Page 75 of Mine to Ruin

“Don’t ‘Mom’ me, and you look absolutely stunning, and you two make a beautiful couple.”

When I hang up with her, I call Dad, hoping I don’t interrupt his work.

He picks up right away. “Hey, sweetie.”

“Hey, Dad? Are you busy?”

“I will always make time to talk to you.”

I wait, counting in my head, because I know what’s coming.

I’ve made it to six when he asks, “So, this young man, Reyes?”

“What’s the deal with him being a Reyes, Dad”

“I see you’ve already talked to your mother?”

“Yes, and Aunt Esther as well. But I don’t know what their problem is.”

“Not my story to tell, sweetie.”

Great. I am surrounded by secrecy, and I loathe it.

“I’m coming home this weekend.”

“Bring that young man, too.”

“I will.”

“Dad?”

“Yes?” I walk to the small balcony and place my hand over my phone, even though Kian won’t hear me since he’s on his phone as well.

“I know this is something you have to do, but can you take into consideration the fact that I love him?”

“Already?” dad asks, surprise clear in his voice.

“Yes.”

“What do these men have that I don’t have? It took me an entire year with your mother.”

I burst into laughter when he hangs up.

Chapter 22

Ellia

Back at work after a night wrapped in his arms, I greet and wave at everyone who still gawks at me. I won’t hide any longer, and it’s quite funny seeing them blinking and scrambling around, taken aback by my attitude.

My brush glides against the white canvas when Brandon pokes his head inside and raises the brown bag. “I brought you lunch.” He puts it on the table and pulls over two chairs.

“So what are your plans for the weekend?”

“Kian and I are going to visit my parents,” I say, and Brandon chokes on his sandwich.

He hits his chest a few times, then wipes the tears in his eyes and says, “Went down the wrong way… I wasn’t expecting that.”

“It’s odd, right? I mean it’s way too soon, even if it does feel right. But after that article...”

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