Page 175 of Mexico Can Choke On It
That’s when I see her.
Lois Brinkman, my beautiful, smiling mom.I wish I could give her a hug.
Minus the punk rock flair, I’m her mini-me—same stubborn jawline, same full lips. Her silver-streaked hair is in a no-nonsense bun, with a simple blue dress that stands out in the ostentatious crowd. She oozes maternal wisdom(which I could really use right now).
And she’s talking to Gavin.Shit.
“I keep calling her, Mom,” he says. “It just rings through to voicemail every time. What if she’s hurt? What if—”
“She’s probably nursing her pride,” Mom replies. “You know how she gets when she’s embarrassed.”
I hold up the full tray and move closer, behind a spectacled man checking the DOW on his phone. It’s risky, but I can hear better. I promise myself I’ll only stay a minute.
Gavin runs a hand through his styled hair, messing it up in a way that’s very unlike him. “I shouldn’t have brought her to Mexico. It was a mistake. Casa Cashmere, forcing her to work with me all summer… I put too much pressure on her.”
“You were trying to help her find her footing.”
“Was I?” he mutters. “Because she looked at me like I was Dad.”
“You are not your father, Gavin. That bastard betrayed us. You fight for the people you love.”
“Then why does it feel like I’ve lost my sister?” His voice cracks like he’s twelve again, asking why Dad didn’t want us. “She should be making fun of my tux, threatening to object during the vows. It feels wrong getting married without her here.”
Stop it, bro. You’re going to make me cry.
“She’s been my responsibility since Dad left,” he says, voice thick. “I’m supposed to protect her and make sure she never feels abandoned again. But what did I do? I told her she was embarrassing and to leave.”
The guilt in his voice kills me.
“You’re her brother, not her father, and Petra loves you. She always comes home.”
Gavin nods, letting out a deep sigh. “Fiona’s dad isn’t here yet either. We’re both missing somebody important. I’m not big on superstitions, but maybe this wedding iscursed.”
Mom laughs gently. “Okay, stop giving yourself an ulcer. Nothing is wrong. Loosen up and let yourself be happy today, son.”
She pulls him into one of her trademark bear hugs, and I bite my lip to stop it from quivering.
This is going to destroy him.I was so hellbent on taking Fiona down, I forgot that the shrapnel’s going to pierce Gavin’s heart too.
Still, allowing him to marry a con artist is not an option.
“Esteemed guests, kindly take your seats,” Nigel announces. “The ceremony shall begin momentarily.”
The crowd starts shuffling to their designated zones, and I see my opening. Front-row curtains, the perfect vantage point. I ditch the tray and make my way to it while everyone’s distracted. I settle in, wrapping myself in the silky fabric like a moth claiming its cocoon. As I’m tucking my boots behind the too-short curtain, a familiar voice startles me.
Reginald Sterling.
I peek through the fabric gap and see Bryce’s parents locked in a heated whisper-fight right outside the tent.
“You let him dump Amanda? Do you have any idea how that looks?” his mother Judith hisses.
Whoa, hold up! Bryce really did break up with Amanda?
Judith continues, “You did remind him, didn’t you, that if he doesn’t make this work with Amanda, he’s cut off from the family.”
Reginald smooths down his tie. “I talked to him and made things crystal clear. The situation is handled.”
“How exactly? The gossip mill is churning with tales of himcanoodlingwith the Brinkman girl. The sister.”
