Didn't Expect You (Against All Odds #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,35

Ford explained his job as just being a programmer. My brother doesn’t talk much about what he does and keeps his identity as the famous Langford Chadwick private. So private, that Persy had no idea who he was until a week ago.

“You seem more relaxed than him,” he speaks then looks at me. “You’re not. You just know how to fake it better. You don’t trust easily either. I understand that it is hard to let your guard down when you have so much money and you don’t know who to trust. But I’m guessing there’s more to that. Probably, one of your parents left when you were younger. Just know that here you’re in a safe place.”

“My mom,” I answer. “How did you know?”

He shrugs, flipping some veggies and setting the ones that are done on a plate.

“I’ve been studying the past, trying to understand the present. Human behavior is…interesting,” he explains. “I’m just not understanding why you are here, yet. Is it for Ford’s benefit or Nyx’s?”

His question makes me take a step back and not only physically. Am I here to check if these people are good enough for my brother?

“I’m Eros’ business partner. I’m here—”

He laughs and shakes his head. “Don’t bullshit me, son. I’ve been on this planet longer than you. If you feel alone, you’re welcome to be a part of us. Just don’t use my daughter, okay?”

What is it about Nyx that makes them so protective? She’s strong enough to stand up for herself. However, I noticed yesterday when I spoke to Ford that Persy is no different from her father or her brother. Is it because she’s always taking care of them and this is the way they reciprocate?

Maybe this is how a family works. They look after each other. Ford and I have been doing it, but not because we learned from our parents, but because we are all we have. Now he has this, and I…I hope he doesn’t leave me hanging.

Having dinner with the Brassards is pleasant. Their conversation goes from the oddly cold weather expected for tomorrow, to trying the last position in the Sixtysutra book that Eros gave them for Christmas.

“That book is a godsend,” Octavio states.

Edna explains to me that it’s a Kama Sutra book where the poses are modified for couples over sixty. I almost choke on my beer.

“I’m sure you can skip that information. We don’t need to hear about your sex life, Dad,” Nyx protests as we clean up the table.

“Not many men my age are as lucky as I am,” Octavio says. “Even with my hip replacement, I can still—”

“Oh God, please make them stop,” Nyx complains covering her ears.

I want to hug her, tease her, and whisper that maybe we can be like that in thirty years. Thank fuck, I don’t do anything stupid. I owe it to Edna who carries in a cake and begins to sing “Happy Birthday” to me.

“Make a wish,” Edna prompts, and I’m not sure what to wish for.

I thought I had everything, and this weekend with Nyx and her parents is showing me the holes in my life. I’m not sure if I want to fill them and search for what I’m missing.

Is what I have enough? Looking around the room, I see more than three people smiling as they wait for me to blow out the candles. I see love, company, and support.

So, I think to myself, to have this next year. After I blow out the candles, I’m not sure what exactly it is that I want to have, and partly regret it. Then again, wishes are just childish desires that never come true.

“Thank you for everything,” I say on our way out, because this day was even better than I thought it would be.

“It’s our pleasure,” Edna says and takes my hand, giving me a motherly look and hugging me once again. “This is your home. Don’t wait for an invitation. Come and visit us soon, okay?”

“Your mom is a hugger,” I say when we are driving back home.

“You could say that.” Nyx’s voice has a hint of annoyance and then she adds, “Actually she’s a very affectionate person. That’s one thing we love about her. Complaints aside, I adore my parents. Will I have to defend her in court for over hugging someone…maybe?”

I laugh and take her hand as I drive along the highway until I arrive at her house. Silence isn’t something I enjoy but the serene atmosphere between us