Page 12 of Hooked On Him
Austin almost looks hurt at my words. “There’s nothing we can do about it now. Let’s try not to let this ruin the night, okay? This is your sister’s wedding. And we’re going to have fun.”
“Yeah. Lots of fun,” I mutter.
“I’m sorry,” he says, sounding genuinely remorseful. “It was my idea. I got us into this.”
His hand moves up and down slowly. It’s meant to be a soothing gesture, but all it’s doing is making my cock perk up; my body really likes his touch.
The longer I’m around Austin, the more this attraction that I thought was long gone sparks to life. I can’t let that happen because it’s only going to lead to more complications and hurt.
“I need a drink.” I stand, his hand dropping from my leg. I walk away from the table, feeling like a dick. Austin is only trying to help, and I’m being an ungrateful asshole.
Ordering a double shot of rum and Coke, I down it in a few swigs before asking for another. If I’m going to enjoy myself at all, I’m going to need to be a lot less sober than I am right now. I need this to shut my mind off. Here’s to hoping this night doesn't end in disaster. I’d never forgive myself for ruining my sister's wedding if I did.
***
After I ordered another drink, I went back to sit with Austin. There was an awkward silence for a while. My sister had her grand entrance, looking so happy and in love. It helped me forget about the clusterfuck we created for just a little while.
We ate amazing food, listened to the speeches, and had all the first dances before Mom dragged me over to Megan and told her about Austin and me dating.
I was reminded of just how fucked I was when my sister burst into tears because she was so happy for me. She said Austin was perfect for me, and she was worried that I’d be alone forever.
Thanks, Megan. Love you too.
For the hour following, Mom dragged Austin and me around the place, making small talk with everyone. She had the time ofher life introducing Austin as my boyfriend. And the people who knew us were just as happy as everyone else seemed to be.
By the time all the little kids and older guests were gone, everyone was a little tipsy, if not fully drunk. But the party was alive and well. Knowing my sister and her friends, it will go well into the night.
She also knew my parents spent a lot of money on this and had no plans on having it end any time soon. She wants to make sure they get their money's worth.
I love her for that.
When Megan came to our parents two years ago, telling them she was getting married, she was ready to plan something small and intimate.
She knew our parents didn’t have the money to pay for anything big. And with the three of us being so close in age and all going to college at the same time, she knew they couldn’t afford our tuition as well as help with the wedding.
My brother got a full-ride scholarship to play rugby, so they didn’t have to worry about any expenses for him. Megan decided that college wasn’t the path she wanted to take—too much of a free spirit to stay still in one place—so she decided to travel the world with Roland, the two of them doing odd jobs wherever they ended up. It was just enough to keep them fed, clothed, and a roof over their heads.
Everything was looking up, and my parents were really excited that they could help with the wedding. But then the house caught fire in some freak accident, and a lot of that money went into replacing the things they lost, even with the insurance money.
And what little was left of their savings was about to go towards my education.
Being who I am, I couldn’t live with my sister giving up her dreams. She’s a wild child, a big dreamer, someone who neverdid things small. She was bold and outgoing. And she deserved a wedding to match. The guilt of being the reason my sister couldn’t have her dream wedding ate at me. That led me to declining my parent’s help and telling them to put it towards Megan’s wedding.
At the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to get a degree in, so I told them it was just a waste of money anyway.
They denied me and said that my education was important. I told them that I agreed, but I could get a job and pay for it myself. I’d rather live with student loans that would eventually get paid off than outright pay for my education while my sister missed out.
My parents worked hard for that money, taking extra hours whenever they could. Dad works as a fisherman, and Mom as a nurse.
Growing up, we weren’t hard on money, but we weren’t well off. We lived a comfortable life, but it didn’t leave a lot for anything big.
They gave me an amazing life, supporting me in everything I wanted to do. Never judged me for who I was.
And for that, it was the least I could do to repay them.
Does it suck working my ass off all the time? Yes. But when I see my sister laughing, the beaming smile on her face as she dances with her new husband, it makes it all worth it.
“They are perfect together, aren't they?” Austin asks, taking the seat next to me.
