Page 33 of Fairy Tale Lies
“Yes, but vacations and good times can’t last forever. I’m not like you, taking a class here and there, not worrying about the future.”
“How would I know what I want from life when my only experiences are from my high school and university? I have to live a little before I know what I want.”
Greta cocked an eyebrow, her skepticism on full display. “Traveling and partying gives you insight? Funny, I never needed either to know what I want from my life and career.”
Her sister shrugged. “Guess we’ll keep on viewing things through a different set of lenses.”
Greta couldn’t argue and nodded.
Cindy lifted a brow. “Now back to my original complaint.”
Darn it.
Her sister pinned Greta with disapproving eyes. “I want more than lunch. And if you weren’t constantly sneaking off withthatguy, you’d be spending more time with me. After your internship, I won’t see you until Christmas.”
Greta glared at her sister. Not only was Cindy gliding over the fact she was never home, but the way she said Jacob’s name held way too much haughtiness.
Cindy had the same light blonde hair, high cheekbones, and haughty expression as their mother. It appeared she also had the same attitude when it came to men.
She didn’t approve of Jacob. Neither would their mother.
When Greta had confessed her steamy afternoon with Jacob to Cindy, she’d been thrilled. Congratulating her on finally having some fun. Apparently, he was good for sex, but not the “type” of man to date.
Snob.
“That guy has a name. Jacob. And I haven’t been sneaking off,” Greta grumbled.
Cindy quirked one perfect eyebrow and leaned back in her chair. “You’ve been withJacobfor what, almost a month? Yet, I’m the only one who knows you two are dating.”
“A month isn’t much time. Why would I mention him? It’s not like we’re getting ready to pick engagement rings.”
“You’re telling me since you’ve come home, Mother hasn’t mentioned a thing concerning your dating life?”
Cindy’s disbelief wasn’t unwarranted. Their mother was notoriously nosey and vocal about who her daughters could and could not date. She’d deem Jacob unfavorable. Her scorn was the real reason he hadn’t come up in conversation. Greta wanted to enjoy Jacob until she returned to university without having to deal with her mother’s games.
“Plus, you’re staying with Father. How could he not know? Do you sneak your guy in and out the back door?”
Greta’s cheeks heated. Guilt overrode her annoyance. Cindy’s scenario was a little too similar to her spring storm fling with Jacob.
“We don’t go to each other’s houses. We meet someplace between.” Greta broke eye contact, peering at the menu. “And Father isn’t nearly as inquisitive as Mother. Anyway, what’s the point of mentioning Jacob? We aren’t serious, and I no longer need my parent’s approval to go on a date.”
The waiter approached, setting their wine on the table and asking if they were ready to order. Greta did so happily, hoping the interruption would end the topic of conversation.
After he left, she took a sip from her wineglass, closing her eyes and savoring the taste. The sauvignon blanc was a perfect blend of savory herbs. She focused on the flavor, instead of Cindy’s snooty attitude, and some of her ire slipped away.
Her sister broke Greta’s repose. “It’s a good thing you’re not waiting around or needing their approval because you’d never get it with Father. And definitely not Mother. Plus, why mention him and upset the family when you two won’t last past the summer.”
Greta opened her eyes to glare at her sister. “What makes you say that?”
She kept telling herself the same thing, yet it hurt to hear it confirmed by someone else.
Cindy smoothed her perfect blonde locks then gazed at her manicured nails. “What you two have is lust, nothing more. I get it.” She met Greta’s eyes and smiled sympathetically. “If I spent years with a man like Blake, I’d also want some dirty fun. Jacob isn’t a long-term man for you. He doesn’t fit in our world, or you in his. What will you do once the thrill of sex wears off?”
“Don’t be such a snob. Just because he doesn’t look like my type doesn’t mean he isn’t.” Greta reached for her wine, changed her mind and set it back down. She’d need her wits to deal with her sister. “It’s not any of your business, but for your information, we’ve only, you know, had the one time.”
Why am I telling her this? I need to stop arguing with her. And myself.
Cindy’s eyebrows were almost to her hairline. “Why not? I thought you’re with him because he’s a good lay.”
