Page 55 of Your Two Lips
“What was that all about?” I asked.
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s just say she favored my split from her destined-for-greatness son. Joel needs a woman worthy of being his partner. I wasn’t.”
I stopped and pulled her close to me. “I’m also in favor of your split from that shitbag and his mother. In fact, I’d like to thank her for being such a bitch and sending a wonderful woman my way.” I teased like I was going to turn back, and she swatted my arm, still holding my hand with the other.
Her smile now warmed me and made me want to claim her as mine forever. “Thanks, Finn. She isn’t worth it.”
I agreed. Emily was so much, and I couldn’t imagine her ever joining that messed-up family with its obvious secrets. She wasn’t like that.
“Hey, Dad!” She called to a man with thick silver hair and a broad grin waving from the bow of a big yacht.
“Bunny!”
“Bunny?” I raised a brow at Em.
“I had a stuffed bunny growing up. Dad would talk to her when I wouldn’t listen. Eventually, he started callingmeBunny.” We stood aside while a couple of crew members lowered buoys and secured the boat.
“Permission to come aboard?” she shouted; her face as bright as the sun.
“Permission granted!” he said while walking briskly toward her on the side.
They embraced, and he gently picked her up like she was a teenager. “Dad put me down.”
He held out his hand as I stepped aboard behind her. “You must be Finn. Emily speaks highly of you.”
“That’s good to hear, sir.” We shook. “I speak highly of her too.”
“Good. Call me Alan. Come in, come in.”
“Dad, the boat is great. I can’t believe you bought it. Are you having a midlife crisis of some sort?”
His smile was wide. “I don’t think so, maybe.” He cocked his head to the side, his eyes holding a secret.
I looked to see a tall, dark haired beauty in her fifties, I guessed, emerge from the sliding glass door beside us on the main level. Her loose clothing billowed in the breeze, and her expression was tentative. Alan was a fit dude. She was hot. Good for him.
“You remember Elena Caruso.”
Emily didn’t speak, so I gave her a little nudge.
“Sorry, yes, it’s nice to see you again. Are you and Dad working on a philanthropic project in Victoria?”
“No,” Alan said. “Elena and I are together.” He paused. Had he not dated since her mother died? That was years ago.
Her dad sat in a sun chair, and Elena moved to stand next to him. “I’m sorry if this is a shock. Your father said it would be better to tell you in person, and we hadn’t yet seen you.”
“How long have you been dating?” I wasn’t sure if Emily was happy or sad. Her face was blank, and the questions were coming quickly.
Her dad smiled up at Elena. “About six months, but I’ve wanted to date her for a couple of years now.” Elena returned his smile with warmth in her eyes and took his hand.
“I’m … well. Does Grayson know?” Emily asked.
“Yes, he and Abby were in town a couple of weeks ago for a conference, and we had dinner. He said he was happy for us.”
“You’re happy? What am I saying? Of course, you’re happy. Look at you.” She lunged for her dad, wrapping him in a hug before he could get up to catch her. She turned to Elena with pure joy on her face and gripped Elena’s arms. “As his daughter, I am required to throw down a vague threat about what could happen if you hurt him. Consider this me making that threat.”
I smiled at my shoes. Emily didn’t need any help making threats when she wanted to. She was genuinely happy for them, and it surprised me how relieved I was. Her happiness mattered to me. A lot.
We settled into comfortable seats on the upper deck with a clear view of the harbor. The table for four was set casually, holding a selection of cheeses, bread, fruit, and salami. A crew member delivered rocks glasses to each of us. “I hope you like Manhattans, Finn. If not, you can certainly have something else. I am sure Emily will drink yours.”
