Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“My son is at home,” I explain, taking a sip of my Coke, wishing now more than ever that it was mixed with whiskey. “If something happens and I need to get back to him, I don’t want to have alcohol in my system.”
When she doesn’t respond right away, I glance at her and find her slowly blinking at me, like she’s trying to wrap her head around what I just said.
I expect her to say something mocking, but she shocks me when she nods and says, “That’s … refreshing and sweet.”
She takes another sip of her drink, then sets it down, giving me her full attention. She turns her body to the side, and when she crosses one leg over the other, her dress slides up, showcasing her long, toned calves and thighs.
“My mom couldn’t have cared less where I was or what I was doing, as long as I was staying out of her way.” She shrugs like it wasn’t a big deal, just part of life, and it makes me think about Hillary.
She didn’t give a shit about Leo, only what he could do for her. And while I hate that my son will grow up without a mother, what this woman said about hers reminds me that I did the right thing, forcing her to terminate her parental rights. I’d rather him grow up without a mom than with one who doesn’t put his needs first.
“But,” she continues, “I’m pretty sure many parents can drink and still be a good parent. I’m assuming your son is somewhere safe. So, maybe, since you’re here, heading to Bimini on this beautiful yacht, you can let loose and enjoy yourself a little.” She stands and raises her bottle. “That’s what I’m planning to do.”
She saunters away, and I can’t help but watch her as she goes. I might not be the type to have one-night stands, but I can still appreciate her from a distance.
And fuck is there a lot to appreciate.
5
Vanessa
Mom
Vanessa! I am extremely concerned. Your guard said you disappeared and he hasn’t seen you all day.
Mom
Your location is turned off. Please let me know you’re okay.
I snort out a laugh and throw my phone onto the little table. If I hadn’t overheard her agree to sell me in order to clear her husband’s debt, I would actually think my mom cared. But since I know better, her texts reek of desperation.
“Hey, is everything okay?” Nicole asks. “Your mom just texted me, saying she’s worried about you and she doesn’t know where you are.”
I’m sure she is …
Not for the first time, I consider telling Nicole what’s going on. I mean, there’s no way she would agree with what her father is doing, right? But the problem is, I can’t be sure. I always knew my mother resented me, but I never thought she’d agree to sell my virginity. And at this point, the only person I can trust is myself.
“We got into an argument,” I lie. “If you could not tell her I’m with you, I would appreciate it.”
Nicole looks like she wants to ask what’s going on, but her boyfriend calls her name, distracting her, and she lets it go.
“Take that cover-up off and get in the water with me,” James says, waggling his brows playfully.
We arrived at the resort in Bimini about an hour ago. And after being given a tour of the resort, Bri suggested we all head to the private pool and Jacuzzi that’s for our use only during our stay. Since everyone is coupled off, I have a room to myself, and it’s over-the-top beautiful.
I offered to give Bri some money, feeling like it was the right thing to do since I was pretty much crashing their wedding, but she wasn’t having it. And I’m glad because I can’t even imagine how much two nights at this resort would cost.
Nicole rolls her eyes but makes a show of getting up, taking her cover-up off, and sauntering over to him. James whistles appreciatively and then pulls her into his arms, and Nicole giggles, wrapping her arms around him.
I glance around, finding everyone coupled off. Bri is with Kane, in his arms, in the corner of the pool. Peyton and Dominick are lying out in the two-person lounge chair. She’s resting her head against his chest, and he’s rubbing his fingers up and down her back. Dani and Matteo are in the hot tub, and with how close they are, kissing and touching, I wouldn’t be surprised if they excused themselves to go up to their room—or hell, with the way they’re going at it, they might just get it on right there, everyone else be damned.
I should probably be grossed out by all the lovey-dovey couples I’m surrounded by, but the truth is, they give me hope. I don’t know any of them well—only from what I’ve seen today—but it’s clear how in love they are. And not the love my mother thinks is normal, but the kind of love where they’re not just lovers, but partners … equals. Everything I hope to have with a man one day.