as I walk up the stairs. I've already made sure everyone has their rooms for the night. They're still downstairs playing, but I have work in the morning, so I'm calling it a night.
I get to the landing and lean against the wall, and hear moaning coming from one of the guest rooms. I don't think her brothers would really sneak someone in here, but if so, I can't allow that level of disrespect. This is my home and even though I want them to like me, I can't let this fly.
I push open the door and see Tripp and Ardi on the bed. He's got his shirt off, and she's in her bra.
"Oh my god!" I stare in shock, and Nyla comes up behind me, having followed me up the stairs.
"Ha! I knew it!" She laughs.
