Scarlett's POV
My mother and I arrived at the steakhouse for lunch, a pre-move-in meeting with her boyfriend, Kirk, and his son, Oliver. As we entered, the hostess led us to a table where Kirk waited, and for the first time, I saw Oliver. I couldn't suppress a gasp. He had a chiseled jaw, dark hair cropped close, and mesmerizing, dark eyes.
"That's his son?" I whispered to Mom, disbelief coloring my voice.
"Yes. He's home from college for the summer."
Mom sighed and squeezed my arm reassuringly. "I really hope you two get along. Especially since we're officially moving in this weekend. You'll be seeing a lot of each other."
"Don't worry, Mom. Everything will be fine," I said, trying to sound confident, even though I doubted it. Us fighting isn't what I had in mind. Something equally sweaty, but more pleasurable than painful, I thought.
As we reached the table, Kirk stood and kissed Mom, while Oliver remained seated. His onyx eyes swept over me with disinterest before he leaned back, grabbed his drink, and took a long sip.
"Oliver, that's rude. Stand up and greet them properly," Kirk ordered, nudging Oliver's chair, which elicited a grunt.
So much for first impressions, I thought. I extended my hand to Oliver, attempting an introduction, but he didn't reciprocate. After a few awkward seconds, I dropped my hand and sat quietly. Mom and Kirk joined us. I contemplated calling Oliver out on his behavior.
As much as I want to match his arrogance, I don't want to upset Mom. Best to keep my mouth shut.
"You'll have to excuse my son. College seems to have erased his manners," Kirk apologized.
Oliver snickered, leaning back arrogantly and crossing his arms. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I being rude? Probably because I don't want to be here." His tone dripped with condescension.
"If this is how we're starting, I can only imagine what it'll be like seeing each other twenty-four-seven. Get the stick out of your ass," I blurted out.
Mom gasped, her brows furrowing in a stern look. She quickly apologized to Kirk, who waved it off. I hated the way Oliver's lips spread into a grin, his eyes narrowing as if he enjoyed provoking me.
Fucking asshole. The initial impression was gone, replaced by someone with an inflated ego. He clearly didn't care about Mom or me.
"Let me get a few drinks in, and I'll even let you remove it," Oliver retorted.
"Oliver, knock it off. Sorry, ladies," Kirk snapped.
"Oh, don't worry. You know how kids are," Mom said with a small smile.
My phone vibrated. It was a text from my best friend, Briana.
Briana: I miss you, hoe!
Scarlett: I miss you too! I'm at dinner, meeting Mom's boyfriend's son. He's an ass.
Briana: Is he a cute ass or an ugly ass?
Scarlett: Does it matter?
Briana: Bitch, of course it does. At least he looks good when he's acting like a jerk.
Scarlett: I can't with you. I gotta go. I'll text you later.
Briana: Mmm, maybe take a pic.
Scarlett: Not right now. Too obvious. Ttyl.
I put my phone down as the waitress returned for drink orders. God, he's not the only one who needs a drink. Sucks I have to wait until I'm 21. Why can't this be Europe, where I could drink at 18?
Mom and Kirk engaged in small talk, leaving Oliver and me in awkward silence. He tapped his fingers against his glass, then tilted it toward me, silently offering a drink. Tempted, I hesitated. He started to pull the glass away, but I quickly snatched it, taking a swig. The murky brown liquid burned as it went down, and I gagged slightly. That was fucking gross.
I pushed the glass back, glancing at Mom to ensure she hadn't noticed. Thank God she didn't see. I hate embarrassing her. She's always held me in high regard.
Oliver smirked. "I have to say, I'm impressed."
I crossed my arms. "I think it's pathetic how easily impressed you are. Not a sign of high intelligence."
"And you just took the bait," Oliver chuckled.
God, he's so frustrating! An instigator! I could punch him. "What's the matter? Are you upset Daddy's got his attention on someone else?" I mocked, nodding toward Kirk.
Oliver's smile vanished. "I couldn't care less. She's just another name on a long list."
My legs trembled. Knowing he'd gotten to me, Oliver smiled and clicked his tongue. The waitress returned, and after ordering, I looked back at him.
"I have to use the bathroom," I said, excusing myself.
I walked toward the back, where a restroom sign hung on the wall. Nope. I can't do this. Ten minutes and I already can't stand him! I'm an only child for a reason.
After using the bathroom, I exited to find Oliver approaching. Maybe he needs a reality check on how to communicate? Smart enough for college, but too dumb for interaction.
I stepped aside, pressing myself against the wall. Instead, he stopped inches from my face.
"God, you make it so easy," he said, reaching for a loose strand of my hair. My breath caught in my throat.
"W-what are you doing?" I asked.