At the same moment, Ivy says, “Oh my God!”
“Are you serious?” I scoff.
My father’s eyes lock on mine, and I can see the daggers he’s shooting my way the moment they do.
If he thinks I’m going to stay here and play house with them, he’s out of his damn mind.
“Now you listen here, I won’t tolerate any of your comments. If you have something to say, I suggest you swallow it. I don’t have the time or patience to hear you anymore.”
Tossing the towel in my hand to the counter, I cross my arms over my chest.
Ignoring my father’s glare, I focus on Ivy. Her hand covers her mouth, and a dazed look shrouds her eyes when she peers over at me.
What the fuck?
If they are married, this makes Ivy, or should I say Ivyana, my sister. Judging by the wide-eyed look on her face, it’s apparent the same thought just hit her, too.
I told my stepsister I wanted to fuck all my frustration out on her. Good fucking lord.
“I can’t believe it, Mom,” Ivy says, hugging her once again. Charlene holds her hand out between the two of them to show her the ring. Of course, like every one of my father’s wives, they can’t help but gush over their five-carat diamond ring.
“Wow, Mom,” she says in awe, reaching for her hand, “it’s beautiful.”
“Well, let’s hope you signed a prenup with this one. Huh, Dad?” I snicker, crossing through the kitchen toward the staircase leading to my bedroom.
“Brix Carter Ward, don’t fucking move.”
I stop momentarily, waiting for whatever insults he wants to hurl my way. Although, he’s always been one to say them without other watchful eyes around us, so I know the real jabs will come later when it’s just the two of us.
“I won’t tolerate you talking bad about Charlene or our marriage. If you have a problem, I suggest you find a way to keep your mouth shut, or you can get the hell out of here.”
“You got it,” I mutter, deadpan.
“By that, I mean you aren’t allowed at the beach house either. If you’re out of here, you’re on your own.”
“Whatever. Congratulations, Charlene. You picked a real winner.”
Not bothering to look her in the eyes as I say it, I stalk up the stairs toward my room.
Passing by the bathroom, I find the guest room door next to mine open. Pausing in the doorway, I notice the bed sitting directly across from me left unmade and two suitcases standing near the foot of the bed.
It looks like Ivy’s made herself at home in her new house, in the bedroom next to mine.I can tell already it’s gonna be a long fuckin’ summer.
Three
Ivy
Standing with my jaw half hung open, I’m stunned. Not only did my mom drop the bomb she’s married, but Brix, the same prick from my high school years, is now my stepbrother.
Until two weeks ago, I didn’t think I’d see the day my mother would ever dream of getting married again. She had always remained adamant marriage wasn’t for her. She hadn’t even dated anyone seriously, at least not to my knowledge, for the topic to even come up.
“Mom, I just…I’m… wow! I can’t believe it,” I mutter, eyes wide. Shaking myself from my thoughts, I hold her hand, staring down at the beautiful rock on her finger. It’s stunning, huge, and honestly looks so out of place sitting perfectly on her finger.
“Congratulations.”
What doesn’t look out of place is the beaming smile on her face. The joy she’s radiating is a glow I haven’t seen her wear in a very long time. Immediately, I want to say something to smooth over the bitter comments Brix just spewed.
His father may have other ex-wives or reasons for believing a prenup is necessary, but I know without a doubt, my mom wouldn’t care either way. She’s not a money-hungry, materialistic woman. Whatever he thinks could happen between them, he’s wrong about her.