Page 33 of Holidate Pursuit

“Yeah, just taking in the view. It’s crazy we haven’t been out here more. It’s beautiful.”

“It is. Growing up here desensitizes you to it, but you’re right. Do you want to go for a swim? We haven’t done that yet, and it’s our last day.” She looks up at me with puppy dog eyes that I can’t resist.

“That’s exactly what I want to do.”

Hours later, I can tell my mood is starting to wear on Lucy. I’ve been out of sorts since meeting with her dad this morning, and while she has no idea what he said to upset me like this, I’m not inclined to tell her.

We had fun swimming and horsing around in the pool. Thankfully, I was able to escape my thoughts for a little while, but there was no hope of keeping them at bay when we returned to our room to get ready for dinner. Lucy definitely noticed, especially since we had plenty of time, yet I made no attempt to get in her pants.

“Hey, what’s going on with you? You’ve been weird ever since that talk with my dad. What did he say to put you on edge? You know it doesn’t matter—”

I don’t let her finish. “Yeah, I know. It doesn’t matter because this isn’t real.”So, why is it affecting me so much?

“No. I was going to say it doesn’t matter because I don’t live according to my dad’s expectations. I’m not motivated by money, so whatever he said, let it go,” she counters, leaning in the doorway to the bathroom. I’m sure she’s thinking of her trust fund. If only she knew I don’t give a fuck about that, but I do care about her parents casting her aside like trash.

Rather than respond, I stay silent and finish getting ready. I’m sure she would walk away from them in heartbeat, but I’m not sure it’s fair of me to let her.

With nothing left to do but put myself through hell, I walk to Lucy and hold out my arm. “Let’s get this night over with, shall we?”

“Let’s,” she responds, linking her arm through mine as we exit the room for the last supper. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough at this rate.

Lucy

Justin didn’t say anything while he finished up in the bathroom. I’m not sure what that means. Obviously, something is bothering him from the conversation with my dad earlier, but it doesn’t look like anything I say is helping. Once we get back to San Diego tomorrow, and away from all this toxicity, I’m sure he’ll forget whatever seems to be eating at him. We just need to make it through tonight.

I was close to Richard’s parents all those years ago. Patty and Clint were like a second set of parents after spending so much time at their house. I’m hoping they just want to catch up andhave no ulterior motive, such as hoping Richard and I reconnect. Especially since he must have told them I was engaged after running into Justin and me.

We’re about to find out when the doorbell chimes to announce their arrival as soon as we descend the stairs. We quickly join my parents in the salon, where we’ll start the night over cocktails. Probably a good idea so Justin can loosen up and shake off whatever it is that’s causing him distress.

Minutes later, Darryl leads them in. “Lucy, sweetheart, it’s so wonderful to see you. Wow, you look so grown up. I can’t believe it.” Mrs. Siemen is the first to greet me with a hug, Clint and Richard trailing behind.

“Thank you, Patty. It’s good to see you, too. It’s been so long,” I say as we embrace.

“Too long. Isn’t that right, Clint?” she asks Richard’s dad as we separate.

“Absolutely. We were telling Richard how much we miss the days when you two were inseparable. We enjoyed having you around.” Clint reaches for me with outstretched arms.

“You’re so sweet, thank you.” With both greetings out of the way, I reach for Justin’s hand and tug him closer. “Let me introduce you to Justin, my fiancé. Justin, this is Clint and Patty Siemen.”

The evening progresses surprisingly well. It’s nice catching up with Richard’s family and makes me regret my initial reluctance. Justin seems to be handling it well and even enjoying himself.

It’s mid-meal when things take a turn for the worse. I should’ve known this was too good to be true.

“Tell us about your firm, Richard. It sounds like you recently made partner. That’s quite an accomplishment at such an early stage in your career,” Dad says during a break in conversation as we’re all preoccupied with eating.

Richard looks up from his plate, nodding while swallowing his bite, and tells us the details. His firm has fifteen lawyers, six of whom are partners. Then he gets to the good part.

“Interestingly enough, we’ve been discussing opening a branch in San Diego. They’re considering me for the development of a new office there. Not having a family or significant other tying me down makes me a likely candidate.”

“That’s wonderful, Richard. I’m sure it has more to do with your accomplishments, but congratulations regardless. It sounds like a great opportunity. You know, Lucy works for Sebastian Dubree. Maybe she can make an introduction and get your foot in the door with a large client there,” Dad suggests out of turn.

“Dad, our in-house legal team handles everything for Dubree Enterprises. It would be a waste of Richard’s time.”

“Nonsense. Things are often needed outside of our capabilities, and multiple relationships are always wise to have. Speaking of, you and Richard would make a fine team if he needs help getting their firm up and running there. You were good together back in the day. There’s no reason you couldn’t be again. Don’t you agree, Richard?” Dad addresses him before taking a sip of wine.

My jaw drops at his blatant insinuation with Justin sitting right next to me, whose face hardens at the comment. What is my dad’s deal? I liked it better when he ignored my existence. Maybe the engagement ruse was not the perfect solution after all.

Richard looks slightly taken aback before quickly schooling his features. “It did cross my mind when I heard Lucy lived there. I’ll have to reach out while I’m in town to see if there might be any possibilities.”

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