Always on the Run

25. Dinner with Prisca

Hiya, the next chapter is here in less than a week. Woo! I hope you enjoy. Happy reading!

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"Don't stress," Toby says from beside me as we wander across the walkway toward the hotel's main building. Then he grabs my hand and squeezes it consolingly.

I look across at him and frown. "How can I not stress? I don't know how your mother is going to react."

"I'm sure she won't react badly. You're not coming outright and saying you're not marrying Nadeem, are you?"

I shake my head. Well, I don't intend to. Who knows what my mouth is capable of.

"Well then you won't have a problem. You're having dinner with her, that's all. Pretend it's your way of getting to know your future mother-in-law. She'll love that."

I shudder at the thought. I believe Toby and Nadeem when they say Prisca isn't all that bad but the thought of her being my mother-in-law petrifies me.

What about having Penelope as your mother in law?

This thought has me stopping in my tracks, just outside the entrance. Oh god I hadn't thought of that. If-and this is a big if-I ever marry Jamie, while Penelope will technically be my mother-in-law, if he never finds out about her then it will be Clementine instead. Now that would be awkward. When I was Cindy she was my mother-in-law. Not that she knows that but still...God I need to stop overthinking!

"Rese, you okay?" Toby asks.

I whip my head to him and nod mechanically. Why do mother-in-laws even exist? Why can't I just marry someone and not have anything to do with the rest of their family? It would make life so much easier.

"Um yeah of course," I say, forcing a smile. "I'm just a little nervous."

He grins and shakes his head, dropping my hand and placing his arm across my shoulders instead. "Rese, it will be fine. I promise."

"I'm holding you to that, Tobe." I scowl at him. "Alright, I'll catch up with you later, okay? Do you and Anais go to bed late? I might call in when I'm done."

He shakes his head. "Nah, we'll be up. Just knock in case we're in the middle of something." He winks. "If you know what I mean."

I gasp and punch his arm. "Ew! I don't want to hear that, Toby! God, now I've got an image of you and Anais getting it on."

Toby bursts out laugh then he pulls me in for a hug and continues chuckling in my ear. "You're so precious, Rese. We all do it, I'm sure you have."

My cheeks flame at this comment and I push him away. "We are not having this discussion."

Toby chuckles then starts walking backwards. "Oh we so are. I thought siblings could share everything? Even down to se-"

"Toby!" I screech, cutting him off and he laughs again. Finally he turns to leave with a wave and I leave for the restaurant.

Our plans changed slightly. He did come with me to see Prisca after we spoke but she was busy working the reception and suggested she and I do dinner instead. So here I am, left all alone to have dinner with Prisca and pretend as though I'm excited about joining her family while trying to suss her out. Joy.

With a sigh, I walk out onto the balcony and follow the usual path to the tidal restaurant I now go to every night. I remove my sandals and walk barefoot in the sand, the grains tickling the soles of my feet. Glancing out at the ocean, I sigh contentedly at the waves gently lapping at the shore. I really do love this place and I don't want to be forced away. Still, if Prisca never comes around I may have no other choice.