Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

sweetie," Mom said, as if she hadn't just stomped all over my pride a few seconds earlier. I shook my head in disbelief. That's why I never fought with my mother. She had this gift of saying what was on her mind and then pretending the conversation never happened.
    Once the elevator opened I threw one last glance towards the table and my eyes met with a pair of gorgeous green ones that hurriedly turned away. Ah, what a pity... I am so unlucky with men.
    ****
    I spent the rest of the day shopping with my parents and sister – we called it our last family reunion before the family got extended. Mom and Kathleen squeaked like little girls at the beautiful Wailea landscape, pointing at the luxuriant trees and rocky beaches while my father and I watched them with adoration.
    "Don't take it to heart." Dad said when they left us alone to buy souvenirs. I knew he was talking about this morning's conversation and I nodded smiling.
    "She's very proud of you, trust me. She collects all your articles."
    I laughed bitterly. "Come on, Dad, there's no need to lie. I'm a big boy."
    "I'm not, Cole," dad said shaking his head. "She's just worried that this job isn't very stable. I know she can be a pest sometimes, but it's because she loves you."
    "Dad…"
    My dad was usually a quiet man, but I could always count on him being honest. Not to mention wise. Him talking about my mother was rare though.
    "You over with that boy?"
    "Hm? What do you mean?" I asked him startled.
    "Oliver, that boy. He wasn't good for you, son."
    "Wha… How…?"
    Dad laughed, his head tilting back. "You just seem so much more relaxed, that's all."
    "Oh…"
    Really… When was my dad going to stop surprising me?
    ****
    Jayden managed to avoid me all day, not showing up for lunch or dinner. He claimed he had a terrible headache. With a few diplomatic skills I found out everything about him from Jake though. He'd lost 40 pounds since I'd met him, underwent eye surgery, graduated college summa cum laudae – Phew, he's legal! – and received an internship as a college professor in New York. Wow, the guy's pretty darn smart! Which made me wonder why he made the stupid choice of fooling around with me.
    I should really stop thinking about him.
    CHAPTER 3
    I wanted to see the sunrise from Haleakala, like all good tourists should. Instead, I didn't even budge when my alarm clock woke me up at an ungodly hour. I put the pillows over my head and fell asleep again. I hated waking up early and working out. I really couldn't understand some guys' obsession with waking up at 6 am to lift weights. What's wrong with 9 am? Seriously...
    Still, I badly regretted missing the famous sunrise when an hour later I was abruptly woken up by my phone's loud ring.
    "Wake up, dude. We're going surfing."
    "Jake... It's seven in the fucking morning."
    "Dude, I'm getting married tomorrow!"
    I groaned muttering a few curses and finally got out of bed. Nice, mate, pull the fucking marriage card, why dontcha? As if it it's my fault today's your last day of freedom!
    We met up half an hour later in the hotel lobby, Will and I still yawning while Jake tried his best to cheer us up. Personally, I think he was actually trying to cheer himself up. Groom second thoughts?
    "You better not abandon my sis at the altar or I'll fucking rip your balls off." I told him matter-of-factly.
    Jake tensed and let out a strangled laugh. I knew it! He was totally thinking about it.
    "Cheer up, man, it's not like you're dying or something. There's always divorce if it doesn't work out," Will supplied helpfully . I threw him a murderous look at which he replied with a beaming smile.
    "What's wrong with you guys? I'm the happiest man alive. Isn't it obvious?"
    "Not really," we both muttered at the same time.
    "You just look constipated," added Will.
    "Thanks a bunch. Some friends you are." Jake frowned giving up on the fake smile. "I'm just nervous, that's all."
    "Chill, man. Once you're done with surfing you'll feel much better," I encouraged, patting him on the back. The poor guy really looked helpless.
    "So, where's Jayden?" I asked trying my best to sound nonchalant. The truth was I had been wondering why he wasn't with us from the beginning. And here I'd showered in record time and even took the trouble to shaving thinking he'd be coming as well.
    "He's gone to see the sunrise somewhere in Hale-something."
    "Haleakala?!"
    "Yeah, yeah. That."
    Fuckity fuck Mcfuck! Why the hell was I so damn unlucky?
    Wait...