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“What were they like—your great-grandparents?”
Light fills his eyes when he speaks. “They were the best people in my life, apart from my mum. They loved me unconditionally and weren’t afraid to show it. They didn’t treat me any differently. We lived with them until they passed away. Mum didn’t want to leave them as they were getting on a bit, so we never moved out of their house. And it was nice to have them around all the time. My granddad taught me everything I know.”
“What about her parents, though, surely after seeing how you turned out, they changed their beliefs. Did they not contact you once? Or your mum?”
His eyes harden again, and I wish I didn’t bring it up. He scoffs. “They hated me. They couldn’t stand the sight of me and I knew it from an early age. They always seemed repulsed at the mention of my name.”
“That sounds awful,” I whisper, feeling the back of my eyes burn.
“Not as bad as my cousins. My mum’s brother and sister obviously didn’t mind what they spoke about in front of their kids. They’re a lot older than mum. When I was nine, they made sure I knew how I was conceived. They’d call me a monster, a rapist, a sicko… whatever they could come up with. We were all the same age, near enough. Even my uncle and granddad would tell me I would end up just like my dad.”
I gasp, putting my hand over my mouth, before looking at him dead in the eye. “You are nothing likethatman. You evenlooklike your mother, CJ. And you don’t have a vicious bone in your body. Argh, I could kill your grandparents. Who do they think they are? And your cousins?” I grunt, getting really good and angry now. “Bet none of them have a high IQ like you do. Bet they’re working in McDonald’s for minimum wage.”
He places a hand over mine, stopping me from going further and drawing attention to us, and chuckles. “Cupcake,” he says, a small grin lighting his face. “It’s sexy when you get mad, but it’s fine. I’m over it, and since my great-grandparents passed away, we don’t go to any family gatherings. I have my family; my mum and Cole, and now you and Low. I’m good, really good.”
“It’s still not okay, though. That’s a horrible way to be treated. That could have been one of their stories.”
He kisses my knuckles again, and I relax into my seat, even if I am still sickened he had to listen to them spout venomous lies. “It is, but if I’m honest, seeing my mum hurt by their accusations is what hurt me more. I’m glad they told me though. That night, it brought me and my mum even closer. I never understood why people distanced themselves from us until then. Knowing what she went through, yet still choosing to have me and loving me with her whole heart… it made me realise just how lucky I was to have her. After that, I made sure I didn’t get into trouble,” he says, but I give him a side eye that says, ‘yeah right’, making him chuckle. “Okay, I tried to stay out of trouble, but I still did all my school work, even took extra lessons and made sure I got all the best grades. I was polite to my elders and respected any and every girl I went out with. Not many people know about what happened to my mum, but there were a few times when girls—who knew one of my cousins—would avoid me, and treat me likeIwas the rapist.”
It saddens me that he went through this. I shake my head glumly, feeling tears gather behind my eyelids. “It’s still not fair. I’m glad you have your mum, and now us. And those girls? They missed out big time.” I wipe my cheeks, feeling more tears building behind my eyes.
There’s so much devastation already in this world. We don’t need people making life harder, especially family; the people who are supposed to protect and love you.
“Don’t cry, Cupcake, this is supposed to be a happy day. I didn’t tell you this to make you sad. It was a long time ago; I’m over it. And my mum is better off now that they aren’t in her life.”
I sniffle, wiping my running nose. “I know, but it’s horrible. And it doesn’t seem right that someone as bright as you had to be around a place so dark. And your mum had to grow up around that too. It’s just so hard to get my head around. You’ve been through so much.”
“Mum always said I was bright,” he says, puffing his chest out, lighting the conversation.
I giggle, taking another sip of my water. “That you are. That. You. Are.”
“That’s better. I don’t like seeing you cry,” he tells me, absently rubbing his chest. He truly is the most caring person I know. He feels everything deeply.
“Want to get double dessert after and ask if we can take it to our room?” I ask, wanting to be alone with him and away from the noise in the restaurant.
He grins wickedly. “Of course.”
A plan in action, we quickly order our food and dessert, explaining we want to take it upstairs and to charge it to our room.
Even though he changes the subject, it’s hard not to think about what he went through. I knew his start in life was bad, but to find out how bad… It’s killing me. No one should have to go through that. And for him to turn out as brilliant as he has, is nothing short of amazing.
Everyone deserves to be surrounded by love, especially an innocent baby.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The day has finally arrived, and I’ve never been more excited in my life. I’m so nervous, my stomach is doing somersaults.
From the road trip, till this very second, it has all been a dream come true for me. I never imagined I would ever get to meet my favourite authors of all time, or get my books signed.
Now the day is starting and I’m charged with pure joy and excitement.
I’m glad I decided to wear tights with the new outfit Willow got me. The red blouse with its cute black bow tie matched well with the black glittered suspenders and black cardigan. It’s one of my favourites outfits yet. Even the black Converse CJ bought me go really well with it. It took me a while to stop staring at the glittered rose on the side when I first put them on this morning. They’re truly beautiful, and the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. And at the end of the day, I’ll be grateful for that. My outfit is the bomb, too. Willow knows my tastes so well.
I love funky outfits like this. Don’t get me wrong, a good pair of leggings or jeans and a T-shirt go a long way, but these clothes… they make me feel like me. I don’t care if people stare at my whacky choice of clothes, or if they think they don’t fit into societal standards. It’s me.
The day didn’t really start off as planned. I was worried about my outfit choice when I glanced out our room’s window and noticed it had snowed overnight—was still snowing—but it wasn’t enough to stop us from getting to the venue the signing was held at.
I hate snow. Especially when I’m standing in it for just under an hour. Snow should only come out at Christmas, but since I live in Great Britain, the weather never sticks to its four seasons. It’s frustrating as hell. I have a right mind to get the Christmas tree back out.
