Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I took them on a mini tour of the house and yard, and my parents were too distracted with guests to notice, which was for the best—at least until we all felt more relaxed. Some of my parents’ wealthier friends were giving us the side eye, but I ignored them, gravitating toward coworkers I felt comfortable around and introducing them. Still, Skylar looked a bit overwhelmed, so I steered them toward drinks at the bar, figuring that might help take the edge off. Once we loaded some plates with snacks, we found a table to sit at with a closer view of the bay.
“So tasty,” his mom said, digging into her plate. “What do they call these?”
“Who knows,” I replied with a shrug. “I’m sure it’s some fancy name for water chestnuts wrapped in bacon.”
Skylar graced me with his first genuine grin, and it instantly calmed me.
“Your parents’ house is really nice, and to have this view every single day…” He glanced out at the water.
“But imagine cleaning all the bathrooms,” I teased, reminding him of an earlier conversation we’d had when he’d accompanied me to an extravagant house I was showing.
He arched an eyebrow. “But there’d be plenty of space to practice our handstands.”
“What are you two going on about?” his mom asked absently as she people-watched and sipped her mixed drink.
Skylar grinned at me again, knowing his mom was enjoying that aspect of this party, at least. There were several handsome men to keep her eyes peeled as well.
When Jasper and his date passed by, I motioned them over.
“This is Jasper, and his date, Johnathon.” Skylar tensed in my side view, and I had to admit I liked that he’d been a bit jealous at one time. But I certainly didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable. “And this is Skylar, and his mom, Aura.”
They stayed and chatted a while, so I felt better about leaving them for a few brief minutes to fill up our drinks and greet some guests along the way.
By the time I got back, people were dragging chairs and blankets onto the grass to face the fireworks display, which would start any minute.
That was when my dad spotted us and came over to introduce himself, which went off without a hitch. Not that I had any doubts. Dad likely didn’t even note how much I fidgeted through the greetings.
My mom followed suit, and my stomach clenched. Fuck, this was about to get awkward.
“Skylar, nice of you to join us,” Mom said as she formally stretched out her hand.
“Thanks for the invite.” He threw a glance my way, knowing full well I’d been the one to extend it to them. “You have a nice home.”
“Thank you,” she replied, then turned to his mom, and he reintroduced them. “It’s been years. Nice to see you again.”
“You as well. Oops, sorry.” Skylar’s mom wiped her hand on her skirt when she couldn’t place her napkin, which had likely blown off in the wind. Skylar slipped her his, which she quickly used, but Mom didn’t flinch, thank God. Ugh, all these ridiculous conventions and niceties were utter bullshit. “The food is delicious.”
“Glad you’re enjoying yourself,” Mom said, then waved to someone over their shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I supposed that hadn’t been so bad after all. I lifted my glass to clink Skylar’s, who seemed just as relieved to have gotten that part over with.
As I pointed out what direction the fireworks would be coming from, Aura began chatting up a man I recognized as one of Dad’s old college buddies, who’d recently gotten divorced. Overhearing little bits of their conversation, they were discussing the influx of boats on the water to watch the show.
Aura was always like that—Skylar too—way more personable and outgoing than I ever was. But I got why Skylar suddenly seemed overprotective as he listened closely, and maybe after noting the innocent exchange, finally seemed to relax.
And just as I was about to say as much to Skylar, there was the initial pop of the fireworks show about to begin. A hushed murmur fell over the crowd as gazes turned skyward.
There were plenty of oohs and ahhs, including from Skylar and Aura, who was pointing out the spectacular colors to the man standing beside her.
“Does this make it worth it?” I asked Sky, pressing our shoulders together.
“What do you mean?” He glanced at me briefly before looking back up at the burst of lights. They were certainly spellbinding.
“The fireworks. Can’t beat this view.”
“Icing on the cake. I was just glad to spend more time with you.” My stomach turned all mushy as he smiled. He spared a glance at his mom on the other side of him, then lowered his voice. “And helping Mom get her mind off stuff. I have a feeling she’s gonna talk about all the awesome food and the handsome men the whole ride home.”