Unmistakeable by Abby Reynolds Page A

us was undeniable. The trust was even stronger. And our friendship was the foundation to all of it. I would be the man to take care of her, to stand by her side through the good and the bad. She was more important than anything else. I was here for the long haul, every day that she wanted me.
    “I…
    Come on . “What, darling?” I grabbed the fallen strand and tucked it behind her ear, revealing her face.
    That seemed to snap her trance. “Nothing.”
     
    I arrived to the restaurant late on purpose. The less time I spent with these stiff people, the better. I knew they wouldn’t approve of Alaska at all. Just her name alone would make them dislike her. A freelance photographer would never be good enough for their son. What was she doing for her retirement? What was she investing in? All they cared about was shit that didn’t matter.
    I looked around the restaurant then finally spotted my mom’s ridiculously shiny hair in the crowd. I sighed then headed to their table.
    “My boy.” My mom stood up then kissed me on the cheek.
    I hated how she acted like our last meeting didn’t end with me walking out. “Hi, Mom.”
    My dad embraced me next, patting me on the back like he always did.
    Then I sat down and immediately looked at the wine list. I needed some alcohol—now. “So, what’s this about?” Let’s just cut to the chase. Did they have a doctor they wanted me to work for? An internship?
    “Can we just have a meal together without any fuss?” my mom asked. “As a family?”
    “If we’re a family, where’s Livia?”
    My mom swatted my hand. “Be on your best behavior.”
    “Am I five?”
    She stared at my father. “Talk to him.”
    About what?
    “Just listen to your mother.” He put on his reading glasses then looked at the menu.
    “We have a guest and we want you to make a good impression,” my mom whispered.
    So I was meeting a doctor that Dad knew. Figures.
    “Here she comes. Stand up.”
    Stand up?
    A young brunette came from the bathroom and to her chair. She was my age, with hair as silky as my mother’s. She had fair skin, perfect make up, and she held her self straighter than a board.
    Oh no.
    “Clementine, this is my son, Ashley.”
    “Ash,” I said with a growl.
    She shook my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “Likewise.” I was going to kill my parents. I couldn’t believe they were doing this to me.
    We all sat down.
    I was trying to bottle my rage but it was a struggle.
    “Clementine is completing her residency in emergency medicine,” my mom explained. “Her family owns a few urgent cares in the San Fernando Valley.”
    “Impressive,” I said politely.
    “And she’s a beautiful girl.” My mom shot me a glare.
    “Of course.” I was pissed at my parents for doing this, but the girl didn’t deserve to be treated with disrespect. She had no idea what was going on.
    My mom shared a look with my father then stood up. “We’ll give you two some privacy.”
    “Whoa, hold on.” I stood up. “Mom, I’m not doing this.”
    “Don’t be rude,” she hissed.
    Clementine remained in her seat, watching me.
    “Mom, I have a girlfriend.”
    “A girlfriend?” Her face blanched. “Please do not tell me it was that photographer I saw you with. I just assumed she was one of the girls who…entertain you.”
    I never wanted to slap my mom before but I wanted to do it now. “Yes, her name is Alaska, and I’m in love with her. This isn’t going to work.”
    She grabbed my arm and yanked me out of earshot. “You failed to mention this to me.”
    “Because my personal life is none of your business. Mom, I’m almost thirty. Who I fuck and don’t fuck is none of your concern.”
    She gasped at my profanity. “Ashley, knock it off now.”
    “No. You need to respect my choices.”
    “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” Her eyes were wide. “Now this poor girl is here. If you gave her a chance, I know you would love her. She’s elegant, smart,