Page 13 of The Final Temptation (Men of Honor 3.5)
Small talk happens amongst the parents but I do nothing except shovel heap loads of food in my mouth, hoping it will keep me quiet long enough to get through this disaster and not ruin the night for my dad. But I’m finding it very difficult when all I keep hearing is that bitch giggling. I don’t bother to glance up, not wanting to know what she’s giggling about.
“Did James tell you Brittany’s car was vandalized the other night?” Mrs. Vail asks my parents.
Julia and I both tense and my mother gasps in horror. “Oh my gosh, no he didn’t, that’s horrible.”
“What did they do to it?” my father asks.
Mrs. Vail clears her throat and I take a sip of my drink, suddenly needing to wash down the thickness in my throat. “They wrote obscene messages on the trunk of her car and spread feces on it.”
I should have never taken that drink, because, before I can stop myself, I choke on the smooth liquid. I slap a hand over my mouth, trying to cover the laugh bubbling up from my throat. Julia pats me on the back and I can tell she’s having a hard time containing herself, too.
“Honey, are you all right?” my mom asks in concern, completely oblivious.
I finally manage to pull myself together. “Yes, sorry, it just caught me off guard,” I mumble then glance at Brittany to see her glaring at Julia and me. I bite back a smirk and just can’t refrain myself from saying: “That really is awful. Why do you think someone would do that to you?”
“I have no idea,” she grinds out. “But I know Coop will find out who did it and make them pay. Won’t you, baby?” she croons, leaning closer to him.
My amusement vanishes and my fists clench under the table with the need to punch her smug face that’s decorated with clown makeup, like usual. I quirk a brow at Cooper and wait for him to say or do something. He shifts in his seat but I’m not sure if it’s to move away from her or because he’s uncomfortable. Either way, the fact that he isn’t outright pushing her away has my anger reaching a whole new level.
“Well I’m glad nothing too serious was done and she wasn’t injured,” my father says, trying to break the awkward tension that has settled over the table once again.
Mr. Vail nods. “Yes, us too, and we feel very confident with Cooper’s ability to catch the hooligans who did this.”
Even though I’m incredibly pissed off right now at Cooper, I still can’t help but feel guilty for the position he’s in.
“So, Kayla, what are your plans after graduation?” Mrs. Vail asks, changing the subject. “What college are you attending?”
I take a deep breath and try to calm the storm of conflicting emotions swirling inside of me. “Actually, I’m not going to college. I plan to take the massage therapy program at the health and wellness center in Charleston in the fall.”
“You want to be a massage therapist?” she asks, as if not understanding that concept.
I try to be as polite as I can and not show my irritation. “Yes, ma’am, I’m also planning to practice Chinese medicine and do acupuncture.”
“Oh, well… That’s nice, dear.” I don’t look up from my plate, suddenly feeling uncomfortable, like my choice to not go to some Ivy League college makes me inferior.
“Yes, very nice,” Brittany adds snidely, which has my heart rate thumping madly again.
“I think it’s something you will be really good at.” My head snaps up in surprise at Cooper’s words and my heart warms. I also get a small level of satisfaction at the jealousy on Brittany’s expression.
“I agree,” my mother says, cutting in. “This is something Kayla has always been passionate about. Ever since she was a little girl she has always wanted to help people. She will be graduating with honors and we are very proud of her.” I look over at my mother and smile, her words meaning a lot to me in this moment.
“Well that’s great.” Mr. Vail joins in on the conversation now. “And you know, there isn’t a massage therapy clinic here in Sunset Bay, so you could even open your own business if you wanted.”
“That’s my plan one day,” I tell him truthfully. “And I know just the man to build it for me.” I look over at my father with a smile and he winks at me.
“And what about you, dear?” Mrs. Vail asks Julia.
“Oh-well,” Julia stammers nervously, never liking to be the center of attention. “I’m hoping I get accepted to the University of Charleston. I want to get my teaching degree.”
“A teacher?”
Julia nods. “Yes, I would love to teach elementary school one day like my mother did.”
“And you will be the best teacher any kid can have,” I chime in, slinging an arm over her shoulder.
She smiles back at me. “Thanks.”
“How about you, Brittany?” my mom asks. “Your mother said you are attending the University of Charleston. What is your major?”
“Business,” she boasts proudly in her usual annoying voice. “I plan to start my own company as well, though not anything like Kayla. My plan is to open a high-end, successful fashion boutique.”
I don’t miss her not-so-subtle hint, and before I can stop myself I snort. The only business that girl could run successfully is a whorehouse. The room falls silent again and I feel Brittany’s glare on me. Oops.
“I was actually just telling Cooper all about my plans last night over supper, and he liked my ideas.”
I falter at her words and feel like I’ve just been slapped in the face. My eyes snap to Cooper and I see his head fall back in defeat, looking rather upset that he’s been busted. The bastard lied to me. Something that I didn’t think he would ever do. “Wow, two nights in a row for supper together?” I ask, trying to keep the hurt and anger out of my tone, but know I don’t succeed.
