Page 22 of Faking Ever After

“There is no need for that, Nektaria,” I hurried to explain, but the fiery woman was already up and speaking hurriedly in Greek, making Dimitrios wince as she retreated into the house.

“Wow,” Finn whispered.

Truth be told, Richie had been an ass about the linens being a little coarse when he had been here years ago.

Judging by the heat in Dimitrios’ face, Nektaria had shared a few flavorful blessings and curses on her way into the house.

Mom leaned in and looked at me with concern. “Darling, this was supposed to be a relaxing and romantic getaway for you and Finn. Is bringing a former lover wise?”

Finn perked up and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes, Percy,” he agreed with my mother, his voice amused just enough for me to notice. “Do we really need your ex in the mix?”

I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. “Richie is a good friend, everyone. Whatever fling we had in the past is long behind us. And you will all be nice to him. He’s the reason we have everything we have.”

“He’shalfthe reason, Percy,” Dad reminded me firmly. “If even that.”

“You were the one who developed the whole thing,” Mom said.

“He only sold it like the sleazy salesman that he is,” Aunt Judith said without reservations.

“And for that, we owe him some courtesy at the very least,” I insisted.

Mom slurped her tea loudly. “How will he ever tell the difference?” she murmured behind the cup. Dad laughed.

It was true. Richie could be a dick. I didn’t intend for my family or the staff to tiptoe around the guy, but my family had to learn some manners eventually. Without Richie, I would still be coding in my basement without a penny in my pocket.

Emily looked at me in a way I couldn’t decipher, which was strange since deciphering things was the foundation of my wealth.

“If you are putting together a reunion of former lovers, darling, why not bring the imaginary ones?” Mom asked, her tone so edgy that someone else might have missed the joke.

“Orson was real,” I replied for the millionth time. “Can I please enjoy my breakfast without all this interrogation?”

Dad urged everyone to let me eat in peace and that was what happened. The atmosphere was significantly cooler as the silence settled around the table. It was only broken by Nektaria not-so-gently marching through the house and opening and closing the cupboards.

I would get her a basket of all her favorite chocolates, digestives, and that apricot liqueur she loved.

After we ate, I turned to Finn, who was failing spectacularly to protect his boyfriend from all the attacks. He had apparently decided that the kind of boyfriend he played was a jealous type. “Baby,” I said, carefully using that word. “I was hoping to show you around today.”

“Without any exes popping up?” Finn asked coolly.

“See?” Mom pointed out.

I ignored her. “Naturally,” I said.

Finn pouted so convincingly that it tugged my heart out of my chest.Hush, I told myself and waited for Finn’s answer. “I suppose any extra time with you is welcome.”

If the pout had been tugging, these words yanked my heart right out. I smiled and put a hand on his back. “Let’s get going, then.”

Once we slipped into the house, Finn relaxed a little. “Did I do well?” he asked with contained enthusiasm.

“Too well,” I grumbled.

“And what do you want us to do?” He spoke casually, dropping the act as if an underpaid employee who just clocked out.

“I was thinking about going to the city beach. That’s where the fun and noise are,” I said. “We can drag it out until tonight, I’m sure.”

Finn smirked. “Your family is much nicer than you’re willing to admit.”

What did one say to that? Thank you? I elected to remain quiet. We went into my room and shut the door. The closet contained all the things we might need for a day at the beach. While I gathered the items into a beach bag, Finn stood behind me.

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