Crystal's Heart

XXXI. Do take care of my nephew

Crystal's POV:

"What did you say?" The volume of her voice dropped.

"I didn't say that. I meant I will fuck too...one day."

Her eyes narrow, "Is that why you want to leave early? You're meeting with some boy?!"

"No! I'm- I'm angry!" I put on my best angry face.

Mom chuckles, "No. No. I've been where you've been before-"

"Oh, you all made it so clear in there."

She shakes her head, "No. Go back inside and enjoy a nice evening with your family and friends."

"Mom!"

"Go!"

"But-"

She pointed harder toward the balcony. I stomped my foot and, unwillingly, returned.

So stupid.

I sat down on the chair. "Is everything okay?" Hailey whispered.

"Dandy."

"I have an announcement," Aunt Nina said. She stood up, "You all know you're very special to us." Aunt Nina and Uncle Matt held hands.

"So, we would like you all to know this before it is published in the news."

"Juliette, honey. Come here."

I cannot believe I have to stay for this when I could be making out with Ricardo and teasing him about how much he misses me.

"Juliette, here, is Matthew's biological daughter."

What else is new?

After the announcement, and when everything died down, Juliette sat back down at our table.

It feels tense.

Not for me, but between Josh and Juliette.

Let the fight for the family fortune begin!

After the evening dinner, we all went back, and I found Ricardo in the hallway. He got up and opened his arms. I ran into his arms, "I made an oopsie."

"What oopsie did you make?"

I can hear his steady heart, "My mom found out I'm screwing around with you."

He looks down, "Aren't you?"

"We aren't screwing around, we're messing around," I pouted.

Ricardo pretends to be upset, "How dare she accuse you of something you're not doing?"

"I know!" I got out of his arms and opened the door.

He went inside with me, "Am I in trouble now?"

I chuckled, "Why would you be in trouble?"

"Well, I mean, she found out about us, so I assume-"

I glance at him, "She doesn't know it's you."

"So, she assumes you're messing around with some guy?" He asked.

I throw my jacket and flop down, "Pretty much."

He sits beside me, "Are you going to tell her about us?"

I look at him, "Why?"

"Oh, no reason. Just asking." He lies down beside me. "I'm assuming you're free this weekend?"

I rested my head against my arms and grinned, "Depends." I kicked my legs up and down, "Why?"

He shrugged, "Maybe we can run into each other at the little festival."