Read Online In the Mix by Jacquelyn Ayres - Free Book Online Page B

nose out of it. Ok, babe? ” I snap, throwing his endearment back at him sarcastically.
    “Fine!” He forks into his eggplant aggressively. “Just when I thought your fucking self-protective wall had vanished, you whip it out like a fucking magic trick. Bravo, Ceese!”
    I didn’t mean to be like that. I meant to keep my wall down. I just . . .”babe” felt very possessive. I couldn’t help myself. I’m such an over achiever—I’m fucking things up before they even get started. I stew in this, silently, as I eat my food.
    “So, let’s talk design, shall we?” Jay pipes up.
    “Yes!” Charley’s voice jumps excitedly at the mention.
    “I was thinking that since your menu is comfort food with no specifically themed ethnicity, we’d design around the comforts of home. Plush, couch-like seating for the booths. Tables will be more like dining room tables instead of restaurant quality. Only input I’d like is what kind of comfort theme are you looking for in style and color? Personally, I’m thinking Southern. Pay homage to your hero, Paula Dean. What are your thoughts, sweetie?”
    “What do you think, Ceese?” Charley asks me excitedly. Fuck. I’m sitting here, battling tears because I feel so fucked up and emotional and she’s expecting me to give her my opinion on . . . on . . . wait—what the fuck are they talking about?
    “What are you guys talking about?” I try to keep my voice steady.
    “Mitch bought me a restaurant. He just surprised me with the deed last night!” She smacks my hand. My sister and her effin’ smacking for emphasis.
    “Wow.” It’s all I can say because I feel a little green monster taking over me. Ever feel jealous of the person you love the most in your life? I don’t want to feel this way. I want to be happy for her, but fuck it if doesn’t feel like she’s gotten everything handed to her lately. I know, I know; I shouldn’t be saying that or feeling this way. She’s had her fair share of fucked up shit. I’m just hormonal. Yes. I must be due for my lady curse.
    “That’s how Kyle and I met. He handled the buy for Mitch and met me over at the site to get measurements for me to give the place an overhaul.” Jay snaps me out of my pity-party-for-one. “Of course, I thought he wanted my measurements but he was quick to correct me. It seems he’s only interested in yours, CiCi.”
    “Yeah, well, Kyle’s realizing that maybe he should change his mind about that. It’s not worth it.” Kyle mutters . . . in third person. I can’t even stop my neck from turning to look at him or stop the tear that finally wins and slides down my cheek. I believe the words, it’s not worth it, is what pushed it along. I’m guessing that he senses me looking at him because he glances up from his plate and his face visibly softens. I look away.
    “I’m going to take my dinner to my room,” I say quickly and start to stand with my plate in hands.
    “You don’t live here, CiCi. You don’t have a room.” Mitch bellows out with annoyance.
    “I have lived here for over ten years!” I snap back.
    “You are not staying here! Go home! I’m tired of you inviting yourself all of the damn time! You’re not wanted here!” Mitch continues. Crack. That was the sound of my heart breaking down the center. Mitch has never talked to me like this.
    “How dare you?” Charley gasps. I look over at her, expecting that question to be directed towards me. I mean, why not? First Kyle, then Mitch. However, she’s looking right at Mitch.
    “How dare I what, Charlotte, state the obvious?”
    “Who’s it obvious to, Mitch? You?” She throws her napkin on top of her plate.
    “Baby, what are you doing? You need to eat.” He points at her plate.
    “I’ve lost my appetite,” she seethes. “CiCi, you’re more than welcome to stay here tonight.” She looks over at me. “In fact, I think we should make a girl’s night of it! Stay in my room with me and we’ll rent movies and pig out on