Sem looks at me and then glances away. “Whatever. Let’s stop talking about this.”
“I don’t know. I think the twink is a fun topic of conversation,” Luke teases, and Sem tosses a rag at him.
“I’m leaving until you change the subject.”
Liam and Luke laugh as Sem walks away, but I chase after him and grab onto his arm.
“Hey, man. Sorry for teasing you,” I say, and Sem shakes me off.
“It's all good.”
“Just know I’m here if you ever want to process it….”
“Process what?”
“Your feelings for Mag.”
“I don’t have feelings for him.”
I tilt my head and really look at my cousin. That wild blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, those clear blue eyes. The tattoos snaking up his neck.
“Just come to me, yeah? If you need anything.”
Sem stares at me for a minute and then turns away. “Nothing to talk about.”
I watch him disappear outside and wonder if that’s true or if he’s repressing some feelings of his own.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Thanksgiving happens without a hitch. My aunt outdid herself this time. When it’s time for dessert, I try each of the pies that Whit made. And when I exclaim how good they are and he grins softly, I feel like a million bucks. If he’d let me, I’d compliment him every day for the rest of his life. Watch him blossom like a damn rose.
Look at me all poetic.
“I can’t move. You’ll have to roll me outside,” I say, patting my overstuffed stomach. I, of course, ate way too much per usual.
Whit grabs the plates on the table and carries them to the kitchen. I’d help, but I’m not sure I can do it. I wasn't kidding when I said I couldn't move.
“So dramatic,” my aunt says with a large smile. “I bet I’ll see you sneaking more food in half an hour.”
I scoff, but Whit chimes in, “That sounds like Caleb. He’s always insatiable. Never can wait too long before asking for more.”
He smirks at me, and I roll my eyes. I know he's talking about other things. Makes my pants tent beneath the table. Asshole.
“Because I was deprived as a child,” I reply.
My uncle lightly smacks me on the back of the head, and I rub at it.
“What was that for?” I ask with a small laugh. “You know how it was.”
My uncle grumbles, still eating. “You had it good, son. Your mom did the best she could. We all did.”
My eyes sting at the memory of her, and I nod. “Yeah. I know she did.”
It’s a somber moment, and I sit with it for a minute. I’ve never had a father. My mom had a one-night stand with a man she’d met at a bar, and nine months later, she’d popped me out. Not able to afford to live in the city with a baby, she moved in with her brother and wife. I grew up out here, my uncle being the only father figure I’d had. He was more reserved and rarely showed affection, but I always knew he loved me.
I’ve had a good life, albeit a little unconventional compared to someone like Whit, who grew up prim and proper. And rich.
“Whit, come sit a minute. Have we told you the stories of all the trouble Caleb got into growing up?” my aunt says.