Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 33

     Multicolored jellyfish dance among each other in their tanks, while I read the informative plaque below the tank. "Urinating on a jellyfish sting won't actually relieve pain." I read aloud. "Huh. You learn something new everyday."

     "That's a bit of a relief, don't you think?" Roman asks from behind me. After seeing my confused expression, he continues. "Would you pee on someone? Or better question, would you want someone to pee on you?" His tone is all accusing. 

     "Are you asking if I have a fetish for pee?" I ask with a raise of my brow. I'm standing my ground. He will not make me feel embarrassed as he did the first time we met in his office. 

     The tables have turned, because he's the first to drop his gaze, laughing. "All i'm saying is, I would hope to never pee on anyone." 

     "There's one thing we can agree on." We move on to the next tank. Thankfully, we don't have to push past many people. Roman paid for the Aquarium for the next five hours, before calling me. Apparently, he knew exactly what my answer would be to his offer. "You know, this kind of thing would be considered a date to most people." A newfound boldness comes over me. This man is the definition of the burning pits of hell meets the arctic. Maybe my bold behavior will bring out the true Roman Berkshire with his desires following along. 

     "Is that so?" He eyes the tanks we pass, talking as if we are on any ordinary stroll. If he wants to continue to play this little game, I guess i'll join him. There will be a winner and a loser. At least i'll finally know where I stand. 

     "Yup. Well, to normal people." A school of fish swim by in one of the large tanks, flashing their colorful scales our way. A mini audience to this playful banter. "But, I guess you're anything, but normal. What would you call this?" 

     "Hm." He brushes his jaw, playfully acting like he's truly considering this question. As if the answer isn't right in front of his face. How long can a woman long for a man before it's pathetic? "A hang out between two friends." He stated matter of factly. 

     "Do you do this with all of your friends then?" Suddenly, the man who usually has a pocket full of words, is lost for words. One point for Sawyer. 

     We roam the rest of the aquarium, taking note of the different forms of sea life along the way. The different hues of blue from the tanks paint our surroundings, giving a serene feeling throughout the space. Green eyes follow the sharks that swim in their tanks, above our heads. Such beautiful, but dangerous creatures. Roman Berkshire can definitely be described as a shark. 

     "Are you ready to tell me what happened with your dad?" His voice is on the other side of the gift shop, giving me the chance to hide the feelings that are displayed on my face, behind a few whale postcards. I turn my attention to some of the dangling sea creature key chains, hanging from hooks. Since coming back to Seattle, the false reality of my family that was fed to me from a young age has slowly been eating at me. And honestly, i've been to ashamed to share this newfound information with anyone. Obviously, I couldn't talk to anyone back home about it. I'm also not going to ruin the view my siblings have on our family or our parents relationship. Here, in Seattle, I've considered spilling the news to Skylar, but she's been so happy with Noah, I didn't want to be the dark cloud hovering above. But, with Roman it's different. His family isn't perfect. If there's anyone in the world that can understand what i'm going through, it's Roman. 

     "He's been cheating on my mom. I heard him on the phone on my way out." My voice is so low, i'm not even sure if he can hear me from across the shop. Seconds pass and no response. Finally, I turn to see that he's stepping from behind the stuffed sea creatures, stuffed baby dolphin in hand. 

     "And your mom knew?"

     "Yeah." Taking the dolphin he's holding out to me, I keep my gaze trained downwards, hoping the dolphin will make this conversation a little less awkward. 

     "Family can be...difficult. I'm sorry you had to find out that way though." For the first and hopefully the last, I see sympathy in his eyes for me. The gaze is warm and comforting, both of which I need right now. 

     "How did you find out?" The question slips from my lips, without any hesitation. I instantly regret it. Before I get the chance to take it back, he answers. 

     "When my mom suddenly brought a baby around the house and my dad was around a lot less, I had my suspicions." He chuckles lightly, but there's undeniably a hint of resentment in his voice. 

     "That is a give away." I agree. 

     "We should get some lunch." He nods towards the exit. 

     "Okay." I go to put the dolphin down, but he stops me with his hand holding my wrist. 

     "It's yours. Don't worry about it." Hand in hand, we leave the aquarium. 

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Been dealing with a lot of anxiety, so I hope it doesn't spill into my writing. 

What'd you think of this chapter? 

Like and comment!

All Feedback is welcomed!