Nervous Part II
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She hated how her throat felt closed off and she was choking on the unshed tears she was fighting against. She stared blankly out the window of the moving vehicle while the three men were staring at her in stunned disbelief.
Biting her lip to stop from crying, annoyed her makeup was going to be ruined by tears now, she folded her arms around her stomach and sniffed. “Let’s just get this over with. We can cat dinner. I’ll put on my big girl panties and get through it. If they do end up hating me so be it.”
The sound of rustling from Phineas as he dug into his jacket made her look sideways at him.
“What are you doing?”
He dialed out on his phone, ignoring her and waited for the call
to connect.
“Phineas!” an older man’s voice carried into the now silent vehicle. “What are you doing calling me so late. It’s nearly midnight.”
“Sorry to disturb your rest, there is something I need to tell you, and it can’t wait a minute more.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I am in love.”
1/6
19:20
“You’re in love? You just got divorced!”
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“I know I did. I hated Denise. I told you this for the last several months.”
“Were you seeing this girl while you were married, Phineas?” The accusation was bold. “You cheated on her?”
“I did no such thing. I never once cheated on my marriage vows. I made you a promise and I kept it. I met the woman because Denise was sleeping with her husband. We are together now.”
“You found solace in each other’s arms?”
“Nope. I wasn’t sad about my marriage ending. Juniper did love her husband but he’s a twat.”
“So, you’re a rebound. Be careful, Phineas. You’re a rich rebound.”
“I’m not a rebound. We aren’t a rebound.” He cleared his throat, “Beni, Adil and I are all in love with her. We’re going to make a family with her.”
The silence was deafening.
“Are you still there?”
“I am.” The man gave a grunt, “Are you one of those gays now?”
“No. I am not a gay man. I am not in love with my best friends. We simply all love the same woman, and she loves us each equally.”
You share a bed, the four of you?”
19:20
Nervous Part II
“Then you’re one of the gays.”
“If you say so.”
“What about an heir?”
“The first child we have will be my heir.”
“If it doesn’t have your blood.”
“I could simply adopt.” Phineas cut him off.
“It’s a done deal? You’re just doing this without talking to anyone about it?”
“Mom and Dad know. They told me not to tell you but we’re on vacation in Spain and we’re bringing her to meet Beni’s grandparents. It didn’t feel right they know and you don’t.”
“I want to meet her.”
“When we’re back, I’ll bring her over to meet you.”
“Is she at least pretty? Tell me my great grandchild isn’t coming out looking like a troll.”
“She’s beautiful.” Phineas met her gaze. “Stubborn, pigheaded. stronger than the three of us together and with the biggest heart you could ever imagine, and incredibly beautiful.” He lifted a finger to stroke the tear off her cheek. “I love her more than anything. We love her more than anything.”
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19:20
Nervous Part II
“It’s weird.” His grandfather said gruffly.
“I know you don’t understand.”
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“Damned right I don’t understand. This is worse than Woodstock when my friends were all into free love. Disgusting.” He gave a loud sigh, “but I love you Phineas. If this is what you want, I’ll give you my blessing,” he paused, “after I meet her. I want to look into her eyes and know she loves you before I say it’s okay. I’m not making another mistake like I did with Denise. If you’re marrying this girl, and I presume you will.” He trailed off to let the question hang.
“I am.” Phineas swallowed audibly.
“Then if you’re marrying this girl, I want to look into her eyes and know she’s not going to try to fuck you over like Denise did. I sacrificed your happiness last time, Phineas. I won’t do it again. If she makes you happy, then so be it.”
“I thought you’d be angry,” Phineas whispered like a child in need of approval from his hero.
“I am angry. I’m furious with you for not telling me sooner. I don’t like you sleeping naked with your buddies but Christ almighty, I’ve caught the three of you skinny dipping in the lake too many times to count. You already did your duty by this family in marrying Denise. Live your life as you want. Despite me celebrating my eightieth birthday for the fourteenth time, I’m not a complete shithead. I take it since you’re in Spain then you’re missing my party.”
The three men all closed their eyes as they realized they d 19:20
Nervous Part II
“Your eightieth birthday party?” Phineas asked with his lips. pulled back worriedly.
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“She must be pretty fucking special if you forgot. I’ll get your mother to reschedule it for when you’re back. Bring the girl. Poor girl is going to have her hands full with the three of you. You’re all disorganized, forgetful twats who can’t even remember an old man’s birthday. She’s going to need to put a calendar on the fridge with those highlighter things on it otherwise you’ll forget all her special days. I envision her sitting alone at a lot of appointments. Idiots. Bring me a few bottles of cava when you come back.” He hung up on Phineas, and the car was quiet again.
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