Page 97 of Invisible String
Dad rips a packet of sugar when the waitress drops our coffee. “We have cases up our ass. It’s been exhausting.” He pours the sugar, then milk. “Crime has escalated since the city is growing. Be very careful, sweetheart. This city is not forgiving.”
“I’m good. Always careful.”
“I hope so. Carry pepper spray with you. I worry you're going in at the crack of dawn or staying late. You never know who might be outside.”
Justin nods in agreement.
“The café has a security system.” And a stalker behind it. Completely free of service.
“You live alone. Have you thought of having a roommate? Maybe Andrew.”
I slap my hand so hard on the table it vibrates. Why in the hell Andrew? Does he not see Andrew and I are not in any way compatible? Even Justin sees it. He gives my dad a bewildered look.
“Andrew? Seriously? We aren’t even a couple. We are friends and not even close friends. Why is it that if you could set an arranged marriage, you would pick Andrew? The thought of his touch has me cringing.” Max’s touch is a thirst only he can quench. And I love-hate that my body has a mind of its own.
The waiters arrive, carefully balancing our steaming short stacks of pancakes on their trays. The enticing aroma wafts through the air, a delightful blend of sweet vanilla and butter that makes my mouth water in anticipation.
My dad glances at me, then reaches for the warm bottle of syrup. I’m sure he’s thinking of what to say and picking his words carefully.
“You and Andrew have been friends for so long. We know the family. I just thought it would be a good thing.” He cuts into the pancake. “You did attend the gala with him?—”
“As his guest.”
“What I want to know, Rainey, is why you went home with that man and danced with him. I told you years ago he is not good for you.”
Justin drops his fork and gives my dad a strange look. My anger heats like a volcano ready to erupt.
“His name is Max. Like I told you then, I’m a grown ass woman. What I don’t understand is what do you have against a man you know nothing about? Is it money? Because he has it. He’s a successful man and is fighting professionally. I have no doubt he will be big. Bigger than what this world is ready for.” I shake my head at him. I’m so fed up with him. “Answer me. Why are you so against it?”
His mouth closes and opens.
“Dad?” Justin says.
They both stare at one another.
“Something about him I don’t like. Especially now that he left you brokenhearted, like I had warned you.”
I gasp. “How would you know this?”
“Your mother told me.”
Sorry, Mom, but you traitor.
Justin grips his fork with a tight grip and takes an angry bite.
“And what about you, Justin? You agree with Dad?” Not that I would take any of their advice. I will see who I want to. I’m curious about what my brother thinks.
“I’ve never met him personally, so I can’t judge him. You date and love who you choose. As long as he treats you right, that’s all that matters.” He grins. “You danced beautifully at the gala. How did you know how to dance?”
I laugh. “Don’t you remember? I watchedDancing with the Starsevery night as a kid.”
“I guess you engraved those moves in that noggin of yours…” He turns to our dad. “You have no business telling her shit about Max. What happened between them is their business. You checked if he has a criminal history, and he has none.”
“He did what!?” I slap my hand on the table. “You know what I find ironic? Is it that you never tell Bethany anything about who she dates. Did you do a background check on her current boyfriend? I bet not. But you want to say shit about Max.” Max and I are not even together, but it makes me furious that he treats him this way. “Oh, but, Andrew? You’re ready to have us live together. Don’t mind that he’s a complete wuss.”
My brother snorts, then his head falls back in laughter. When he catches his breath, he offers his opinion. “How about a trembling chihuahua? Oh, Rainey, you missed how shit scared he was of Max at the gala when he was watching you two dance. If some dude took my girl on the dance floor, I would approach him and take him from her. It just shows what kind of man Andrew is. Is that the man you want for her?”
My dad shakes his head, almost as if it's forced.
