Page 28 of Caught in Us
“I’m happy it all worked out,” I say as Chase takes the empty seat across from mine.
“Alicia’s parents are a hoot. They used to throw the biggest and best parties,” Jill says, pausing to take a sip from her soda. “I hope they’ll be around. I really miss them.”
I don’t exactly know how to answer. I can’t imagine my mom will hide away with everything happening on-site, but at the same time there’s a good chance she’ll be passed out drunk. “I’m sure Mom will stop by if she can.”
“Is your dad out of town with work?” Jill asks. “He worked in Spain a lot.”
“Um.” My stomach rolls and the urge to agree just so she’ll stop asking questions is really strong. “He used to.”
“He retired?” Jill says, clueless to my discomfort because I’ve become a pro at hiding the truth. “Wow. I never thought that day would come. Did your brothers take over the business?”
“Yeah.” I nod, able to at least be honest about this. “Ricky and Eddie don’t live and breathe work like he did, but they like it.” Or at least I think they do. My brothers never had the drive to do anything more than what my parents expected. Though, maybe that’s changed since they had to step up and take over Dad’s role. “They like charging their vacations on corporate credit cards anyway.”
Jill chuckles, nodding. “I’m sure that drives your dad a little crazy.”
“Yeah.” I drop my gaze to my plate. It would if my dad could communicate. I’m not sure how much he understands. There are some days I swear his eyes spark at the sound of my voice, but most, I have no clue if my weekly video chats are more for my sake than his.
Cam and Chase discuss a few logistics for the wedding set-up with Jill and I zone out, attempting to keep my food down when my stomach twists with nerves. I consider myself an honest person for the most part. Back when I was drinking, my existence was built on a carefully crafted stack of lies. It was for my survival, to keep others from noticing how fucked up I was, and how much I was drinking. But I gave that up when I got sober. Only, ever since coming back home it’s as if I’m back in that space. There are too many mistruths and secrets. They’re eating me up inside. I can’t keep up.
“No strippers.” Jill’s sharp warning pulls me back into the conversation. “I mean it, Chase. You promised.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “I would never cross you.”
“Don’t let her threats intimidate you.” Cam grins. “She’s all bark and no bite.”
“You wanna test that theory the next time I have your dick in my mouth?”
“Jesus.” Chase scrubs a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to know about your sex life. It’s bad enough I live right next door.”
“You can move out any time.” Cam laughs.
“Psh!” Chase waves off his brother’s comment and takes a bite of food.
“So, when is this bachelor party taking place?” I ask what I hope is a safe question.
“Friday.” Cam leans back in his chair and gives Jill a wink. “So there will be no debauchery. I intend to show up sober and well-rested when I marry my wife.”
“Good answer.” She grins. Her brows lift and her gaze darts to mine. “Hey! You should come to my bachelorette party!” Jill says, and her enthusiasm feels authentic. It warms my heart that she would want me there. It must mean I haven’t completely shattered the chance of rebuilding our friendship, and that gives me so much hope. “That is, if you can. You probably already have plans and I know it’s last minute.”
“No. Thank you.” I smile. “I’d love to.”
Jill grins. “I’ll text you the details.”
“Perfect.”
“And Simon can join the guys,” Jill offers, glancing at her fiancé. “That’d be okay, right?”
“Uh, sure.” Cam glances at Chase and then Jill. “He’s welcome to join us.”
“Oh, that’s okay.” I shake my head. I don’t think Simon would be interested, and anyway, I need someone responsible to stay with Matthew. “He’ll have to stay with Matty.”
“Your parents won’t watch Matthew?” Jill asks.
“Um.” I swallow hard. I wish I could tell her about my father’s reality after his stroke and my mom’s spiraling behavior. But I don’t want to put that on her, not days before her wedding. “He doesn’t really know them. Not enough to be comfortable at bedtime.”
“Oh, right,” Jill says in that way people respond when they are trying to be polite.
“He’s a cute kid,” Cam says.
