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He’s doing a lot of whispering in my ear, and each time it makes me shiver with the tickling of his breath. It feels way too intimate, but who am I to stop him? I’m enjoying my Cinderella moment before my carriage turns back into a pumpkin.
“It’s okay,” I say, smiling.
I haven’t turned in my resume because then they’ll know I’m a fraud who didn’t finish college and doesn’t hold a degree in computer engineering. I don’t know what they’ll say or do, but it won’t help Tristan’s cause.
Soon after, the wedding party arrives. Hudson doesn’t approach us, the happy expression falling from his face when he sees his parents. Clearly, this family has some major drama.
Do I want to get involved? No.
Can I help what I feel for Tristan? Also no.
I’m in a pickle, and I hate pickles. They’re sour and gross. I shiver in disgust.
“Are you cold?” Tristan asks.
“No, I was thinking about pickles.”
“What?” His eyebrows furrow, and his eyes widen at the same time, making him look like a confused mess.
“Nothing.” I wave him off.
It makes no sense unless he’s in my head, reading my thoughts. I’d rather he not be able to do that because it’d make for an awkward situation.
“Excuse us,” he tells his parents.
Holding my hand, he drags me toward his brother and his friends.
“You took long enough,” Tristan tells Hudson.
“Not my problem that you’re the favorite now.” Hudson chuckles as he teases his brother.
“Right. Favorite. More like last resort.” He rolls his eyes. “You’re the favorite, but you let them down.” He lifts his eyebrows.
“You’re right. I let them down by listening to my heart. Geez, how inconsiderate of me.” Sarcasm drips from Hudson’s words, and then he smiles as he looks at Lex. “I’d do it a million times over.” Hudson wraps his arm around her and pulls her tight to his side. She smiles at him with so much love.
“I think they’re more hurt about you leaving the business. No offense, Lex,” I say with a shrug.
“Oh, none taken.” She lifts her hands and laughs. “I’ve gotten over their dislike for me.” She shrugs without a care.
“I don’t get it,” I say out loud and realize my mistake. “Sorry, not my place.”
“It’s okay. I’m not rich, and I didn’t go to college, choosing to dance instead of having an office job. My family are immigrants. Shall I continue?”
“I don’t see any of those as negatives.”
“My parents are special people,” Tristan says. “Lex is the best. They’re just judgmental a—“
“Stop,” I lift my hand and cut him off. “They’re still your parents.”
“You’re right.” His lips smash into a tight line.
Lex gives me a tense look that could be read a million different ways before smiling at Hudson. I don’t push, feeling like I’m not entitled to know the background information on their family. Instead, I take a sip of my soda and admire the view all around us.
“Hey.” Ellie joins us.
She and Lex look beautiful in periwinkle floor-length dresses that flow whimsically in the light breeze.
“Hi,” Tristan and I say at the same time.
