“Caleb!” Jade groaned as I chuckled softly.
My dad was examining Caleb’s new ink when I heard Mom squealing with excitement.
“Looks like my number one fan is here.” Dad winked, as Rosie strolled out.
“I’d probably say I’m more a number twenty kinda girl,” Rosie retorted as Dad roared with laughter.
“Hey, it’s not my fault you backed the wrong horse all those years ago. I told you then, and I’ll tell you now, she’s-”
“Yours.” We all chorused as my mom stepped out after Rosie.
“Layla is back! Look at that tan. Cal, we need to go to Australia. Seriously, hon. Layla has just been telling me about Sydney.”
“Then we will go, my Queen.” He bowed theatrically, making Caleb snort with laughter.
I watched with interest as a girl stepped out after my mom, her eyes scanning us all until they stopped on me. I held her gaze as she smiled before her attention was drawn away by her mother. She moved like a dancer, effortless and fluid. She was dressed simply, a loose tank top and jeans over her sandals. Her hair was in a blunt bob, shiny and black.
Fuck.
It was the way she kept glancing at me like she could feel me staring at her. I tried to look away, as I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.
I’m not a creep.
You see, it takes a lot to capture my attention. It’s the certain something that someone has- something you just can’t put your finger on. This girl hadthat.
“Zane, where’s your sister?” asked Dad idly as I checked my watch.
“Probably still at work?”
“Offices don’t work this late on a Friday.” Dad pointed out as I slid my phone out.
ZANE:
Alice, Dad is asking where you are...
ALICE:
I’m coming, for fuck’s sake!
“She said she’s sorry; she’s on her way,” I said smoothly as Dad relaxed.
“Good.”
My eyes found Layla again, as I heard my Mom yelp.
“Oh, congratulations!” she gushed as I saw Layla holding out her left hand.
“Who is he?! Is he Australian? We need details! Cal, champagne!” My mother trilled as I frowned.
Engaged at eighteen?
Layla caught my eye then, and I forced a smile.
“Congrats.” I mouthed and she blushed deeply.
See, how can I find that simple act irresistible? Especially from a woman who is engaged to marry another?
10
