AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Me: It was as pleasant as a root canal. And it’s not over. We got roped into spending a week with my parents at their beach house and we’ll probably be stuck fake-dating for eternity thanks to my brilliant plan. Also, thanks for not telling me about Natalie having cancer btw, that was a nice surprise. WTF??
A second later my phone is ringing.
“Hey,” I answer with a sigh as I flop back on my couch. I close my eyes and squeeze the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger.
“It wasn’t my place, Wes,” Riley says, getting straight to the point. “If Cooper had wanted me to share I would have, but he didn’t and I had to respect that. And can you blame him? You guys weren’t speaking to each other. You hated him. As far as I knew you didn’t want to hear the guy’s name, let alone talk about what was going on in his life. Do you know what an incredibly difficult line it is to walk between the two of you? Trying to stay friends with you both all this time and not stepping on any toes? I’m willing to do it because I love you both, but I need you not to blame me for shit, Wes.”
I sigh. She’s right and I know it. I have no reason to be angry when I’m the one who’s ignored Cooper for as long as I have. Neither of them is obligated to share anything with me. But Natalie having cancer is a big deal. And I hate that I didn’t know.
“I’m sorry,” I reply, running my fingers through my hair. “You’re right. I didn’t mean to be a dick. I’m stressed about the week at the beach house and that’s not helping.”
“I know, sweetie,” she says, being more gracious with me than I deserve. “But I think it will be okay. You can call or text me any time. You know that.”
I don’t know what I did to deserve her. After everything that happened with Cooper, I’m so thankful I still have Riley.
CHAPTER 5
COOPER - ONE WEEK LATER
“Oh, this is beautiful,” Mom says as we pull up to a cozy, one-story, mint green beach cottage with a wrap around porch and a white picket fence out front. There’s a small front yard with a stone pathway leading up to the front steps and palm trees making up the majority of the landscaping, along with a few other smaller plants. On the porch is a white swing as well as two adirondack chairs with a table in between.
Wesley pulls into the driveway behind his dad’s truck and turns off the motor. Mom and I rode with him but I made him keep the top down now that I know it does that, the little fucker. I’ll admit he got me good with that one, and honestly it did my heart good to see him laugh, even if it was at my expense. I’d do anything to see him happy. His smile is everything to me.
I take another look at the house. It really is beautiful. And I’m certain Mom will love it here. It’s peaceful and quiet, and the sea is practically in the backyard. I’m hoping that her body and soul find some rest here. She’s had it rough the past couple of years and she deserves a respite. Still, I can’t help but feelsome anxiety about the idea of sharing such a small space with Wesley for an extended period of time. Sharing a room with him, a bed. Fuck, that’s going to be dangerous. I don’t know how we’re going to navigate this, touching each other in front of his family, pretending to like each other, and then going to bed at night, and what? Sleeping as far away from each other as possible?
I climb out of the car and open the back door to help Mom out. She’s thin and pale, and has dark circles under her eyes, and a scarf wrapped around her head, but I don’t think I’ve seen her smile like that in a really long time, her eyes soft, and the sun shining on her face. I smile too, as she squeezes my arm.
“Let’s see the rest of the house,” she says. “And then I think I’d better find someplace to rest.”
“Sure, Mom.” She takes my arm as we walk up to the front door, Wesley trailing behind us with her luggage.
We step inside to a bright, open floor plan. There’s a spacious, modern kitchen to the right, complete with a bar and stools, beautiful granite countertops and a corner nook with a built-in bench seat and table with three additional chairs. The walls and furniture are all a cozy beige or off white color with splashes of navy blue or turquoise interspersed among the dishes and towels.
To the left of the entryway is the sitting room. There’s a fireplace, above it a large flat screen tv, and surrounding it, two chairs and a large sofa and loveseat, each with oversized throw pillows in various shades of blue. The floors are tile with a large rug in the center of the living space as well as down the hallway leading to the guest bedrooms and bath. Sunlight floods in through the french doors leading out to the back deck. The master bedroom is just off the living area and the door is open.
“Mom, Dad, we’re here,” Wesley calls, and a moment later Greg and Christine poke their heads out of the master bedroom.
“We’re so glad you could make it,” Christine says, giving Mom a warm hug.
“Thank you so much for inviting us,” she replies with a soft smile. “It’s lovely here.”
“It’s our pleasure. Let me show you your room.” She leads the way through the living area and down the hall. To the left is the guest bath, and one bedroom, and to the right are two more bedrooms. Christine passes the first bedroom and stops between the two at the end of the hall. “We thought we’d put you across from Cooper and Wesley. We figured you’d feel most comfortable being close to each other.” She gestures to the room on the right with a queen-sized bed, matching oak dresser, love seat, and a window looking out onto the back yard.
“Oh, this is perfect,” Mom says, and I’m pretty sure she has tears in her eyes. “Thank you.” I take her hand in mine and squeeze it gently and then kiss her cheek.
“Of course.” Wesley and Cooper this is your room,” Christine says, stepping across the hall. The room is almost identical but the rug on the floor is a different color and the dresser and the love seat are on opposite sides.
I swallow hard when I see the one queen-sized bed meant for both of us. We haven’t shared a bed in years, and the last time we had we’d actually liked each other and wanted to be close. And while I’d love nothing better than to fall asleep with Wes in my arms, I know that’s the last thing he wants.
“Thanks, Mom.” Wesley gives her a smile, but I can sense his unease.
Christine turns to Greg. “Come on. We’ve got some more unpacking to do. There’s some things I think you’ll want to see.” She smiles at him flirtatiously and takes his hand.
“Oh, yeah?” Greg grins and slides his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “What kinds of things?”
“Things I think we should put to use later tonight,” she replies, and then kisses him.
“Oh, god,” Wesley cringes. “Seriously, guys? I know it’s illogical, but I am still very much under the assumption that you guys do not have sex, and I’d like to keep it that way, so please, just stop.”
