Page 55 of Resisting the Temptation
“She already agreed.”
So that’s what I missed when I was simmering with possessive rage. Papà must read my shock because he chuckles. “I told her you will pick her up at eleven. Be nice,Beniamino.She maybe your future sister-in-law.”
Like hell she will.
With that, he gets up and leaves my office, whistling in delight as he meanders back down the hall.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a few deep, steadying breaths, trying to get a handle on myself. Then, I pull out my phone and text Mateo to meet me for a drink tonight. He quickly texts back, agreeing to meet me at a bar I’ve never heard of close to his work. He’s probably oblivious to the fact our parents are trying to set him up tomorrow, so I think it’s best I give him a heads up.
It’s my brotherly duty after all.
“What?” I bark, not bothering to look up when I hear a knock on my door.
“Sorry,” Emma replies, her voice sheepish, which immediately makes me feel like an asshole. “I just wanted to say you don’t have to pick me up. I can drive, or Jordan can bring me. I also wanted to know what your mom’s favorite flowers are?”
I finally look up, but she refuses to meet my gaze.
“It’s not a problem.Papàwants you to enjoy the day—meaning he wants to supply you with alcohol. I don’t mind picking you up.Mamàlikes peonies.”
“Okay. Thank you. I’ll uh, see you tomorrow then, I guess.”
“Tomorrow.”
The first thing I notice when I walk up to the bar is the Pride flag next to the half-broken neon McGrath’s sign. Mateo is straight as an arrow—as far as I know, so it’s curious this is the place he chose—maybe he just likes their drinks. I have nothing against the LGBTQ+ community, but I also don’t know many people who are part of it. My mind flashes back to Emma’s green ribbon around her wrist. Is she bisexual?
Mateo is waiting for me at the bar, chatting with the blue-haired bartender. He sticks out like a sore thumb in his business casual khakis and blue polo, but Mateo doesn’t care much about what people think.
I slide into the empty stool next to him, giving him a clap on the back to let him know I’m here.
“Ah, perfect timing. A prickly pear cider for my brother please, Kit,” Mateo says to the bartender.
“Uh, actually, just soda water with lime, if you don’t mind. How did you find this place, Teo?”
Kit nods, setting a glass down and filling it with ice, sparkling water, and a lime wedge before moving down the bar to the other patrons.
“I heard they have good cocktails. I didn’t realize it was a LGBTQ+ bar when I chose it, but I can’t say I hate the vibes. What’s stuck up your ass today?” Mateo asks, sipping a shimmery, bright pink cocktail.
“Mom and Dad are trying to set you up with my coworker.” I don’t want to beat around the bush, just give him the information and go on my way.
Mateo gives me a smirk. “I know.Mamàhasn’t stopped gushing about her all week.”
My jaw ticks. “You’re okay with them playing matchmaker?”
Mateo shrugs. “Why not? The dating apps haven’t gone well. MaybeMamàactually does know best, and she’s myfuture wife.”
My knuckles turn white from how hard I’m gripping the glass. I’m worried it’ll shatter into a million pieces.
Before I can respond, the bell above the door jingles, and my gaze darts to Kiera’s familiar face and bright pink hair walking through the door with three other people I don’t recognize and a head of blonde hair I do.
The din of the bar fades away as Emma walks in, arm in arm with a person with cropped brown hair. I can’t tell if they’re a man or a woman, but I don’t like the familiar way they’re touching Emma.
She’s changed since work; instead of the jeans and Rossi T-shirt she had on earlier, she’s wearing a white dress with an oversized flannel shirt that looks like it belongs to a man.
I sure as hell hope it doesn’t.
“Earth to Ben!” Mateo snaps his fingers in my face.
“What?” I bite back, reluctantly taking my eyes off Emma.
