Page 5 of Sip
The tension from uncertainty evaporates from her little body, and she smiles the smile I hoped to coax from her lips. A light in the darkness of my life, of this table, of our family. She wants to save the world unaware I need to be saved from her.
“My dream is to teach environmental science at the middle school level if possible. That’s when kids are just like sponges, soaking up new information and discovering what gets them excited. They’re starting to think about their careers.”
Her calling them kids cracks me up when she’s only a kid herself at twenty-one. Or more likely she makes me feel older than just the ten years difference between us.
“I’ve already started researching experiments we can perform and some working field trips we can go on so they can really get involved in improving the community. We all need to be reminded there is something bigger than ourselves. If we get a volunteer group going, they get the satisfaction of seeing the results of their efforts, plus they learn leadership and responsibility too.”
Sincere enthusiasm bubbles from her that I’ve never seen in another person before. So innocent and ingenuous, she believes every fervent word she utters.
“You can help too…I mean if you ever want to.”
Any other person asking me to join in their charity efforts would make me laugh out loud and cut off their tongue. Picking up trash or planting flowers is the last thing I’d ever consider. Her naiveté and lack of realization from the absurdity of asking a man like me a question like that charms me in a way I don’t understand.Shecharms me in a way I didn’t think was possible. “You’re inviting me to help?”
“Yes, I would love for you to join us.” Her small fingers wrap around my hand, massive compared to hers, and she gives me a squeeze with all her might. “But we’ve got kind of a while since I haven’t even graduated yet.”
“What’re you studying honey?’
Shane finally shows some interest in her, and she shifts in her seat to give him her complete attention. Sparkling and vivacious just like with me, she shares with him her plans. Her dreams that he holds in his mercy if he allows her to continue with her studies.
Contemplative, he doesn’t ask questions yet doesn’t interrupt either. Although I’m fully aware he doesn’t give a damn about her or what excites her. Humming noises and a few nods prove— at least to me— he’s not really listening. In her excitement, she has no idea.
I do, and I’m pissed. She’s telling him what she should be telling me. Not wasting her breath on my asshole brother who doesn’t appreciate how lucky he is to have found a girl like her when he could have been stuck with an ugly, stupid, bitter bitch.
What. The. Fuck.
I’m jealous and angry and possessive.
Over Grace.
The thought rocks me to my core. Why the fuck should I care about him and her and their marriage? I’m fucking ridiculous. I should be grateful she’s not my problem. I’m more than happy with the life I lead. Fucking delirious actually that I’m living every man’s dream.
I yank my phone out of my breast pocket and text Raquel. She’s always up for a good time. Confirmed when I get a photo of her with her legs spread wide, fingers shoved down her red panties from my simple question ofYou busy. Perfect. In less than an hour that hand will be around my cock and all thoughts of Grace and her silly ambitions and my insane reaction will be forgotten.
Grace’s troubled voice yanks my gaze back to her. She apologizes to Shane for talking too much. I guess she’s finally figured out he doesn’t really care. Her focus returns to her chocolate torte, used to being ignored I infer from the comments she made earlier.
That’s for the best she figures out Shane’s indifference now. She won’t be disappointed later. By either of us.
He stands abruptly and our guests follow suit. Tossing down napkins and swallowing last tastes of wine. Except for me. Eager to get out of here, I take a second to text my fuck buddy that I’ll be there in thirty.
My brother clears his throat and glares at me. Annoyed once again. He shouldn’t be surprised. I don’t bow to him. Never have and never will.
I slowly rise and shove my cell back into my suit. Ignoring the irritation stirring in me from her holding onto Shane’s arm as everyone strides to the foyer. She’s finally leaving but not fast enough. The dumbasses shake hands and utter their good-byes slow as fuck, while she waits patient and smiling until her father and cousin eventually meander to the door. She takes her turn with a much warmer farewell.
“So I’ll see you in three weeks!”
More jovial than she should be but maybe she’s naturally a happy person. Must be innate for the pessimism surrounding her. Which is so damn strange. This house hasn’t felt the impact of cheerfulness in years. She gives me a bear hug, her slender arms surrounding my waist and her head tucking into my chest. A sweet scent of cotton candy engulfs me.
Before I’m ready to let her go, she releases me, reaching for Shane to embrace him too. He’s rigid, permitting the familiarity but not encouraging her either. He pats her back lightly until she steps away and gives one last wave. Neither of us says a word as we watch her scramble into the idling car, already pulling away before she gets the door completely closed.
Istare at the envelope in my hand trying to figure out the last time I received mail. A swirly, feminine script covers the front with my name and address, matching the other letter addressed to my brother sitting on the counter. Might as well stop standing here staring like a dumb ass. I rip open the flap and slide out the note decorated with a blue and green symbol confirming the card stock is one hundred percent recycled.
Dear Killian,
Thank you for the lovely evening. It was a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you better. I feel extremely lucky to have enjoyed such an amazing meal and wonderful company. I’m excited to be joining your family. See you soon.
Warmly,
Grace
