REID'S DILEMMA
REID' S POV
Reid knew very well how meticulous his father was but taking away what he'd been trained for all his life was crossing a line. His father was dead serious about the six month deadline but he was going to take it as a joke.
"What is it with the Martakis mad brothers threatening to take away their son's inheritance."
"It's all part of the madness, bro," Colton chuckled as he passed the glass of whiskey to Reid.
After his unpleasant visit with his father, he headed over to Colton's house for a surprise visit. They hadn't seen each other since the wedding, only calling and texting to check up on each other.
"How did you do it?" Reid turned to Colton.
"Do what?"
"Obey your father. We both know he's ten times worse than mine."
Colton nodded in agreement with a small chuckle. "I guess I just happened to fall in love at the right time."
Reid snorted. "Still can't get over the fact that you're in love and tied down. I thought you'd forever be a playboy."
"Well, What can I say? A man has got to grow up."
"I admire that. It'd be nice to settle down too but my dad breathing down my neck makes me want to do otherwise."
"Felt the same way too, bro."
"It's so nice to see you guys chilling once again," Athina said as she joined them in the cabana that faced the massive pool.
"No thanks to you. Who goes for a two month long honeymoon?"
"WE. US. COLTON and ATHINA. HUSBAND and WIFE." She stressed every word and added, "Don't be such a baby, Reid."
She smacked his shoulder then pecked him on both cheeks and he did the same.
"Miss me much?" Reid said with a killer smile that showed his nice dentitions and winked.
"Of course. It's been difficult not having anyone to make fun of." She sulked, sticking her bottom lip out.
"I thought that's what husband's are for." Reid pointed at his cousin.
"Yeah, but he's gotten use to it now that he just ignores me."
"Really? You should ditch the idiot before it's too late. I did tell you he was boring in all aspects expect the bedroom."
"Hey!" Colton exclaimed cutting the flow of the banter before it got out of hand. It always started with Reid and Athina throwing jabs at each other but always ended with the two teasing Colton.
Athina giggled like a school girl as she went to sit beside her husband and kissed him on the lips.
"Damn, making a man feel guilty for being single." He shook his head and looked away.
Reid admired his cousin's relationship and even felt a little envy. He wanted something similar with his own favorite person. Someone that accepted him wholeheartedly, flaws and all.
The couple separated and turned to poor Reid who had his eyes on the pool.
"You have father's permission already. Get hitched!" Colton said, pulling his woman closer to his side.
"Am I missing something?" Athina piped in.
"His dad pulled the same trick my dad pulled on me. As expected," Colton responded.
"Oh my God, you must be so devastated," Athina said with no ounce of sincerity as she laughed at Reid's plight. The whole deadline was stupid and annoying but the thought of Reid settling down that soon was impossible.
Relationships weren't exactly his thing. He'd been in a few relationships but ended as soon as it started. One could say he was picky and hadn't found what he wanted.
"I'm glad someone at least finds my situation amusing."
"I do not mean to laugh, Reid. It's just the idea of you settling down so soon is impossible. When last were you even in a relationship?" Athina snickered. Aside Colton, she was the second person that knew Reid really well. He was a stubborn man with a complicated love life. One couldn't exactly describe him as a player. He was gentleman enough not to string the women that were interested in him along.
Reid agreed a hundred percent with Athina. If he couldn't work the system, he had to find his way around it.
"But you know you have to do it," Colton said. "How about we set you up with one of Athina's friends. What did you think of her maid of honor? She's wonderful and you too hit it off, right?"
Athina snapped her fingers in agreement, "Yeah, they did hit it off. I could give you her number if you'd like?"
"No thanks, guys. I don't need a matchmaker."
"If having a handsome face, sexy body and smooth talking skills is all it takes, how come you're still single?" Athina snorted at the 6ft man that had no clue of what he wanted and how to get it. "You need our help."
"I don't think she's my type," He lied with confidence.
Reid could still vividly recall how Maria made him short of words and had him enjoying her presence even if it was for a short while. He had never felt the kind sizzling electricity when he danced with her.
"Hmm, I see." Athina could tell he was lying but left it at that.
Reid didn't think it would work between them. Maria acted innocent and fragile but beneath the façade was sharp mouth with a sassy attitude.
He barely got to even have a proper conversation with her as she made up excuses to clearly avoid him. The few times they stayed around one another for more than thirty minutes was one of the best moments of his life. He finally broke her out of her shell and although he got a taste of the blade she called a taste, she intrigued him.
Reid ruffled his hair and poured himself a glass of whiskey.
"How about one of those women that disturb you on a daily?" Colton suggested.
Reid's face squeezed in disgust. "And have her ditch me on the night before my wedding for my father? No thank you."
Many of them were mainly interested in the money. The opportunity to meet my father who looked to good to be true as a 52 year old and with a networth far bigger than mine. He was the jackpot.
"If you're desperate, tinder is readily available for you alongside various dating apps," Athina offered a suggestion once again.
Reid dropped his glasses on the stool in front of him.
"Athina, I appreciate you trying to be helpful but no thanks. Don't worry about me."
Athina raised her two hands in surrender as she and Colton laughed at Reid's plight. She wasn't really done but decided to give it a rest for now.
"Excuse me, guys. I have a call to make," Athina said as she stood up. She kissed Colton and smacked Reid's head as she cat walked out of the cabana.
The moment she was out of ear shot Colton stated, "You like her."
Reid's eyebrows rose up. "Who? Athina?"
"No, you idiot. I'm talking about Maria."
"Are you out of your mind? I could barely tolerate her."
"Really? How come you had that faraway look in your eyes when I mentioned her name?"
"What stupid look?" Reid groaned.
"The look that shows you do find her attractive. One could even mistake it for love." Colton teased intending to rile Reid.
"Now that is just absurd. Love? Athina is rubbing off you and it's not nice look," He scoffed.
Reid knew Colton was pulling his legs to probably say something out of turn.
"I hardly spent up to a week around her," Reid added.
Colton chose not to prod him any longer and gave a friendly advice to help him secure his inheritance.
"Athina's advices are all you have left. Put yourself out there, throw a few flirty smiles here and there, don't use your black card and you'd probably find the one.
They had a small chat about work before Athina called them to have lunch.
"Staying for lunch?" Colton asked as they left the cabana and went into the house.
"Can't. I have a few errands to run before it's late."
"Sucks I'd have to bear all the teasing alone," Colton sighed.
Reid chuckled lowly, "You'll get used to it, bro."
"It's different this time. She's been having these terrible mood swings lately, it's like her period is about to come."
Reid shook his head at his cousin who seemed clueless on how to deal with his wife.
"Do not wish to be you. I'm sure she'll feel better soon and if she doesn't..." Reid left his sentence hanging and patted Colton encouragingly on his shoulder.
"See you in a few days for the football game?" Colton asked as Reid made his way to his car.
"You bet!" He shouted his reply before driving out of the gate.