Page 27 of My Silver Lining

There was a car waiting for us on the tarmac because the Sonnets appeared to be modern-day royalty. A man in a black suit put his arms out, and Lulu took off running toward him as I pushed both of our suitcases toward the car.

He spun her around. The dude looked to be in his mid-seventies, he was tall and thin, with a smile that showed how genuine he was. “There’s my favorite girl. I heard you brought someone special home. I hope this doesn’t mean you won’t be flirting with me anymore when you steal all my money at backgammon.”

Once he set Lulu back down on her feet, she turned toward me. “I’ll never stop flirting with you, Milty. This is my boyfriend, Rafe. Rafe, this is Milty. He’s been driving for my grandfather since before I was born. I spent several summers with my grandparents, and he’d always take me for as much ice cream as I could eat.”

“Hello, young man. You can call me Milton. This one just gets away with the ridiculous nickname because she knows she’s my favorite.” He extended his hand, and I shook it.

“She’s told me lots about you,” I lied.

She quirked her brow, which I read as,I told you so. There’s still a lot we didn’t cover.

I insisted on loading the suitcases into the car, and we climbed in the back as Milton drove us to their beach house. We were making small talk with the older gentleman when my phone vibrated.

Wildcat

How the hell did we not cover Milty and ice cream? My favorite flavor is key lime, and cherry is my second favorite. Tell me yours. And then delete these messages. Charlotte has been known to go through her husband’s phone, and I wouldn’t put it past her to check ours.

Jesus. What the hell was I about to walk into?

Is key lime even an actual flavor of ice cream? I don’t know anyone who likes cherry ice cream either.

Wildcat

My mind is blown. These are the best flavors. What is yours? Time is ticking.

Mint chocolate chip. The most popular, of course.

Wildcat

Very basic. I expected more from you, Rafael.

I believe my ice cream flavor is enjoyed by most humans, while yours is unknown for a reason.

“So, how long have you two love birds been together?” Milton asked.

“A couple of months,” we said at the same time and then smiled at one another.

We’ve got this. It’s in the bag.

“If you hurt our girl, I’ll hunt you down, Rafe,” Milton said, his tone light, which was followed by a laugh. But when his gaze met mine in the rearview mirror, I got the feeling that he meant it.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I said as I typed a quick message to her.

When we break up, you’re going to have to be the bad guy. I will not have Milty angry at me.

Wildcat

I’ve already got this figured out. We’ll blame the distance. We can stop pretending after your boss’s wedding, but my family doesn’t have to know it ended until I leave Rosewood River. It’s not like they subscribe to the Taylor Tea. They’ll never know. When I move to Paris in three months, I’ll say that we grew apart. Just focus on today, and stop worrying about tomorrow.

I prefer my woman to be slightly more empathetic. You’re a bit harsh for me, Wildcat.

Wildcat

We pulled through a gate that led down a long driveway with the ocean in the distance. I wouldn’t even call this a house. This was definitely what people referred to as an estate or a mansion. The large home wrapped around the property, and I’d never seen anything like it.

Milton was out of the car, and I turned to Lulu before opening my door. “You didn’t prepare me for the palatial mansion. I feel like you’re my sugar mama now.”

She rolled her eyes. “Just pull your shit together, and act natural.”

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