Page 26 of Remind Me
Waking up the next morning, I got up and showered with Cash and watched him as he got ready for work before I got dressed and headed out the door. Pulling into the carpark at work, I got out of my car as Belle pulled in. Leaning against the front of my car, I waited for her to get out before moving over to the door to the shop.
“Morning, Sunshine. I’m surprised to see you here today.”
“So, you heard about my surprise visitor?”
“Yeah, Cash told me when he got home before he went back out again.”
“Think the parents would mind adding one more mouth to lunch and dinner on the weekend? I hate to ask but he will be here for a week at least and don’t want to leave him alone any more than I need to.”
“They would be pissed off if they found out he was here, and you didn’t bring him. I will call them later and add one more. They always make more food than any of the guys can eat so it won’t be an issue.” Walking into the shop after unlocking the door, I turned off the alarm and went to put my stuff down in my office. Belle followed after me.
“Did Cash say anything to you?”
“No, should he have?”
“I don’t know, maybe I am overthinking it but for him to be here out of nowhere feels strange.”
“Belle, that is why they call it a surprise. So that you don’t know about it.” She made a face at me as I laughed.
“Maybe I’m just not used to him being around unless there is something wrong.”
“I can understand that. I say just enjoy it. If there was something wrong, wouldn’t he tell you?”
“I dunno, maybe. I think I am just getting wound up over nothing.”
“It’s almost the weekend, just try and enjoy your time with your dad. Then we will have the distraction of Ma trying to fatten up your dad.”
“Trying to take the nerves of meeting the parents for the first time?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to mention it but now that you have brought it up, how are you feeling about it?”
“I’m nervous, because I really love Beau and would hate it if they didn’t like me. Then I think about his last relationship and feel a little at ease because compared to her, I am a saint.” I laughed and nodded.
“You are! You have nothing to worry about though. From what they know, they already love you. As long as you make him happy, that’s all they really care about. They try not to get too involved in their love lives unless you are Austin and need to stop him from rebounding into toxicity.” I paused for a moment as the full weight of what had happened hit me. “Wow, I guess that is never going to happen again.”
“No… Not the outcome we wanted though. Has Cash discovered any more leads there?”
“Not that he has talked to me about. They haven’t come knocking on our doors though so I’m hoping that’s a good sign.”
“It’s bugging me though on why she’s said my name. She didn’t even know me.”
“Who knows what happened. I guess it will all come out eventually.” Before we could continue the conversation, the back door opened, and Austin walked in.
“Do I really have to go this weekend, Vannah? It’s going to be all couples and me. I can’t think of a worse way to spend the weekend!”
“Yes, Austin, your ass has to be there. Belle needs moral support, and it won’t be just couples. Belle’s dad is going to be there so suck it up, Buttercup.”
“Wait what?” Austin looked over at Belle who nodded. “When did this happen?”
“He got here last night.”
“Is everything okay?”
“As far as I know, why?”
“I dunno, just weird that he turns up out of the blue after Holly saying your name… Or were you expecting him?”
“No… He said he wanted to surprise me, so I didn’t say anything.” She was quiet for a minute. “Now that I think about it, why would he call Cash of all people. Wouldn’t Vannah be better to pick him up and bring him over?” Belle looked over at me. Holding up my hands, I answered her unspoken question.
