Page 32 of Played

After drawing in a deep breath, I look at the floor, feeling stupid. “Nothing, da.” I answer honestly.

“Well, then why didn’t you pursue her further, Ethan? She seems like a lovely lass, giving Peg a bear, when she hasn’t even met the bairn.”

I look at da. I've never seen him like this before. Ever since Laney and Peg came into our lives, da has softened beyond recognition. And now that Caleb and Laney are getting married, and Laney is with child, it’s like all da’s dreams have come true, and I’ve never seen him happier. Mama, too. What was once a dictatorial, hard-nosed, cold house, is now just about as close to a real family as you can get. It’s unnerving. “She’s a banker, da. She invents software on the side practically giving it away.”

Da looks at me, expecting more. “And?”

Caleb sits up, sighing. “He didn’t think she would be worthy of the Harris name, da.”

“Is that it?” Da asks me. “Did you think I wouldn’t approve of such a lass, son?”

I nod. “That’s part of it.” I clear my throat. “It still turns my stomach, knowing that she was with Caleb first.”

Da winks. “She was cutting her teeth on your brother first, lad.”

Caleb chimes in. “Ah, I get it. You were afraid that when she was making it with you, that she was picturing me, is that it?” He scoffs. “Because if that’s what you thought, believe me, it isn’t true. The lass never called me, I always called her, and she showed little interest other than a shag. And even then, it wasn’t much, man. No offence. She was like a four out of ten.”

My tone is flat. “Thanks.”

“No, I mean it, man. I'm serious. I don’t even know why we got together. I was fucking lazy, and she was always available.”

Flat tone again. “Once again, thanks.”

“Ethan, all your brother is saying is that she didn’t mean anything to him, and he didn’t mean anything to her. It was just sex, son. And if you had any feelings for her, you shouldn’t have let this hangup sully it.”

“I told you, da, that wasn’t all of it.”

“I get that, too. But if I wanted to set you up with someone, I would have told you, like I told your brother. You’re free to see anyone you like.”

“Da, it’s over. What happened between us happened like a year ago. The only reason why I went to see her is to give her a piece of my mind on account of not helping out with Peg.”

“Say what you will, son, but I sense there’s unfinished business there.” Da adds.

I rise, gesturing to the bear, looking at Caleb. “If you want to tear the tag off it, so Laney doesn’t get offended, Freya said it’s fine.”

“Do you honestly think Laney will be offended?” Caleb asks rhetorically.

“Up to you. I’m just relaying a message.”

“Well, it’s unnecessary.” Caleb says.

“Tell Freya we say thank you.” Da adds.

I look at them both, irritated. “Tell her yourself.” I walk out of the room, and I hear da say to Caleb under his breath.

“Invite her to the wedding.”

My eyes roll involuntarily. “God, this family is gettng more and more fucked up.” I murmur to myself, and head into my old room. An hour later, Caleb comes up to get me.

“Colton Ford is here. Do you want to come downstairs?”

“Sure.” I nod, glad that he isn’t bringing up Freya again.

As we walk downstairs, I see the billionaire mogul on the couch, talking to da. “Hi, Colton.” I greet, shaking his proffered hand. “What brings you here?”

The man is dressed in a suit, matching the rest of us. I swear I have one for each day of the week, and another set for fancier meetings, plus casual ones for dates, it’s crazy the wardrobe that we all have.

“I heard about what happened with the little girl, and I wanted to offer some advice.” He explains, as my mama sits in the corner, all but staring at him. I notice he gets a lot of attention, as do the rest of the Ford boys, whenever they go anywhere. I’ve never seen my mama fawn, but if that’s it, she’s fawning.

---