Page 61 of Not On Your Life

I shrug. “I go by many titles.”

He glares at me and calls me another choice “title.” I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s not near as sweet as Mr. Perfect.

“I hope Mrs. Morrison paid you a million dollars to “save her” because that’s the only way you’re going to afford the loan on this house, plus the interest rate. Actually, make it two million. I’m forgetting the mortgage and utilities.”

He frowns, and I can almost see his slow thoughts trying to piece themselves together. “I thought this was your parent’s house.”

I lift a shoulder. “It was. But it was mortgaged to the hilt, so technically, the bank owns it now. I wish you all the luck, though. If anyone can pay it off, it’s you, big guy.”

“We’ll find a way after we are married.” He says, unconcerned. “Millie’s got a good job.”

“Do you even know what your fiancée does?”

He actually has to think about it. “She does girl stuff.”

I plant my arms across my chest, immediately regretting it when the dried egg yolk scratches my arm.

“She’s a cosmetologist. Herjobis to help people feel better about themselves, not marry losers.”

Justin tosses back the rest of the drink and stands up. “Well gee, tell me how you really feel.”

“You’re not marrying my sister.”

“I don’t recall asking your permission.” He puffs out his chest. I’m pretty sure he’s five seconds from beating on it like Tarzan.

“Another mistake you made.” My glare is a Maddie level ten. But it doesn’t seem to affect Justin. I wish she was here to deliver it.

“It’s only a matter of time before Millie sees who you really are,” I say.

His eyes twinkle and he steps forward, right on Sean’s tail. The poor puppy squeals and darts away but Justin doesn’t even notice. “Oh, and what’s that, Connie?”

I want more than anything to kill him right here, right now just for the nickname.

“That you’re a piece of—”

“Hey bro, how was the gym?” Millie dances into the room and laces her arm around Justin’s back.

Justin shoots me a smug smile like he’s won. And I’m terrified because he might.

“Ew, Connor, what’s on your shirt?” Millie wrinkles her nose.

Ugh, I forgot about that. “A dead spidey guy.”

“Huh?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Don’t ask.”

“Okay… Ready babe?” She grabs Justin’s hand and heads for the door.

“Always ready for you.” Justin smirks, before they disappear outside. What Millie sees in him is a mystery. But she’s smart. She’ll figure out who he really is. Hopefully before the wedding.

I rip off my shirt and head upstairs. My mom and dad were so much better at this kind of stuff. My parents would have supported Millie’s relationship because they wanted her to be happy. I do, too. But I won’t sit around and let her marry that tool.

I can’t let my parents down like that.

Parenting an adult sucks.

Chapter 20