Page 98 of Pretty Thing

We all look at one another.

“Did you receive a call from the police?”

Felix’s eyes are on his uncle.

“Ah…yes, I did, so this was the same accident?”

“Yes.” Felix looks down.

“Felix is right. This is a sad conversation. Tell me something else about yourself, Eden?”

It takes a second to compose myself.

“Um…I suck at this. Let me see. My favorite color is turquoise. I love sea turtles and coffee. Felix and I both enjoy old movies and have started watching them together. And…one day I want to live part of the year on a boat.”

“Oh, I could never do that. I get seasick when I go out in my little boat to fish in the summer. I can’t even imagine living on one,” Jim says.

“What about you? Why do you live all the way out here?”

Jim shrugs. “I prefer the wilderness. Animals are far more honest than people, and I love the fresh air.”

“It doesn’t help that people ran you out of town when Dad was arrested for murder,” Felix says, his tone laced with bitterness.

The room is silent except for the crack of the fireplace.

“Yes…well, there was that too. When my brother was convicted, the people in town didn’t like having me around. We look a lot alike. I would’ve gone back to Vancouver where we’re from, but Travis married Felix’s mother right out of high school, and her family was in the same area.”

Jim lifts a shoulder and lets it drop. I can’t help feeling bad for him and Felix. Felix said that the other kids at his school tried to bully him because of his father, and I just don’t get it.

“I don’t think I would’ve received better treatment from anyone there. It was difficult for everyone,” Jim says, looking at Felix, who is busy moving food around on his plate.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, both of you. I don’t believe in blaming someone for another’s sin, even if they’re family.”

Felix raises his head, and the look of pain and affection in his eyes stills my heart. Reaching out, he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. When he looks at me, I see that six-year-old-boy with his scars laid bare. And in that moment, I decide that I must find out what happened.

What did his father, Travis, do to him? Will Felix eventually tell me?

A wave of protectiveness that I’m not expecting washes over me. I want to care for Felix the way he cares for me. I smile, and he takes a deep breath as his face relaxes.

twenty-seven

​. . .​

Felix

“Your uncle is very nice,” Eden says once we’re alone in the bedroom. “I’ve never played cribbage before, but I remember my parents getting together with friends to play it. It was a lot of fun.”

Eden’s eyes are distant, staring off into thoughts that only she can see.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I know this isn’t exactly what I promised, but at least we’re away, and the best part…” I snake my arms around her waist. “We’re together.”

Eden blushes whenever I compliment her, and it’s entirely too beautiful. Unable to resist the temptation, I drop my lips to hers. It shocks me every single time that she tastes as heavenly as I imagined.

“My heart always runs ragged when you’re near me, Pretty Thing. One day it may leap right out of my chest.”

Eden smiles.

“Mine does the same,” she says, her voice as soft and sensual as her touch.