Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Sure enough, the men are already sitting around the table when I arrive. Mom is carrying in the last of the platters—already, she’s covered the table with pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Now, she’s adding a pile of scrambled eggs.
James laughs indulgently at the feast she’s put together. “You don’t need to go to all this trouble.” He takes her hand and lifts it to his lips before planting a kiss that, for some reason, makes my stomach turn.
“This is nothing. I love cooking, and it’s been so long since I had a reason to whip up a meal like this.” She’s smiling brilliantly as she takes a seat, every inch the glowing, happy homemaker. “Besides, this is our first breakfast together as a family. I thought it should be special.” From the taste of it, even the orange juice is freshly squeezed. I wonder how early she had to wake up this morning to put this together.
“Yes, I imagine there wasn’t much reason to cook up a feast in the trailer park.” Nix glances over at Colt, and the two of them share a snide little chuckle. Either the adults didn’t hear it, or they’re ignoring them. I decide to pretend I didn’t hear it, instead reaching for the eggs. I hate the feel of their eyes on me—like they’re waiting for an excuse to pounce.
One thing about me they’ll never understand is my ability to block the rest of the world out, a skill I had no choice but to hone when I was in training. The only reason I was able to reach the level I did before my injury was learning the mental game of being an athlete. All the physical conditioning and practice in the world won’t make a difference if your mind is weak.
My body might not be in the same condition it was a few years ago, but my brain is still sharp. I’m able to eat without paying them much attention. When it was just Mom and me, there wasn’t much of a reason to whip up a celebratory meal. Plus, we didn’t have the money for food like this.
“So Leni.” Around halfway through the meal, James turns his attention on me. I wish he wouldn’t. I’m sure his heart is in the right place, but he’s only making things worse. “What’s your plan for the day? I wouldn’t blame you if you do nothing but sit by the pool.”
He seems to have conveniently forgotten the fact that I don’t have a bathing suit. “Now that you mention it, I was going to ask a favor.” I look toward my mother and hope her fiancé’s presence will have the right effect on her. “I have a job interview at four o’clock this afternoon. Could I borrow your car to get there? It’s a pizza place in town.”
“You don’t need to go to the trouble,” James assures me with an easy smile. “I would gladly drop you off there and wait for you to finish.”
Not what I wanted. I’m sure he’s only trying to be friendly and helpful to get on my good side, but he’s already pushing a little too hard. If I refuse, on the other hand, Mom will lose her shit. As it is, she’s practically vibrating as she stares at me. I’m pretty sure she’ll crack a tooth if she doesn’t stop smiling so hard.
“You know what?” Colt interjects. “Is it Lorenzo’s? Is that the place? I heard they’re looking for help down there.”
Terrific. I can either lie or tell the truth and see where this is going. I’m sure it’s nowhere good. “Yes, as a matter of fact. They must really be in a hurry to hire somebody since I only applied this morning, and somebody already got back to me about coming in.”
Nix lifts a shoulder. “We could drop you off on our way to the gym.” Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more uncomfortable. And it’s obvious from the smirks both boys wear that they know I’m stuck. There’s no good reason for me to refuse—and considering Mom’s intense stare, I have no doubt she expects me to accept. It would look childish if I didn't.
She must get tired of my sputtering because she answers for me. “That is such a generous offer. Leni is so lucky that she’ll have brothers like the two of you. I always wished she’d have somebody to protect her the way a brother would.” The woman is even tearing up, for god’s sake. It’s one of her best performances. I wonder if anybody would think it was odd if I started to applaud.
“Sure,” I murmur. “That would be great.” And now I have no appetite for the rest of the food on my plate, which I move around with my fork while Mom changes the subject to the wedding. I’m fine with that since it means nobody’s paying attention to me anymore.