Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
“I think the last G and T she poured was a little stiff.” Hana chuckles, standing upright and taking her son’s hand. “She’s still working on it.”
We go our separate ways, her back to the table and me to the kitchen to fulfill the orders. Returning outside, I take a seat next to Mother. Vincent and Hana reclaim their seat next to Vance, and Rebecca sways on her feet next to Victor.
“Oh no,” my oldest brother says, with mock surprise twisting his facial features. “Has someone caught the sleepy bug?”
Rebecca nods, letting out a long yawn.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. Not necessarily of anyone in particular, but just how easy love seemed to find my brothers. It’s like the perfect woman fell into their lap, and they’ve never looked back since.
“What’s wrong, my boy?” Mom asks, resting a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t seem yourself.”
“Must’ve caught the sleepy bug from Rebecca.” I could never admit it outright. At least not yet. This foreign, overwhelming sensation came so out of the blue that I nearly felt crazy for thinking it at all.
Mom smiles at me, no doubt picking up on my distant stare at Victor, lifting Rebecca onto his lap. She rests her head against his chest and nuzzles into a comfortable position. She’ll be sleeping any second now.
“You know it isn’t anything to be ashamed of, Vaughn. You’re reaching that age. It’s okay to want it,” she says, and I nearly chuckle at how close it comes to the birds and bees talk. “A family of your own. Little ones clawing at your hip. And all the other beautiful things that come with it.”
“Who knows? Maybe if I’m lucky enough—”
“It’ll happen sooner than you think?” Mom smiles at me, her hand moving up to my cheek. “Keep your chin up, Vaughn. Good things come to those who wait, and you, my little prince, have waited a long while.”
And I’ll wait longer still. Because I don’t want a rushed relationship that falls apart or erupts into a dumpster fire of meanness and cruelty. I’ll wait forever if I must, as long as there’s a glimmer of hope that someday, I might find what they all have.
2
CLAIRE
Two Weeks Later
“Ican’t believe it.” Mom’s eyes are coated in a shiny layer of tears. “My little girl’s all grown up.”
She flings herself forward and pulls me into a tight bear hug. Under normal circumstances, my mom’s loving embrace would be just what the doctor ordered. It would settle my nerves, make me feel comfortable, and give me the motivation I need to get through the rest of my day.
But it would’ve been way more welcomed an hour ago while I was a panicked mess to get ready for my first day on the job. Having it happen now, in the middle of my new office, while all the staff stares at us like we’re crazy, makes my cheeks reach new levels of burning hot.
“Mom, please. You’re going to embarrass me,” I mumble against her chest.
It’s bad enough that she insisted on following me into the office, but it’s much worse with Veronica Valentine a few feet away. Without her, I’d have never gotten this job. Freshly out of university with no work experience behind me, I don’t feel like I belong here. I’m a little fish in a tank full of sharks, and they’re circling to gobble me up.
“Oh, nonsense,” Veronica says, and Mom breaks her hug to look at her oldest friend. “There’s nothing more beautiful than a mother showing her child love.”
Mom crinkles her nose at me as if to say, See? I win.
I can’t help but laugh. Getting ganged up on by two old ladies wasn’t on my itinerary for the day … or my life, for that matter. I’ve gotta admit, though. It does go a long way to making me feel better.
“Thank you again, Mrs. Valentine. I really appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me,” I speak humbly, feeling my shoulders slump at my sides as the last word leaves my lips.
“Then why do you look so glum, hon?” Veronica crosses her arms over her chest while a brow lifts above her expertly painted eye.
“Because I don’t think I deserve it.” I’ve admitted it to myself a thousand times over but never once said it out loud. Hearing the words leave my mouth feels like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One that so few will ever be able to get, and you’ve given it to me as my first job back in the States.”
“Had it been up to me, you could have called me out for nepotism.” Veronica reaches out one of her dainty hands and rests it on my shoulder. “But the decision isn’t mine to make anymore. I handed the crown over to Victor a long time ago, and all hiring and firing goes through him.”