Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“Hello again.” She lets go of my hand as she steps toward my mother and accepts her hug. “I’m so happy we could see each other again so soon.”
“And at another party, no less.” She looks over at me and winks. “But don’t worry, it won’t be as wild as the wedding. Just the family.”
She squeezes Glenda’s arm, and I see that same look as before. Does she not want to be part of our family? I don’t understand, but it seems like she’s disappointed when I mention it.
“Let’s go inside, I’ve got some food laid out while we discuss the theme for this weekend.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Glenda takes a deep breath and smiles at me. “Are you coming with us?”
“Cillian can’t possibly plan his own birthday party.” She waves him away. “Give us a little bit and then you can come steal her away.”
My mom doesn’t wait for me to answer as she leads Glenda in the house, and I’m left outside alone. Just before the doors shut, I swear I see Glenda look back at me, but it was probably just my imagination.
Chapter Five
Glenda
I was shocked when I opened my front door to see Cillian standing there. I was sure that a driver would be sent to pick me up, but with it being only him, that meant I got to have him all to myself for hours. I don’t think I’ve ever been all alone with a man that wasn’t blood related to me before. Let alone for hours on end.
From the few things I’ve heard about Cillian over the years, I was a bit worried the drive might have long awkward bouts of silence. People say that he can be broody and is not one to make small talk. I’ve yet to get that from him. It’s another reason to never listen to gossip. I don’t think there was even a moment of silence. He seemed to want to ask me as many questions as I wanted to ask him.
As excited as I was to see the home that Cillian told me about, I was a bit disappointed when we finally arrived. I wanted more time alone with him. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that again because his parents might have rules about us being alone. God knows my parents would have a list of them if a man came to stay with us. Not that they’d ever let that happen.
“I won’t keep you long. It looks like you and Cillian have been enjoying each other's company,” Cora says as I follow her toward the back of the house.
“I do enjoy my time with him.” My face heats, and I know she’ll be able to spot my blush. “He’s sweet.”
“Sweet.” She lets out a small laugh.
“Why is that funny?” I blurt out defensively and then put my hand over my mouth at my sudden outburst. I have no idea where that came from.
Cora stops walking and fully faces me as a giant smile spreads across her lips. “I think Cillian is sweet too. It's just not often I hear it from a woman that’s of the appropriate age to date him.”
“I…” Again, I start to get defensive, but she keeps going.
“He tends to avoid those women, and as much as I love my son, I know he can be a bit rude in his quick dismissal of them. He’s not one for attention.” This time, nothing comes flying out of my mouth. In fact, I’m not sure what to say to that. “It’s nice to see him so smitten.”
Her words give me a glimmer of hope. I also kind of love that Cillian is dismissive of girls that try to get his attention. I shouldn’t, because like Cora said, it’s rude, but in one of the rare moments I spotted Cillian at the wedding, I actually saw two girls try to talk to him. I truly thought he hadn’t noticed them, but now I’m thinking he saw them and was making it clear he had no interest.
It’s strange because both were breathtakingly beautiful, and most people would label me as plain. Forgettable even. Cillian forgot that we shared a dance at the Monarch event. I’d only drawn his attention toward the end of the night at the wedding reception because of who I was, and he was worried over me walking home alone at night. I don't think that makes him smitten with me.
“He sees me as family. That’s probably why he’s sweet to me.”
Cora lets out a laugh as she snags my hand to pull me along with her. “I don’t think Cillian sees you as family, Glenda. Just so you know.” She winks at me.
I’m not so sure she’s right, but I keep that to myself. If I’ve learned anything about Cora since I met her, it’s that she’s a true romantic at heart. She wants everyone to experience the love that she has. In all honesty, Cora has the life that I dream of having, but I know that it will never be possible.