The Pickup (Imperfect Love 1)

“Dad?” I ask stupidly, but before he can answer, my mom cuts in.

“Can we please open presents?”

“And that’s my cue to leave,” my dad says. “Money doesn’t get made by itself. I have a meeting with a potential client.” He glances down at his watch to check the time. My mom doesn’t even ask him to stay, like it’s perfectly normal for her husband to choose work over spending Christmas with his family. And I guess it is. It’s how it’s always been.

Once he’s gone, the three of us make our way to the living room, and my mom grabs the gifts under the small tree Celeste paid to have brought in.

Both women open their gifts, squealing with delight. Celeste throws herself into my arms, giving me a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you so much.” She puts the stainless-steel Tiffany watch on her wrist then shows it to my mom. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” I’m not sure why she’s acting so shocked, she picked the damn thing out herself.

My mom agrees. “It is. Thank you, Nick.” She holds up the certificate for the week-long cruise I purchased for her and my dad. That gift I did pick out myself. Regardless of how frozen my heart has become, I don’t think I’ll ever stop trying to help my parents rekindle the love they once had for each other, even if I’ve accepted it’s most likely not going to happen. I figured a cruise would be a good place for them to get away and enjoy each other’s company.

“You’re welcome, Mom.”

She leans over and gives me a kiss on my cheek. “I love you, sweetie.”

I nod absently as the women open up the other gifts I got for them, the smiles on their faces never faltering, and I wonder what it would take to put a smile on Olivia’s face. Most women are simple. Expensive jewelry, clothes, vacations, and they’re good to go. Olivia, on the other hand, that day in the locker room and then in the hospital room, didn’t want anything I had to offer. Then I question why I’m even thinking about what it would take to make her happy. It’s not my job to make her happy. I shouldn’t want to make her happy.

Celeste may think I’m going to end up with Olivia, but she’s wrong. Olivia chose to walk away that morning after. She’s one of the reasons I agreed to the pact with Celeste in the first place. No emotions. But even as I try to convince myself what I’m thinking is how I really feel, I can’t overlook the fact that Olivia has crossed my mind a dozen times since Celeste and I talked. I may not want her to be in my thoughts, but that isn’t stopping her from being in them.

“All right, I need to head over to Olivia’s.”

“Wait, I have a gift for the two of you.” My mom runs to her purse and pulls out an envelope.

Celeste opens it then jumps up off the couch. “Oh, Victoria! Thank you!”

“What is it?”

“It’s an appointment with Dedra Fray, one of the most elusive wedding planners in the world! How did you do this? I heard she has a wait list a mile long.”

“I’ve become close with Kelly Parks.”

“The mother of Zack Parks, my teammate?” I question.

“Yes, she’s so sweet. Anyway, his wife used Dedra, and when I mentioned Celeste would be looking for a planner soon, she called in a favor. Turns out Dedra is a huge fan of yours, Celeste.”

“Oh, wow! Thank you. I can’t wait to start planning our wedding. You’ll come with me, right?” she asks my mom.

“Of course. Maybe we can finally get your mom to fly up with me so she can join us.”

“I doubt it,” Celeste says with a frown. “It’s been ten years since I moved to New York, and she hasn’t once agreed to leave Piermont. Not even for a weekend.”

“I know, but maybe I can convince her,” my mom says.

“Yeah, maybe.” Celeste shrugs.

“You know, when I spoke to Dedra, she mentioned a few locations that have availability. She thinks the Seversky Mansion might even have an opening for a summer wedding.”

“This summer?” I choke out. My throat feels like it’s tightening and blocking my airflow.

“Yes, Nicholas. This summer.” My mom shoots me a hard glare.

“I thought we were going to do a longer engagement,” I mention to Celeste, who is now shooting daggers my way. I guess the excitement over the gifts has worn off.

“Are you having second thoughts?” Celeste asks. She raises one brow, challenging me to lie to her…or maybe to admit the truth. The problem is I don’t know what answer would be a lie or the truth.

“Can we please talk about this when you get back?” I ask. “I really need to head over to Olivia’s to discuss this paternity situation.”