Page 10 of Forbidden Fruit

Holly scrolls through the photos, then stops on one, her eyes widening. “Whoa. Is that Clive?”

The photo shows Jack’s stepfather standing on the deck of a yacht, the wind ruffling his salt-and-pepper hair, his blue eyes startlingly bright against his tanned skin. He’s smiling—a rare occurrence in the few times I’ve met him.

“Yeah,” I say, reaching for the phone. “Jack’s stepdad.”

Holly holds the phone away from me. “You never mentioned Jack’s stepdad looks like he walked straight out of a luxury watch commercial. He’s gorgeous.”

“He’s also, like, a million years old.” I lie through my teeth. The man is freaking god.

“He can’t be more than forty-five,” Holly counters, still studying the photo. “And he’s in better shape than most guys our age.”

I snatch the phone back. “Clive’s also Jack’s stepdad—actually his ex-stepdad now. The divorce just finalized.”

“Speaking of which,” Holly says, reaching for the champagne bottle we opened an hour ago, “are you sure it won’t be weird? Vacationing with your boyfriend’s mom and her ex-husband right after their divorce?”

I hadn’t thought about it that way. In my head, this trip has been solely about Jack and me—our future, our engagement, our happily ever after. The final box to check in my life plan. I’ve spent so long waiting for this moment that I haven’t considered the potential awkwardness of the situation.

“Kay says they’re on good terms,” I say, folding a sundress with more care than it needs. “And it’s Clive’s villa, so he’d be there anyway. They’re doing this one last family thing before everything changes.”

Holly refills her glass. “If you say so. Just seems like a powder keg to me.”

“It’ll be fine,” I insist, though a slight flutter of anxiety ripples through my stomach. “Jack says Clive’s barely around anyway. Always working, even on vacation.”

“What does he do again?”

“Clive owns some global security company. Very hush-hush. Jack says he’s worth billions.”

Holly whistles. “And Jack doesn’t work for him?”

I busy myself with reorganizing my toiletry bag. “Jack does, actually. In a semi-entry-level position.”

“For his stepdad’s company? After how many years?”

I shoot her a look. “Jack has his own path. He doesn’t want special treatment.”

Holly raises her hands in surrender. “Of course. Very admirable.”

We fall silent as I continue packing. The truth is Jack’s relationship with Clive has always been strained. The few times I’ve seen them together, the tension was palpable – Clive’s quiet disappointment, Jack’s defensive posturing. I’ve tried to understand and be supportive, but sometimes I wonder if Jack’s resentment stems from something deeper than stepson-stepfather friction.

“Have you thought about what happens after?” Holly asks, breaking into my thoughts.

“After what?”

“After he proposes. After the wedding. Have you talked about where you’ll live? Do you want kids? If he’ll finally introduce you to his college friends?”

I zip my suitcase with more force than necessary. “One thing at a time, Hol.”

“I’m just saying?—”

“I know what you’re saying.” I sit beside her on the bed. “But this is what I want. Jack is what I want.”

Holly studies my face, then sighs and squeezes my hand. “I know, Becs. I just want you to be happy.”

“I will be. Starting Saturday, when we land in paradise, and Jack finally puts a ring on it.” I force a bright smile. “Now help me pick shoes. I need the perfect pair for when he gets down on one knee.”

My phone buzzes with a text. It’s from Kay:

Pack something stunning for Saturday night. Big plans!!

---