Page 28 of Unforgettable

At that we both chuckle and laugh, even though the truth of his statement isn’t funny at all.

“Is it the same for your sister?” I ask curiously.

Reeve discreetly moves his hand from under mine, using it to lift up the pitcher of water and pour himself another drink.

“Ah, no,” he answers after a long sip. “That’s a whole different kettle of fish, but if I dig deep enough into my psyche, I could probably work out how their disappointment in her made me feel like Ihadto be the one to overcompensate and try to rectify it all.”

“That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself,” I surmise. “What does she do anyway?”

“It’s what shedidthat’s the problem.”

I tilt my head in question, waiting for him to elaborate.

“Callie got pregnant just before her second year of college. And,” he adds dramatically, “she was also attending King University.”

I wince in empathy, knowing how prestigious King is and already knowing Reeve’s parents don’t seem like people who would’ve taken the news lightly.

“She has no regrets,” he continues. “But my parents don’t let her live it down.”

“Didn’t they soften up a little when the baby arrived?”

“Oh, they love my niece, but as far as they’re concerned, they can still be mad and disappointed in the action but welcome the consequence.”

Shaking my head, I pop a wedge of sweet potato in my mouth, chewing thoughtfully while listening to Reeve try and explain the complexity of his family dynamics.

“I’m convinced they make up the rules as they go, changing up what they are and aren’t mad about, whenever it suits them.” He lets out a defeated sigh, one that says“I’m resigned to the fact that I’ll never understand my family”before turning the questions back to me. “What about you? What’s got your parents so mad at you?”

“Are you ready?” I ask, tapping both my index fingers against the edge of the table in a mock drum roll. “My parents and three siblings all work in the medical field.”

He lets out a loud whistle. “Now that’s impressive.”

Rearing my head back, I look at him quizzically.

“I meant you were impressive, or I guess, your situation, at least,” he corrects, noticing my confusion. “It’s not often that I have someone in competition for the ‘all the ways you can disappoint your parents award.’”

A loud and obnoxious laugh leaves my mouth, and Reeve joins me. Because even though the situation is shitty and disheartening and not at all funny, it’s such a relief that somebody else finally gets it.

When the laughter subsides, I take a sip of my water and add, “So, as you can imagine, compared to them, I stand out.”

I watch Reeve’s shoulders rise and fall in a deep breath while he licks his lips and his cheeks blush beautifully. “I can think of a few different, more important, more positive reasons you stand out.”

The flirty lilt in his voice makes my skin tingle with want. Resting on my elbows, I lean forward, and Reeve subconsciously mirrors my movements. “I don’t think my parents care about how well I can use my dick.”

I expect him to shy away at my bluntness, for his skin to turn that beautiful shade of pink, or for him to fumble over what to say next, but he confidently holds my gaze instead. “All I needed was one night with you to know there is so much more to you than how well you can use your dick.”

Struggling to look at him, I drop my chin to my chest, feeling warmth fill the usually empty and cold cavity, as he continues to say things he has no business saying and I have no business wanting to hear.

“You may not have ticked all the boxes your parents wanted you to, but that doesn’t mean you’re worth any less than any other member of your family. It doesn’t mean you don’t have just as much to offer them as the next person.”

Regardless of the sting I can feel prickling the back of my eyes, I look up at him. “Do you believe that about yourself too?”

His lips flatten into a hard line as he shakes his head. “It’s not the same for me.” I open my mouth to protest, but he raises a hand to stop me. “I’m almost certain the only reason my parents had my sister and me was to adhere to the all-American stereotype. They had us, other people raised us, and they think money and materialistic things are enough. Now we’re old enough to show our gratitude by working for them and ensuring they continue to make a ridiculous amount of money. Something tells me it’s not the same with your family.”

The lack of emotion in his explanation tells me this isn’t anything new and it isn’t something he’s hurt by. This is something he’s thought and accepted for a while, and that makes me sad. Because he’s right, it isn’t the same in my family. Even in all their nagging and disappointment, I have never not felt loved and wanted by them.

“I could really kiss you right now,” I blurt out.

This time he reacts exactly how I expect, laughing and burying his face in his hands to avoid looking at me.

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