Page 67 of Brazen Obsession

I don’t say that one out loud as my uncle hands out wineglasses and turns to talk with the others.

“My uncle.” I shrug.

She nods. “My parents are worried I’m not out meeting anyone. This might be their shove to find someone.” Her eyes go to Sara, sitting close to me, and they soften. “Looks like you already have someone.”

I nod.

Juliette seems relieved. “I was worried you were going to be a rule follower and propose on night one.”

I chuckle, drawing the attention of the others. Waiting until they turn back to their conversation, I sign, “What do you need out of this?”

She looks down at her hands. “Honestly, I think my parents just don’t want me to end up alone. I’m not that old, but somehow, they think I should already be in a relationship or well on my way to marriage.”

“I understand the pressure.” I glance at my uncle. “We should include Sara and I’ll talk out loud. Maybe they’ll think we’re hitting it off.”

“At least it will get them off my back for a while.” Juliette tilts her head. “It’s a shame you’re taken. You seem nice and I wouldn’t mind going to events with you for a while to make my parents think more is happening. Bonus, I don’t have to read your lips to understand you.”

“I’m afraid I’m spoken for.” I glance at Sara and she gives me a soft smile. She’s not concerned about what we might be talking about and she knows I’ll fill her in later. I’m hers.

“I guess we do the getting-to-know-you dance.” She lifts her eyebrows.

“Did you attend college?” I ask out loud and sign. Sara clues in that we’re going to talk now.

Juliette went to college for marketing. She just graduated last year. Sara talks about getting her master’s in accounting. For a while, I just act as interpreter for the two women. Sara might have added a new friend to her friend group because they seem to get along well.

At least Juliette is someone I could see being with if Sara didn’t exist. Earlier, it didn’t matter if the women were vapid and self-absorbed, my uncle just needed to make a deal and my participation was part of the bargain.

“It’s time for dinner.” David stands and offers his arm to my mother. They lead the way into the dining room.

I offer my arms to Sara and Juliette and lead them both in. I sit between them at the table and we continue the conversation. The other adults seem content to let us get to know each other. I make sure to ask questions.

It’s not hard. Of all the debutants my uncle has set me up with in the past, Juliette is the easiest for me to understand why we would suit each other. She’s easygoing and Sara immediately picks up on it.

The thing is, this is just the introduction to see if we’re compatible. If her parents and my uncle think we would make a good couple, over the next few months, we’ll be put into situations together to see if this could become something more.

Sara would marry me to end this. To make it impossible for my uncle to set me up with more women or try to encourage a relationship with Juliette. As much as I want to bind my life to Sara’s, it’s not just the two of us in this relationship. And I’m not ready to change our dynamics just because I can’t tell my uncle to fuck off with the setups.

I glance at my mom. She’s the reason I let him. I could have ended it years ago, but she’s grateful her brother took us in. Her parents never forgave her for running off with my father, so she’s done everything she can to sow peace between David and me.

But I need to live my own life and not be bound to someone because it’s good for business or for David’s relationships. There’s only one woman I want in my life forever.

Sara

It’s not often that I find someone I connect with. Lately, it’s been happening more. With Madison and Noah. With Kayla and Hope. With Nan. And now with Juliette. My high school drama seems so far away and I’m so glad I didn’t let it completely ruin my life.

“You have to have coffee with us.” I turn to watch Dante sign to her. “I’ll bring Dante as our interpreter until I can learn ASL.”

Juliette practically beams. “I’d like that.”

I pass her my phone to enter her number and when she passes it back, I text her so she has mine.

Dinner is over. The beginning was awkward, but once I met Juliette, I knew I didn’t have to worry. She’s not coming after my man. We’re the same age. While I don’t know what Dante signed with her, I’m sure he let her know he was with me and she seemed relieved by whatever he said.

Dante is a stunningly gorgeous man. Any woman would be proud to have him on her arm. But he’s mine and I’m not letting him go without a fight.

“Excuse me.” Dante’s mother rises from the other side of the table and walks toward the bathroom. I give her a few minutes.

She’s the key to end this game, I just know it. I stand. “Excuse me.”