Fairest (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 2)

“That’s cool,” Mina countered, feeling somewhat at a loss. She wasn’t sure how to console her friend. Nan’s only complaint about her mom’s new boyfriend was usually stuff like ‘he is boring’, and ‘too perfect’ and obviously ‘not her dad’.

Robert Martin gave Veronica a quick kiss on her cheek as she went down the hall and he headed toward the kitchen.

“What’s up, Nan?” Robert asked.

“The ceiling!” Nan retorted. Mina started laughing.

Robert completely ignored Nan’s snide comment. “So have you considered what your mom said about Harvard?”

Nan dug her spoon into her yogurt forcefully, stirring it with a vengeance. “Did she consider what I said about Julliard?”

“Don’t worry about the argument with your mom the other night. We have some time. If that is where you would like to go after high school, I’ll make it happen.” He opened a cupboard and found some trail mix. He began popping the peanuts into his mouth, crunching them loudly.

Nan became a little sullen. “Yeah, okay.” She didn’t look up at Robert when he offered her some trail mix. Undeterred, he swung the open bag toward Mina who took a handful.

“So, I was thinking. I have a cabin up on Imperial Lake. Your mom and I can take my new boat up there and you can invite some of your friends for a lake party? How’s that sound?

Nan’s mood immediately brightened. “I can invite whoever I want?”

Robert shrugged his shoulders. “Sure, why not?’

Nan tried, but couldn’t hide the enthusiasm from her face. “That sounds awesome! When?”

“How about in two weeks?” Robert chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. He looked pleased with the sudden turnaround in Nan’s disposition.

She jumped off of the stool she had been perched on, tossed her empty yogurt cup in the garbage, gave a little twirl, and pointed her little finger at Robert. “Pinky swear.”

The tall dark-haired doctor gave in to Nan’s exuberance. He held out his pinky and they shook.

“It’s a date, for me and my friends. No take-backs.” She scrunched up her face and challenged him to say otherwise.

“No take-backs. I promise.” He smiled.

The elevator dinged again and everyone’s head turned toward the doors expectantly. When they opened, Brody stepped out. Mina felt all of the oxygen get sucked from the room. Or that is what it felt like, since she’d forgotten to breathe. He wore simple jeans and a button-down white shirt, but the way he wore them made them seem extremely stylish. He looked around the expansive living room and took in all of the inhabitants in one quick motion. His face lit up when he saw them in the kitchen.

“You ready?” Brody sauntered over to them with his hands in his jean pockets.

Robert scowled at Brody. “Ready for what?”

Brody looked somewhat taken aback by the attack, but he countered easily with a knock ‘em dead grin.

“For the concert tonight. I’ve got backstage passes.” He held out his hand toward Robert and introduced himself.

Robert stared at Brody before finally giving in and shaking his hand. He turned toward Nan, and he began to lose his casual demeanor.

“Concert. You didn’t mention anything about a concert tonight. Or that you would be going with boys.” He tried to sound neutral, but it came off as being overprotective.

“Lay off, Robert,” Nan shot out. “I already cleared it with my MOM.” Her tone left no room for argument; it purposely reminded him that he wasn’t her father, at least not yet. Robert’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. Nan didn’t give anyone time to respond before she grabbed her purse and headed toward the elevator. Mina quickly followed and Brody tipped his head in farewell before trailing them.

When the elevator closed and they began the twenty-three floor descent, Mina couldn’t help but feel claustrophobic being so close to Brody. Nan tapped her foot to the music of Seven String Quartet coming over the elevator speakers while pulling out her phone to text someone. Brody leaned against the wall looking them over.

“You both look nice,” he spoke quietly. He looked at Nan and then Mina.

Mina’s eyes lifted for a moment and caught his. Her cheeks burned and she could only whisper the word, “Thanks.”

Where was her resolve to be charming and confident? It had disappeared the moment he walked into the room. She could smell his cologne and she had to concentrate just to breathe.