Andie comes back with, “You are well aware that I don’t have a boyfriend. Do you have a girlfriend?” she counters.
Amusement fills Kasey’s eyes while my gaze flickers between the two of them. They’d make a cute couple but I really don’t think that’s what is going on here. Something is though.
“I’ll get a girlfriend when you have a boyfriend,” Kasey replies, chuckling while Andie winces.
“So I take it you’re not dating each other?” I ask and try very hard not to laugh as they both stare at me with horror. “I take it that’s a no then?” I chuckle.
“We’re just friend
s, Mom.” Andie rolls her eyes exasperated.
Kasey doesn’t seem too bothered by her explanation so I decide to believe them. All through lunch, I watch as they interact and they’re just like how the De La Fuente siblings act when they’re all together. It wouldn’t worry me if Andie and Kasey’s friendship ever developed into a relationship, but I have a feeling that if it isn’t Kasey who has Andie’s attention, then someone else does. I’m damn curious, but she can keep a secret better than anyone I know. So frustrating…although I still wonder about her Professor whom I think she has a soft spot for.
Joining in on the conversation, I ask, “When are you going back to New York?” Kasey has been home on and off more than what I thought someone who was on a NHL team would be.
“I’m back on the Rota in three days, which is why coach isn’t too pleased that I need the weekend off for Vegas.” He shakes his head when I frown at him. “It’s okay, I have the time off. Coach will just work me harder when I’m back. I’ll be there, Rae. Don’t worry.”
“I’m really looking forward to Vegas. Are we going to do the Magic Mike show?” Andie asks cheekily.
Kasey chokes on his drink as my eyes widen.
“It’s a joint party, Andie. I don’t think the guys will be into that, or maybe…who knows!” I manage to say through my raucous laughter at the thought.
“Sarah sent out a rough agenda, didn’t you get it?” Andie questions.
“I haven't seen it. Have you?” I ask Kasey.
He shakes his head. “Nope.”
“You two are completely hopeless.” Andie shakes her head and continues, “We have from arrival on the Friday until the Saturday night to do our own thing. Sarah suggested a few things so we can go off in groups if we want to do something together. Saturday evening is the group dinner, after which, we separate into boys one event and the girls another. Sunday is our own time again after a late brunch, and then of course we fly home Sunday evening.”
Hearing Andie talking about the schedule for Vegas, reminds me that I promised to share a room with Diego. I haven’t yet told Andie that she’s having a room of her own. I’m not even sure how I’m going to get away with sharing with him without anyone finding out.
In truth, I don’t really care what problems crop up because I’m sharing with Diego, no question about it.
9
Diego
The sunrise in Montana from the high ridge up behind the house is a sight for sore eyes. I live for the early mornings when I can get up here. It’s where my father used to bring Emelia and I when we were children. During her teenage years, Emelia gave it up for snuggling into her warm bed. Not me though, I love it, and once Emelia stopped coming along with us it really became a bonding activity between Dad and me.
Dad sits beside me, mounted on his horse while silence surrounds us. I know why he suggested this ride except I’m not sure if he asked or if Mom put him up to it because she knows I would never refuse this ride. Either way, I cherish this time with him and it’s something that I can say is truly ours alone.
The sun has risen casting a scarlet hue over the clouds—so beautiful. Taking out my cell, I snap a picture and with a few clicks I’ve sent it to Rae with the caption riding with my dad and a smiley face. I smile when I receive a smiley blowing a kiss back within a few seconds.
“She makes you happy,” my father observes. “You’re also more involved than what you led your mother to believe, right son?”
Sighing, I rest my hands on the horn of my saddle. “Yes. I’m in love with her and this whole thing with Mom hasn’t given me much choice but to lie, if she found out the truth she’d treat her even worse.” I turn my head and meet his worried gaze. “Why is she being so difficult about Rae? I don’t understand. Eric and Sylvia have an age difference, so do Mateo and Erin. Aiden and Sarah not so much, but the biggest one of all is Emelia and Dante, plus their relationship wasn't so straightforward either. She accepted that a lot easier than she’s accepting me being with Rae.” I pause.
“I don’t know what do, Dad.” I look at him with defeat.
Dad stares out at the vastness in front of him with the farmhouse in the distance. “She just wants the best for you. She always has.”
“Then why can’t she accept Rae?”
“I’ve tried talking to her and she keeps going on about you needing lots of babies around you and Rae not being able to give you that.”
“What?” I snap my head not believing he’s serious. “Babies? Really? That’s what her attitude is all about?”