“Mom,” I whine. “Did you not hear anything I just said? He hates me and we’re going to have to sit in the same room tonight.”
“Maybe you should try talking to him this evening. It can’t hurt anything.”
I hope she’s right. I really do. “How long until they get here?”
Mom glances at the clock and replies, “Within the hour.”
“I’m
going to go tell Dad hi. At least you warned me.”
“Everything will be okay, Tamilyn.”
I smile, hoping she’s right, as I walk out the back door. The smell of the grill takes over my senses and my stomach begins growling. “Hey, Dad. Next time, you really need to bring me along. I won’t get in the way.”
He sets the spatula down and turns to face me. “Hey, baby girl. We definitely missed you. It’s good to be home. Thanks for cutting the grass, by the way.”
“You’re welcome, Dad. I had some help from Ruston.”
“How’s the photography coming?” he asks. Dad has backed my choice of career from day one.
My face lights up as I begin talking excitedly about everything. I tell him about the couple, and the fights, before telling him about today’s shoot.
“Fights? Well, you are becoming pretty popular aren’t you?”
“It was a friend’s idea to take the photos. I’m glad I did. I think I got some pretty awesome shots.” I have no clue why I didn’t just say Austin, but that would be like reopening the wound all over again.
“You’ll have to show them to me when you print them.”
“Oh, for sure, Dad.” I grin. I watch as he opens the grill to flip the steaks and the chicken. I love little moments like this. I love being able to forget for one split second that I’m about to be made severely uncomfortable. I’m praying that Ruston and I can act normal in front of everyone. I don’t want anyone other than my mom to know what the hell is really going on.
Oh fuck, I just got the worst feeling in my stomach. I’m praying the McGregors aren’t bringing Austin Moran.
Chapter 13
Ruston
Mom begged me to go to dinner with the Hudsons tonight. I told her on one condition—no Austin. I need a night away, and seeing as how the dinner is at Tamilyn’s, I don’t want to deal with seeing the two of them together. Not after last night in my fucking apartment. How the hell am I supposed to react to her? For the sake of a peaceful dinner without suspicions, I’m going to have to act like nothing happened and cross my fingers that she plays along.
I pull up to their house and park behind her car. I beat my parents here, but that’s how it normally works for us. I knock on the door and wait for someone to open it. Tamilyn’s mom opens the door and pulls me in for a hug. “Ruston, it’s so good to see you! Tamilyn is out back with Phil.”
“It’s good to see you too, Barbara.” Ever since I was a teenager, she insists I call her by her first name.
“Come in.” She waves me inside and I walk through toward the back door. I smile as I see Tamilyn talking to her Dad. I smile because no matter what, I can never be truly mad at her. No matter how upset I am, I love her, and just being around her reminds me of that.
The back door is shut but I pull it open and their conversation stops when they see me. “Hey, Ruston, I was wondering when y’all were going to show up. Dinner should be ready soon. Want to give me a hand with the grill?”
Phil Hudson has always been like a second father to me. Fishing trips were always numerous between us three guys—my father, myself, and him. Tamilyn just smiles curtly at me and walks back inside. She didn’t even say hi, fuck you, or anything. That stings a little. I was at least hoping for some interaction. I don’t even have a chance to react to the smile. I’m left standing there like a fool.
To not draw attention to the situation, I walk over to the grill and take a look at what Phil has cooking. The steaks and chicken are mouthwatering. My stomach growls just looking at them. “How was the cruise?” I ask him, to get my mind off what is constantly racing through it.
“We had a great time. Thank you for helping Tamilyn cut the grass, by the way. I know she wasn’t happy we went without her but we’ll have to plan another cruise and all of us go together.”
The thought of that happening makes my heart swell but I know the chances of it actually happening are slim to none. With my luck, Tamilyn would want Austin to go and I’d be the odd man out. Crossing my arms over my chest, I just smile and nod.
“Tamilyn told me she took some pictures at a fight. That must have been pretty damn cool to see.”
A lump forms in my throat. Why does this feel like complete torture? “I, uh…didn’t go. She was with my cousin Austin.”