Page 72 of Never Say Never

“I had a great night.”God if she only knew just how good.“What did you get up to this weekend?”

I listen to Addy tell me about the new restaurant Jonathan took her to, the weekend getaway they’re planning, the documentary she watched on Netflix. Eventually, we are joined in the living room by my mom and Aunt Daisy. My dad and Uncle Mark are chatting at the bar, mixing drinks.

“Can I make you a special birthday drink, Daisy?” my dad asks over his shoulder.

“That actually sounds nice, Dad,” I tell him, thinking it could help to take the edge off. “But not too strong.”

“Your dad has no idea how to make a weak drink,” my mom says. “Randy, you are an accessory to a bad hangover.”

He laughs. “I should make you one of these, Victoria. Might get me lucky tonight.”

“In your dreams.” My mom laughs, rolling her eyes.

Tucker emerges from the kitchen with Jonathan just as my dad hands me the drink. I try not to let my disappointment show when Tuck sits on the couch next to his sister instead of the empty spot next to me. I’m not ready for our parents to know about our relationship, but my body craves his attention. Even from the other side of the couch, I am hyper-aware of his presence. God, I wish we could just get tonight over with.

I’ve dated other guys, but no one has ever made me want them like Tucker does. What will I do when I leave for Italy? How will I ever survive the distance when I’m sitting here sulking over not being able to sit next to him?

“So, son, I was talking to Jack Mayers last night,” Tucker’s dad says, sinking into the high-backed chair across from us. “His daughter just broke up with her fiancé. You remember Julianna. She’s a nice girl, you should think about taking her out.”

Julianna Mayers is a gorgeous blonde with big, brown eyes and a body that rivals any swimsuit model. She is also the daughter of a very wealthy doctor. I don’t know her well, but I’ve met her at the country club, where my parents are also members. There’s no way I can hold a candle to a girl like Julianna. Irritated, I grip my martini glass so tightly that it tips, spilling down my shirt.

“Shit,” I mutter, and in a split second, Tucker is up on his feet, handing me a napkin and taking my drink from my hand. His eyes meet mine briefly before he retreats to his spot on the couch, and he looks apologetic. As soon as Tucker sits down, his dad immediately continues where he left off. “She was asking about you, Tucker. Told me to congratulate you when I saw you next on your big win. I told her you’d give her a call.”

“I’m not interested in Julianna, Dad,” Tucker says in a frustrated tone.

“I don’t see why you wouldn’t be. She’s a gorgeous girl.”

“I told you,I’m not interested.”

Relief floods through me, but I’m still wound tight at the thought of a girl like Julianna Mayers being interested in Tucker.My Tucker.I take a deep breath, careful to keep the façade in place.

“I’m going to check on dinner,” my mom announces, breaking the awkward silence.

“Let me help you,” Aunt Daisy says, looking at Uncle Mark and adding, “Honey, can you check the wine fridge for a nice bottle to have with dinner?”

As soon as our parents have left the room, Addy relaxes into the couch, looking from me to Tucker. “So, are you two going to make me ask the obvious, or should I just assume?” My eyes widen in surprise. I should have known that Addy wouldn’t be easy to fool—she knows me almost as well as her brother does. When Tucker opens his mouth to answer her, I stop him. I don’t want to lie to her.

“We’re together, Addy, but we’re not ready to tell our—"

“For the love of Pete, it took you long enough,” she says, interrupting me.

Tucker looks at me, his lips tipping up in amusement. Maybe this will go better than we expected.

“How could you keep this from me?” Addy’s voice is a loud whisper.

“It all kinda just happened,” Tucker explains. “And we aren’t sure how everyone will take it.”

“You mean how Dad will take it.”

“Mainly.” Tucker agrees with his sister.

“Oh, who cares what he thinks? Besides, even if he’s not excited about it at first, he’ll come around. He might just need a little time.”

Tucker looks skeptical. “And if he doesn’t, I couldn’t give a fuck.”

“Well,I’mthrilled. And Aunt Victoria and Uncle Randy will be fine,” Addy continues. “So will Mom. Dad might throw a fit, but you’re used to his shit by now. It’s nothing you can’t handle.”

“Point made. Now, can we change the subject before someone hears us?” I ask. “I want to know all about the hotel Jonathan took you to.”

---