A Summer Like No Other

Chapter 14 - Nick

"What were you thinking? She's drunk! And if Dino sees her like this, he's going to lose it." Dad's clenching his fists and staring at me. He's usually calm-angry, not all full-out angry.

"She's tired," I lie, but I know we've taken it too far. The last two drinks were definitely too much for her. I tried to tell her, but she shushed me, and she was having so much fun.

"You are walking a thin line, Nicholas Everett Grawski. A very thin line."

"What is that supposed to mean? And I'm not twelve anymore—using my full name is not as intimidating." That's not entirely true. My dad still scares the crap out of me. Em's snoring on my shoulder and I don't want to wake her up, so I lower my voice. "What have you done, Father?"

His eyes widen for only a second before going back to his I'm-pissed-at-you frown. "What do you mean?"

"I heard you and Mom talk. About Em's adoption."

"You will keep your mouth shut. This is none of your business."

She stirs in her sleep and lets out one big snore. I can't help but smile a little.

"It is. Em is my business."

"Let it be, that's all I'm saying." He's using his I-can-get-you-in so much trouble tone, but for once in my life defying my father is not about testing boundaries, or about gaining something for myself, or about pushing his buttons. Defying him seems to be the only way to help her, and I'll do anything.

Author's note:

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you're enjoying getting to know Em & Nick! I'll be publishing two new chapters every Friday and would love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to leave a comment. The full novella is already published/available on all e-retailers for only $0.99 in case you don't want to wait for the next chapter :) More information on www.elodienowodazkij.com :)