Page 6 of A Shore Fling
“Thank you. So do you.” I’m not sure I’ve ever seen my mom with a hair out of place, even when we were little. I wish I knew her secret because most of the time, I feel like a hot mess.
Irene and I switch off, and I share a hug with my dad, then he pulls me to the side.
“Nigel’s been waiting for you.”
I shrug. “We were a little late.”
“I’m speaking about the past six months. It’s time to give the man a real chance.”
My eyebrows press together in a frown. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, but I am. Joining our two families in marriage would be a mutually satisfying partnership.”
“Not for me.”
“Don’t be selfish, Nina. We all have to do things we don’t want for the greater good.”
“You say that, but you didn’t hand-pick Jonathon’s wife or Irene’s fiancé. I want that same respect given to me.”
“What’s the big deal? Nigel is one of New York City’s top bachelors. Any woman would consider him a catch.”
“Not this woman,” I fire back.
“I’ve already spoken to him and implied I’m expecting an engagement by the end of the summer.”
“Dad! What the fuck?” I grit out between clenched teeth.
“Nina, watch your language.”
“No. I’m angry, and I don’t care if that displeases you.”
“You can be upset, but the sooner you accept the plan, the better off you’ll be. I’m trying to do what’s best for you.”
“No. You’re doing what’s best for the company, at my expense. I give more than enough of my time and energy to Moreau, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my romantic life, too. You'd better find another solution.” I step over to Irene and whisper in her ear, “I’m out of here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Dad pissed me off, and if I don’t leave, I might explode. We don’t need any bad press.”
She pulls me in for a quick hug. “I’ll call you later.”
I nod before walking away.
“Nina,” Nigel calls. Ignoring him, my legs carry me across the ballroom as quickly as they can while wearing heels. All my focus is on getting outside, away from the suffocating expectations. With my chest tight and my emotions heightened, I feel like I could go off at the slightest provocation.
I come upon Jonathon and his wife, Kristin, in the hallway.
“Where are you going?” He points in the direction I just came from. “The party’s this way.”
“I’m calling it a night.”
“What happened?” Kristin asks.
“Dad’s pressuring me to be with Nigel.”
“Eww.” Kristin curls her upper lip.
“What’s so bad about him?” Jonathon asks.
