Page 111 of Enemies Don't

“Most arranged marriages are,” Bev quips.

I can’t help but laugh at that. I take a sip of my coffee and glance over at Collin’s mom. She’s looking back at me fondly.

I set my mug down. “What is it?”

“I can tell you both care deeply about each other, don’t you?”

“Speaking for myself?” I chew on my lip. “Yes.”

Bev beams at me, holding her hands together at the center point of her chest. “You’re all I could have hoped for for my son.”

“I don’t—”

She shakes her head, cutting me off. “I’ve never seen him act around another woman like he acts around you, Noli. He’s alsonever stood up to his father like I imagine he’s doing right now. You’ve been a good influence.”

“You might not think so if you knew my past.”

Bev reaches over and covers my hand with hers. “We all have pasts. But that’s not where we live. We can’t, or we’ll be miserable. In my humble opinion, you and Collin have a bright future ahead. I think you make a great couple.”

Raised voices from behind the closed office door cut off my response. Bev and I exchange a look. She makes a move to stand.

“Might be a good time to bring in some beverages.” She walks around the island counter to pour two more mugs of coffee. She sets them on a tray along with some muffins. “Follow me, dear. I’m going to need you to grab the door.”

I hop off my stool and trail her to the office. The conversation Collin and his dad are having becomes clearer as we approach.

“I can’t believe you would sabotage me like this.” Collin’s voice is flat, like he’s saying he can’t believe it, but in reality, he actually can believe it.

“It’s for your own good.” Dirk’s response is nonchalant, and my hands fist at my sides.

Bev catches my eye and motions for me to get the door. “Knock once and then head in,” she whispers as I reach for the handle.

I do as she instructs and push the door open so she can enter.

“Thought you two might like some coffee,” Bev says as she sweeps into the room.

I watch from the doorway as she holds out the tray first to Dirk, who takes a muffin and mug without saying anything, and then to Collin.

He sighs and grabs the whole tray from his mom, setting it down on the table next to him. “Thanks, Ma. Is Noli okay?”

Bev bobs her chin in my direction, and Collin’s head swivels, his gaze connecting with mine. The creases in his forehead soften, and he reaches out his hand, beckoning me into the room. “Hey, you should probably be around for the rest of this.”

I step forward, hating my heart for hammering so hard in my chest. Dirk Rattler is staring me down. I shift my gaze from him back to Collin, who still has his hand outstretched for me.

I reach for it like a lifeline and settle into the chair next to him.

Bev makes a move to grab the tray, but Collin shakes his head. “Ma, you should stick around too. This is a whole family discussion.”

“Now, that won’t really be necessary. I—”

“Save it, Pops. I want Mom here, so she stays.”

Dirk sits back in his chair, crossing his arms and scowling.

Bev takes her position on the nearside of his desk, glancing warily between her husband and her son.

I’m holding my breath, wondering what’s going to happen next. This is like a soap opera, except it’s real life, and I hate that the man I care about is being hurt by the man who should be his biggest supporter.

“So, that’s it, then,” Collin speaks first. “You want me to bow out of the race?”

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