Page 18 of Wrecked
I’m too embarrassed to respond. Of course I know what he meant, but Dimi and Katie certainly don’t. I grab my napkin and spread it across my lap, once again trying to salvage the mood by moving past this awkward exchange.
“Where is our waiter? I could really use a drink,” I say, rolling my eyes like it was all some big joke.
Just like that, mindless conversation follows as if Nate’s words had never been uttered. Katie and Dimitri carry most of the conversation, mostly discussing clients and ongoing cases at their firm. I can’t help but notice as Nate looks at me every few minutes, probably because I’m looking at him too.
Our dinner finally arrives, so I busy myself with my fork, trying to stay out of the conversation going on around me. I just have to make it another hour, and then I can haul ass out of here.
“…and congratulations, Nathan. I heard you plan to sell your father’s firm. That’s a big move…and definitely in the best interest of Katie. But I’m sure that wasn’t easy to do,” Dimitri says, bringing Nate’s attention back to him.
“Yeah. We really wanted to honor the man Nathan’s father was. I think allowing Eric to take over the firm really coincideswith the mission Nathaniel had. He changed a lot of lives and was such a wonderful member of our community.” My sister gushes as if Nathaniel was some kind of saint.
I scoff, drawing the attention of well…everyone. I look up from my plate and see Nate fighting a smile from the corner of my eye. It doesn’t appear like Nathaniel and Nate had improved their relationship over the last eight years.
Interesting.
I knew those two would never actually reconcile. I’m even more interested to know how he ended up following his father’s dreams for him. Something tells me that the answer to that question ties into the events of our prom night.
“Sorry, it was just a bit spicy,” I mutter, faking a cough as I swallow my food.
Katie looks at me strangely, as if she understands my reaction to Nathaniel, but not how I know what a terrible man he was. “Anyway, it was a tough decision, but with Nathan deciding not to take the bar exam, there was no real reason to keep it in the family,” she concludes, speaking for Nate.
Keep it in the family. Because Katie is going to be Nate’s family. That hurts far more than it should.
“Speaking of family,” she looks at me and smiles tightly, “I think I can get the time off from the firm to get my wedding dress after all. Looks like our sister trip is back on!” she exclaims, her expression not matching the fake excitement in her tone.
“I already booked my flight, Katie.”
“So then transfer the ticket in my name, Nathan,” she responds firmly.
“Do you really think that’s a good idea, Katie?” Dimitri says, inserting himself in their quarrel. “The Smith case is huge. Any time away could really hinder your chance of making junior partner. You’re already taking so much time off with the wedding and honeymoon.”
“I think it will be fine.”
“You know my dad loves you, but it’s not just up to him. I don’t think this is a good career move for you,” he says, clearly skeptical of this plan.
“It’s no big deal, Katie. I know I gave you a hard time, but I don’t want you to miss out on any opportunities. It will be fine,” I lie in my most cheerful voice. I half expect Nate to utter the same words he did to me last week.
I’m not walking down that goddamn aisle.
Why not? It’s not like tonight hasn’t already been a dramatic shit-show. I almost wish he would. It would get me off the hook, both from taking this trip to Brazil, and keeping this secret from Katie.
“Yeah. Yeah, okay. I don’t know what I was thinking,” she concedes, her disappointment obvious.
She. Knows.
Even worse, she knows, and she doesn’t trust her own sister. That hurts so bad, even though I don’t have the right to feel this way. Not when I can’t stop thinking about the man she is going to marry.
Dimitri leans over, placing his hand on my thigh. “That’s so nice of you to do that for her.” He gives my leg a light squeeze, letting his touch linger. I’m sitting farther back from the table so I know my leg is visible, and I know the moment Nate can see where his hand is placed.
The clanking of Nate’s utensils draws my attention over to him. He’s cutting into his steak aggressively while staring directly down at the thumb caressing my thigh.
“Nathan…” Katie begins.
“Did you ask her if she wanted to be touched like that?” Nate growls, looking away from the offending thumb to glare at Dimitri.
Confused, Dimitri looks down at his hand and quickly removes it. “Shit…I’m sorry, Ellie. I didn’t think?—”
“No. You didn’t. Touch her again without her permission and I’m going to touch you without yours,” Nate snarls, his face red with anger.
