True Beauty

Chapter Two

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"I'm very happy you're here, Jacob," Lisa’s mother exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with warmth. She clasped her hands together, clearly pleased. "I couldn’t agree more," Lindsey muttered smugly under her breath, while Becky scowled, her expression tight with disappointment. It was obvious she wasn’t thrilled that Jacob seemed to be paying more attention to Lindsey than her.

Lisa, on the other hand, wasn’t sure how she felt about Jacob. The way he had looked at her before almost dismissively left her unsettled, as if she was invisible or insignificant. Maybe she was reading too much into it, but the subtle sting of his disregard lingered in her mind.

Their father excused himself, heading upstairs to take a shower, leaving the women alone in the living room with the boy who had everyone’s attention.

"So, Jacob, how are your parents?" Lisa’s mom asked brightly, her smile wide and welcoming as she perched on the edge of the sofa. Her tone was infused with that mix of politeness and curiosity that only a mother could master.

Jacob shrugged, as if the subject of his wealthy family bored him. "Oh, you know—super rich," he replied with a careless smirk, his gaze drifting lazily toward Lindsey. His eyes lingered just a little too long.

Lindsey blushed under his gaze, her cheeks flushed with color as she smiled coyly. Becky, on the other hand, rolled her eyes, clearly irritated by the attention her sister was receiving. Jealousy simmered in the air between the two girls, adding a layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere. Lisa’s own attraction toward Jacob—if she had ever truly felt it—faded further.

Their mom laughed softly, an attempt to lighten the mood. "Well, I’m glad you’re here, Jacob. Are you hungry?" she asked in her usual gentle manner, her eyes still sparkling with that maternal warmth.

Jacob stretched slightly, his demeanor languid, as if everything around him was of little interest. "Nah, I already ate, but I’m really tired," he said, his voice trailing off as he glanced around the room. He looked vaguely disinterested, almost as if he were waiting for something more exciting to happen.

"That’s fine, dear," Lisa's mom said, a soft understanding in her voice. "I’ve already prepared a room for you. Lisa, why don’t you show Jacob to the guest room?" Her tone shifted from friendly suggestion to a firm instruction, leaving no room for debate.

Lisa blinked in confusion. When had her mom planned all this? And more importantly, why was she the one who had to deal with Jacob tonight? She was sure Lindsey would jump at the chance.

"I can take him," Lindsey offered, smiling bashfully at Jacob, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed eagerness.

Jacob, catching her gaze, returned the smile with one of his own—cool and self-assured, a smirk that made Lisa want to roll her eyes. The sight of their mutual flirtation made her stomach churn with irritation.

But their mom knew Lindsey all too well. "No, Lindsey, I’d like Lisa to take him," she insisted. "Lisa, what are you still doing here? Get to it!" She threw Jacob an apologetic smile, as if he was being put through some mild inconvenience.

Lisa groaned but reluctantly got up. Jacob, however, rose with an effortless coolness, his every movement controlled and deliberate. "Goodnight, ladies," he said, his voice smooth, directing his parting words solely at Lisa’s mom and Lindsey, completely ignoring Becky and Lisa.

"Goodnight, Jacob," Lindsey called out, her voice dipping into a sensual tone that made Lisa cringe. Her sister was practically purring his name. Their mother, for her part, looked as though she was suppressing the urge to smack Lindsey on the head.