Page 26 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“Does that mean I have to send Syd out to teach some girls a lesson?” Memphis changed his tune instantly.

“Chey is in love with her best friend’s older sister, aren’t you?” Holland teased.

Robin pointed a spatula at her daughter. “Holland, leave your sister alone. She can like whomever she wants.”

“Shut up, Holls!” the apparently not-so-shy teen fired off at her sister. “Lily doesn’t even know I exist. I’m just Kylie’s little friend. It’s demoralizing.” She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed in clear exasperation.

“Okay kids, I think Naomi has had enough. How about some wine?” Leon offered.

“Yes, please. Whatever you have open would be lovely.” I perked up instantly.

Memphis and his dad both laughed and it was the same deep, comforting rumble. I took a full breath and let all my worries go as I exhaled. His family was kind, funny, and more welcoming than I had expected. It was a relief, especially after the not-so-warm welcome my family had given him.

“Why don’t you go on out and sit with Granny on the back deck,” Robin suggested. “The girls and I will bring out some nibbles.”

Leon passed me a cool glass of white wine, and an open beer bottle to Memphis. We took our drinks and headed out the back door. The second the door closed behind us I could hear the girls talking about me.

“She’s sooooooo pretty.”

“Did you see that jumpsuit? I wonder if I could borrow it?”

“Memphis couldn’t take his eyes off her.”

“She’s Ivy League, Mom. So cool!”

Memphis and I both cracked up laughing as he pulled a chair out for me to sit at the long rectangular table that was already set up with a tablecloth, silverware, plates, empty glasses and a water carafe.

“See you survived the gauntlet.” Granny’s lips twitched.

“Apparently.” I smiled and sipped my wine.

Memphis leaned over, bringing his mouth to my ear. “Told you they’d love you.”

“Love is a strong word,” I retorted.

“We’ll see,” he hummed. “I’m gonna help my dad with the grill.”

I nodded. “I’ll enjoy the view,” I said as I watched his fine ass move and flex in front of me, instead of looking out at the lush garden.

He looked over his shoulder. “How is it?”

“Mighty fine!” I called out.

He grinned and shook his head.

“Good one,” Granny complimented and we clinked our wine glasses together in solidarity.

* * * *

Dinner was well underway. The sun was fading over the horizon and the fireflies were zipping around the grass, creating a pretty light show.

“You were not kidding about your parents ability to cook. I’ve never had a better meal and I’ve eaten at some fine restaurants in my day. My compliments to the chefs,” I lifted my glass of wine and rubbed at my full belly.

Memphis and the sisters did the same. Leon smiled and Robin blushed under the praise.

“Does your family make a lot of home cooked meals?” Robin asked. It was a simple question, something that should’ve been an easy ‘get-to-the-know-the-girlfriend’ type of question. For me, it wasn’t so easy.

“Um, no, not really. My father works a lot, in the mining industry.” I glanced at Granny, and she nodded.

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