I glare at my parents, who are standing off to the side. "Son or not, what just happened was beyond fucked up. But I'm glad to know whose side you stand on. Don't expect me at the wedding tomorrow or any other family event. I'm done."
I storm from the room and return to my bedroom, intent on packing and heading out to find my girl. Anyone who supports this marriage is no longer family to me.
I head directly to Candy's house, and even though I don't see her car out front, I get out and knock on the door, calling her name. The house is dark and quiet. She's not here.
Heading home, I pour myself a drink. I need to know she's okay, and I figure if she's not at home, she's with her dad. Her dad gave me his number the last time I saw him, so I shoot him a quick text.
Me:Is Candy there? I know she's mad, but I need to know she's okay.
So much time passes that I begin to think he's not going to message me back.
Bill Ellenson:She's here.
I stare at my phone, hoping he'll send me more, but he doesn't. I pour myself another drink and send Candy a text.
Me:This isn't over, and it's not what you think. Sweet dreams, beautiful.
I scroll up in our text message thread and watch the video she sent me from the bachelorette party. She was so bored, but I love the smile in her eyes when she’s talking into the camera for me.
I watch the video on repeat a few times as I finish my drink. I'm about to close my phone when I notice something in the background. Vikki is all over another guy. He has her hand up her dress as they make out drunkenly on the dance floor.
I don't know her motive, but there's something else behind her marrying my brother. It’s sure as hell not because she loves him. Not sure of my next move, I decide to call Ben.
"North? What's wrong?" he asks, answering on the first ring.
I glance at the clock. “Sorry, man. I didn’t realize how late it was.”
I tell him about the video Candy sent me at the bachelorette party and how everything blew up tonight.
"Damn, that was one hell of a dinner."
"Yeah, but I don't know what to do. Candy's not talking to me. I'm sure as hell not talking to my family, but I think this video should make its way to my brother."
"Your brother knows she's a cheater. She was cheating on you when they got together. I’m not sure it's going to make much of a difference. As for Candy, you need to give her time. You guys didn't have a conventional start, and she's probably doubting everything. Take a deep breath and give her some space to let her process. But don't give her too much space tomorrow. Pour your heart out to her, and don't leave anything on the table so you don't have any what-ifs."
We talk for a bit longer about how things are going with work with him before hanging up.
I get ready for bed and lie here thinking over everything Ben said. One phrase from my childhood plays on a loop in my head.
Always protect your family. And Carly is my family.
Chapter 15
Candy
Iwakeupatmy dad's on Christmas Eve morning. I wasn't supposed to be here. North's brother is getting married today, but I'd rather be here with my dad and sister than at that wedding.
When I step into the kitchen, my dad and Parker are sitting at the table. I didn't tell them much other than I wouldn't be attending the wedding today and that I didn't want anything to do with North when I arrived last night. They respected my wishes, but I know they want the details.
I fix myself a plate and sit at the table, unsure where to start. I tell them how North and I started as a fake relationship, how we met at the diner, and the dates to get to know each other.
I gloss over us sleeping together, telling them about the bachelorette party, what happened last night at the dinner, and how North stood up for me. Finally, I talk about finding Vikki naked in his room and how I came straight here.
They listen to everything, only asking questions when they need something clarified. Once I’m done, Dad stands and pulls a bottle of whiskey from the top shelf of the cabinets, adding a dash to our coffee. He and Parker take a big gulp of coffee, but I don't think my nerves can handle it.
"I hate why you're here, but I'm happy to have some time with you. Let's get your mind North and start on the Christmas cookies," Dad suggests instead of making some big fatherly advice speech.
I guess he’s onto something because we start making Christmas cookies, and before I know it, I'm laughing and smiling. My dad's phone goes off, and he steps away, leaving Parker and me to finish up.