Page 13 of Recklessly, Wildly Yours

“I’m staying, Liv.” I look at my brother. “I’ve got relationships to mend.”

“Speaking of relationships that need mending,” she says, looking past me. “I know your mom has been waiting patiently for today. She’s missed you, Ethan.”

I follow her gaze and find my mother watching me. Hesitation clings to her. It’s just as familiar to me. Mom and I have never had a close relationship.

Looking back at Callan and Olivia, I say, “Go dance. And prepare to lose that karaoke battle. I think I’m going to win tonight.”

Olivia rolls her eyes. “Seriously, I thought you’d know by now that you can’t sing to save yourself.”

I smirk. “It’s not my talent that’s going to win me this battle.”

Olivia’s eyes go wide. “Oh my god, no. That’s cheating if you drag a professional singer up on that stage with you.”

I shrug. “A man’s gotta use every tool at his fingertips.”

Callan laughs and pulls his wife close. “Come on, Ace. It’s time to shake your ass for me.”

I can’t help but think how fucking perfect they are for each other as I watch them walk to the dancefloor. Olivia’s talking his ear off and if I had to bet, I’d say she’s going over her strategy for winning the karaoke competition tonight. She’s always got a strategy when it comes to karaoke.

“Ethan.” Mom interrupts my thoughts when she joins me.

I pull her in for a hug. “Mom.”

She wraps her arms around me tightly and it feels like she doesn’t want to let go, which is unusual because I’ve never felt this from her before.

“You look well,” she says when she finally pulls away.

“I’m really well. How are you?”

“I’m good. Happy you’re home. Are you planning on staying or will you be heading back to Europe after the wedding?”

We’re as stilted as we always have been, our conversation shaping up to be another unremarkable exchange. Just one more in a long line of the same with her.

It’s always the usual back and forth between us. How are you? What have you been up to? I’ve always craved so much more. I gave up on a deeper relationship with Mom a long time ago, though, so none of this is unexpected.

“I’ll be staying. I’ve just sold my company, so it’s time to figure out what’s next.”

Surprise fills her face. She’s the first in the family to hear my news. “Are you happy about this? What are you thinking you might do?”

“Yeah, it’s what I wanted, but I’m unsure of what’s next. At the moment, I’m just happy to have time for photography again.”

“I hope you take all the time figuring it out, Ethan.” She touches my arm. “And I hope that whatever you choose to do keeps making you happy. You deserve that.”

I don’t get much of a chance to think about what she’s said before my father joins us. He regards me with scrutiny like he always does. “Son. It’s good to have you home.”

Somehow, I manage not to call bullshit. The last thing my father said to me before I left New York was, “I’ve never been so fucking disappointed in one of my sons. I gave you everything you needed to succeed and still you screwed it all up. I can’t look at you like this, Ethan, and I don’t want to. Not until you sort yourself out.” He hasn’t called me since I’ve been gone. A few texts, sure, but tapping out a message takes very little compared to making the time for an actual conversation. A phone call, in my opinion, means so much more.

“He’s staying after the wedding,” Mom informs him and fuck if an entire lifetime of Mom managing Dad and me doesn’t flash before my eyes.

“I can speak for myself, Mom.”

She flinches.

“Ethan.” Dad’s admonishment is sharp. The look in his eyes sharper.

“No.” Mom gives a quick shake of her head to Dad. Then, to me, she says, “You’re right. You can. I’m sorry.”

“I heard that you were courting an offer for your company,” Dad says. Nothing gets by the old man. He’s got eyes and ears everywhere.

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