Page 12 of Never Till Now

“My older sister knows every word to every episode.” He sighs. “Our parents only had one TV growing up. My sister hogged the damn thing every time the show aired.”

“Come on, at least the witches were hot. I’m sure you didn’t hate watching it that much.”

“I may have beat off to Phoebe back in the day,” he shamelessly admits as I roll my eyes.

“Do you have any more siblings?” I don’t know why I’m asking because it’s irrelevant, but conversation flows easily with him.

“A younger brother. I’ve got quite a few years on him. He’s studying abroad right now.” Adam shakes his head, staring ahead. “He’s twenty-six and still working on his master’s. It’s a degree that doesn’t have much to do with his profession after graduation. I think he wants to live off the freedom that I crave to have.”

“What will his job be?”

Adam sighs, staring ahead to give thought to his answer. As if telling me will cause trouble. “The Wheaton Hotel you frequent? My family owns that. Along with a few other hotels across the country.”

“Adam Wheaton,” I test out the name to debate how well it suits him. “Your family seems tight knit and dedicated to their business.” I wonder how much freedom he actually craves growing up in a family who literally can afford anything.

“Devoted to work, no doubt.” His voice falls flat. “My father and grandfather work hard to keep our name prestigious. The three of us children are the siblings of heir.”

“You seem thrilled.” I let the sarcasm be known.

“I respect my brother as much as I resent him. I think everyone craves choice.” Adam keeps his eyes focused on the picture-perfect postcard homes in front of us.

My craving for freedom doesn’t seem too far off.

Freedom to answer to myself.

Freedom to choose a relationship.

Freedom to not be told how to live my life.

Cold liquid splashes on my shoulders as I jolt back to reality. Adam and I jerk forward as a small voice speaks behind us.

“Sorry. I tripped.” A small boy gets up off the grass as his mother runs over.

“No worries, little guy.” Adam smiles, turning around. “Are you alright?”

Watching him interact so calmly and naturally with a tiny being isn’t something I expected from a big tough guy. Adam picks up the soda cup and hands it back to the child. The boy’s mother wears an apologetic look.

“Dean, I told you to be careful with a full cup.” She bends down to our level on the ground. “I am so sorry.”

“It’s not like there was acid in the cup.” Adam chuckles. “We’re fine. I’m sure Mr. Speedman was just excited to catch up with his friends.”

The mother’s face softens. “Again, I am sorry.”

“Accidents happen.” Adam holds his fist out so the young boy can bump it. “I know you didn’t purposely spill soda on us.”

As they leave, Adam rises to his feet extending his hand to help me up. “We need to shower before the bees get us.”

“I haven’t seen one bee here yet, Adam.” I smile at the worried tone he’s trying to hide. “Are you scared of a little bee?” I tease.

“Have you been stung by one? One stung my eye years ago, and I swelled up like an orange.” He shuddered, and I tried not to laugh. “They’re tiny but mighty.”

I shake my head and follow him to my place.

“You’re right.” Adam stands in the center of my condo taking in the small surrounding. “It’s not as echoey. I like it.”

“Come on.” I laugh. “It’s no penthouse suite, but the water view is nice.”

“You have everything you need. The human species overconsume.”