“Is it that obvious?”
“Maybe not to everyone, but I know you. You’re in love.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “People keep saying that. But it’s too early.”
“Says who? I knew Joe was it when I first laid eyes on him. Didn’t you think that to go to bed with Court the night you met?”
I clear my throat. “That was then, and it’s different now. I should give it more consideration if it’s going to be a long-term thing.”
She laughs incredulously. “What’s a long-term relationship except people loving each other so much that they want to stay together as long as they can? I mean, it isn’t like you’re worried about whether he’s rich enough or whatever.”
“Of course not!” I bristle like a hedgehog.
“Thought so, because if you were, you wouldn’t be my sister. If you love him, you love him. This isn’t a math test.”
I know it isn’t. And that’s why it’s hard. I can’t check my answers, and no matter how sure I am, I could be wrong. I’ve been wrong before—most recently about Dad. And he was about as much of a sure thing as I thought possible. I assumed he would support me. But he didn’t. He still hasn’t congratulated me on my new job, and I know he’s seen my group text. His silence hurts.
My eyes find their way to Court. The ache in my heart lessens, and I feel whole and happy. Even as my head says it’s too early for me to be sure, my heart says that isn’t true.
I am in love w
ith Court.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Pascal
I’m super busy for the next couple of days. Curie says I need new clothes, and I agree. Need something fresh to start off my new job right. So we go shopping Friday and Saturday, and I find a few nice tops, skirts and slacks. And shoes. Curie has a finely calibrated shoe radar, and now I’m a proud owner of two new pairs of the cutest sandals that are also suitable for the office.
Of course, that means I’m neglecting Court a bit. But I don’t think it’s that bad. He hasn’t complained, and even if I’m in love with the man, I don’t want to be the kind of girlfriend who has to spend every waking moment with her guy, like a squid with extra-strong tentacles.
Saturday evening, and Court is driving me to my family dinner and another round of celebration, this time with my dad there. He still hasn’t said congrats, although I’m certain he’s seen my text. I wonder what he’s going to say to me in person. It’s not like he can ignore me. Maybe he’s feeling a little regretful about my quitting. Bet he never thought I’d get a new job with more responsibilities and better pay. And my very own office, which I didn’t have at SFG. I can’t wait to share.
I eye the champagne in my lap. “You sure about this?” I ask Court.
“You deserve nothing less than Dom.”
“Isn’t this your brother’s, though?” I figured out recently that the wine and other pricey alcohol were something Tony left behind.
“He probably forgot it was in the back of the cellar. Ah well.” Court shrugs. “Finders drinkers.”
I laugh and quit protesting. Most likely Court’s right. Or maybe Tony just doesn’t care. Either way, I’d like to have a premium bubbly to toast with. I want this to be as special as possible.
We park and walk toward my parents’ home together. A pleasantly warm breeze rustles the trees around us. Court’s grin is so wide that even my cheeks are hurting.
“What are you so happy about?” I tease. “Is it really that much of a relief that you don’t have to be my sugar daddy?”
“Hahaha! I wouldn’t mind. But I’m feeling a bit smug because I know Steve’s going to be eating a nice, big slice of juicy crow pie.”
I smother a laugh. “Well. Yeah. I’m half relieved and half unhappy. I wish it didn’t have to come to this.” I grow sober. “All he had to do was give me the credit I deserve.”
And he still hasn’t. Maybe he’s been super busy, but part of me is petty and resentful that he’s ignoring me.
Court links our fingers. “He wasn’t going to do that until you did things his way. And I know something about controlling parents. My dad has been pressuring me forever to be part of Blackwood Energy, even though he knows it isn’t what I want. He’s used everything at his disposal. Thank God he doesn’t have the money angle to use anymore.”
And his mother’s been pushing him to cater to his father’s whims for her benefit. Suddenly I feel bad about complaining. At least my mom’s supportive.
He adds, “I think it’s gutsy you stood up for yourself against Steve and quit. Not everyone would have done that.”