Page 64 of My Destiny

“I snuck this for you,” she says, producing a cupcake from behind her back. “What kind of girlfriend would I be if I continued to deny you?”

“So, you are finally admitting it?” The smile on my face speaks volumes.

“Well, only because I was outvoted.” I brush my lips against hers. I couldn’t be happier in this moment.

“You’re the best girlfriend a guy could ask for,” I say, before taking a huge bite out of my cupcake.

“Do they taste okay?”

“Almost as delicious as you.” Because nothing in this world tastes as good as she does.

I eye John as he steps out onto the back patio. I’m excited for Brooke to meet him. Although he’s only my uncle through marriage, I love him like a father. He’s the polar opposite to my old man, who can be a ruthless bastard at times. I’ve turned to John for advice on many occasions throughout my life. He gets me, because he’s married to my father’s sister. Those two are likes peas in a pod. Actually, my aunts a lot worse, which says so much. Never in my life have I met such a selfish, materialistic, nasty, cold-hearted bitch as her. I’m not one to ever spew such hate towards another human being, but she’s deserving of every word and more.

“Come. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes,” John jokes as he approaches us. I’m guessing my mum has already filled him in on my girlfriend status.

“It’s good to see you,” I say, pulling him in for a hug.

“You too, kiddo,” he replies, patting my back. He’s called me kiddo since I was a boy, and many times throughout my life, I wished I was his kid. Not taking anything away from my mother, of course; she’s always been wonderful, but my father not so much. I don’t know if it’s because I’m his son, but he was always a lot harder on me than he was my sister.

I slide my arm around Brooke’s waist, pulling her into my side. “John, I’d like you to meet Brooke.”

The smile on his face is huge as his eyes move to her, but then something happens. He stumbles back a few steps as all the colour drains from his face. When he clutches his chest, my heart drops. “Jesus, are you okay?” I don’t doubt for a second that this has something to do with my aunt. The way she treats him infuriates me. He deserves so much better. I’ve begged him many times over the years to leave her, but he stays, god only knows why. The constant barrage of abuse he’s had to endure from her, has definitely taken a toll on him.

“I’m fine,” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Come, sit.”

I walk him back into the house. “John,” my mum says, the moment she notices me helping him through the door. “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” I reply. “He had a turn out back.”

“Come,” she says, grabbing his arm. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, stop fussing.”

“Is he okay?” Brooke asks, coming to stand beside me.

“My mum will look after him.” But inside my stomach churns. It’s time my aunt set him free. I want him to find happiness in his life, while he’s still young enough to enjoy it.

I can’t stop grinning as I watch Brooke. She’s totally enthralled by the magician as he performs for Lara and her little friends. “Are you having a good time?” I ask her, reaching for her hand.

“The best.” Her eyes move to me briefly, before focusing back on the magic show. “I never had parties growing up, so I’m living vicariously through your niece.” Her comment makes me laugh.

“Never?”

“Nope. I knew my mum couldn’t afford it, so I always told her I didn’t want one.” That both warms and breaks my heart all at once. Things will be different for her from now on, I’ll make sure of it.

Leaning forward, I place a kiss on the side of Brooke’s head. “I’m just going to grab another beer,” I say. “Can I get you anything?”

“I’m good,” she replies, her eyes never once leaving the magician. He’s not bad, but I’ve seen better.

“So, you two are pretty serious,” Craig says, joining me at the fridge.

“Want one?” I reply, holding up a beer.

“Sure. But you didn’t answer my question.”