His Shortcake

Chapter 25

Dustyn Franco

"Baby girl, don't forget our date tomorrow," Alec said to Mara as he stood in the living room, his phone in hand. Dressed in a business suit, he looked ready to start his day. He glanced at me from behind Mara and smirked. "Guess you'll be lonely for Valentine's Day, Dust."

Alec is such an asshole.

When I mentioned my plans to take Mara out for dinner on Valentine's Day, he dismissed it with a laugh, claiming it was impossible. At first, I thought he was just teasing, maybe trying to get under my skin. But no, the audacity of this best friend of mine to actually schedule house hunting on the same day—what can I even say at this point?

"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, Alec," Mara reminded her brother, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Her back was to me, so I couldn't read her expression.

Alec raised an eyebrow at his sister. "I know. Why? Do you have plans other than spending it with me?" he asked, pouting like a child.

I shook my head, amused.

Alec was acting as if the world would end if Mara didn't spend tomorrow with him. Honestly, he was being dramatic and a real pain. He claims to trust me with Mara, but he always seems to be a roadblock to my plans to win his sister's heart.

Mara laughed and patted his head affectionately, like a mother might to a child. "I've reserved a table for two tomorrow at six at your favorite restaurant," she said.

We watched as Alec's face twisted into dismay.

He stepped back from Mara, frowning. "I don't do dates anymore, Mara. You know that," he said firmly, his tone authoritative. Then he turned to me. "Do you have anything to do with this?"

I raised my hand in mock surrender. "I have nothing to do with this."

"Wait up. He doesn't know. I planned everything," Mara said, redirecting Alec's attention back to her.

Alec's frown deepened. "Why would you do this?"

Mara took Alec's hand and leaned in, whispering something just between them. It didn't take long for Alec's eyes to widen in surprise as he listened closely to his sister. "Please?"

I watched their interaction, noting how Mara's eyes seemed to shine brighter than they had before her therapy sessions started. She was smiling, laughing, and eating like she used to, and I couldn't shake the thought that she might just be putting on a brave face for us. Still, I hoped that talking to Dr. Rose whenever she felt ready would help her find some peace. At the very least, I hoped it would bring her some comfort.

"And what will you be doing?" Alec asked his sister, looking defeated.

I guess Mara won that argument?

Mara looks back at me before answering. "Going out with Dy, of course."

I perked up at her words. "We are?"

A grinning Mara nodded her head at me. "I have everything ready. Don't worry."

"Yes I should. I should be the one planning this date, shortcake. You didn't need to stress yourself over this." I said worriedly. I didn't mean anything bad by my words. I'm worried that if she's stressed, her bad memories might come back to the surface again causing her more pain and suffering.

She pouts at us. "Please. Just this once." She said looking at the both of us. Her gray eyes pleading loudly as she did so.

I looked away from her with a sigh. I hate it when she begs like this. I can't help but say yes to whatever she wants when she looks like that. "Fine. Fine. You win."