Page 42 of Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice

His jaw hardened. “No. He hasn’t reached out to us, so I’m not going to try to find him.”

“How old were you when he left?”

“Just before I started college. The first few years were hard. My mother had to work a few jobs to support the family. Being a first-generation immigrant, the opportunities afforded to her were limited, even though she went to college here, and her English is excellent. So I decided to quit college and help her.”

“Did Eric and my parents know about this? It would have been easy to find your mother a job at one of the companies within Pang Food Industries.”

The minute I said those words, regret came over me. It sounded so obnoxious, like something a spoiled, privileged person would say to someone less fortunate. Like somethingmy motherwould say, and it was a stark reminder of how his family and mine were so different. I knew how lucky I was, because I’d never had to work to put myself through college or worry about student loans. But on the other hand, I envied Alec for the relationship he had with his mother, because it was something I’d never had, and probably could never have, with mine.

“No.” At my question, something resembling disgust briefly flashed across his features, but it was gone the next second. “The thought never crossed our minds. We survived just fine, without anyone’s help.” He paused, seemingly debating what to say next. “And I knew your mother never thought much of me. She’d always made it clear that I wasn’t good enough to hang around your family. That I didn’t deserve to be friends with Eric and you because of my dad.”

“Well, she’s wrong. And you more than survived, because you’re doing very well now, and you should be proud of yourself.” I paused. “Thanks for sharing that with me.”

He glanced at me, and our eyes held for a few seconds.

My brain sighed and mumbledHere we go again, while my heart urged me to reach across and give that young man who had to put up with so much shit because of his father a comforting hug.

Strictly business, Ellie. No hugs or actual feelings allowed here.

Time for a topic change.

“By the way, you never told me that Jacqui is drop-dead gorgeous.”

He was already concentrating on the road again. “Didn’t see why that would matter.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s stunning, smart,andrich. Most men would probably give up a kidney for one night with her. She had her eyes on you, and you’re not tempted?”

“If I were, you wouldn’t be here, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Why not give it a shot? Just go on one date with her.”

“She’s not my type.”

“That’s not possible. Someone like Jacqui iseverybody’stype.”

“Not mine. I kinda have my eyes on someone else already.” He sounded sheepish. “And before you say anything, let me clarify that it’s nothing serious yet. I’m aware that we’re not supposed to see other people, so I won’t make any move until this is over.”

Jealous Ellie reared her head, and it wasn’t pleasant. She was snarling, demanding to know who that someone else was, and if that was the case, then why the hell did The Kiss That Never Happened… uh, happened?

There was only one plausible explanation: he had been very, truly, incredibly drunk, and hadn’t realized who was in front of him. He’d probably been imagining that other someone, which explained why he’d been so horrified to find me instead. After all, to him, I was only Eric’s little sister, wasn’t I? He had nothing but substitute-big-brotherly feelings for me. Wasn’t that what he had told me all those years ago?

But there had been nothing brotherly about the way he was looking at me last night. I was 100 percent sure of that, because I’d replayed that moment a thousand times in my head, over and over again.

Well, duh. Of course, because he was thinking of someone else, wasn’t he?

Goddamn it.I needed to get out of my head, because even I was going mad listening to my neurotic thoughts.

“Good for you!” My voice came out squeaky and high-pitched, so instead of seeming like I was genuinely thrilled for him, Isounded like a frog was stuck in my throat. “She must be a saint, if she’s willing to put up with you.”

Alec let out a strangled laugh. “She must be.”

“Why don’t you ask her to be your date to all these Goodwin functions, then? Saves you from having to put up with me.” I pointed at myself and made a self-deprecating face to emphasize what I meant.

“I don’t mind spending time with you. You’re not so bad. Somewhat tolerable.”

“Aww, look at you, being so generous with your compliments.”

“And besides, she and I are very new. I don’t think we’re at that stage yet.”

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