CHAPTER 2
Audrey
W e pull off a side street and up to a row of giant hedges. There’s a small box next to the driver’s side, where Tamás keys in a code. The hedges literally part like the Red Sea, and we pull in the long, long, twisting driveway and up to an absolutely stunning European house.
“It looks like a castle,” I say, trying not to drool.
Tina giggles. I look to my side and Tamás flashes me a smirk.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing,” Tina says.
I realize the part of town where we are and reach for the guidebook I’ve nearly memorized in preparation for my time abroad. I want confirmation.
“Oh my god. It is a castle.”
Tina and Tamás burst out in laughter. Tamás raises his hand and Tina high fives him from the back seat.
“It’s literally a castle. How…in…the…world—”
“We’ve been very fortunate with the success we’ve had with Pest Publishing,” Tamás says.
“I would say so,” I say. I know Tamás is being modest, but I know the truth. My dad has always raved about his work ethic and his intelligence. When he’s focused he’s unstoppable, and it looks like even the price tag attached to a castle couldn’t stop him this time.
Upon entering Tina give me the tour, first of the house, and then of the grounds. Out back they’ve got a swimming pool, clay tennis courts, a gazebo, and even flamingos.
“Flamingos?”
“Yeah, we have to bring them in during the winter.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“Yeah,” Tina says playfully leaning against me, shoulder to shoulder. “We actually have to send them to Florida, and then bring them back in the spring.”
This time I know she’s not kidding. The girl I used to play with has freaking flamingos!
“This backyard area is a great place for parties.”
“I can imagine,” I say.
“I had my first experience right over there,” she says, pointing at the gazebo.
“You had sex in the gazebo?” I ask, realizing I’m still in shock about their home. I need to calm down before my mouth gets me in trouble.
“Crazy, huh?”
“I guess it could be nice.”
“What about you?” she asks. Here we go. The dreaded question.
“I’m not as adventurous as you, I guess.”
“No gazebos,” she says.
“Unfortunately not.”
“Where was your craziest place?”
“Never really had a crazy place,” I say, hoping that’s going to be enough to appease her.
“But your boyfriend now? You told me you have one on WhatsApp.”
“Correction, I had one.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s for the better, really.”
“Shall we go get ready?” she asks. Thankfully she’s changed the subject in response to what could be a sore subject. Fortunately for me, getting rid of my ex was the best thing I ever did. He seemed more interested in sports, drunk dialing, and trying to pressure me into sex after tailgating all day at a football game than forming a bond that could stand the test of time. And because of his actions, or in my mind his lack thereof, I never gave him the one thing he wanted most.
We walk back into her house, I mean castle, and she shows me to my room, I mean my quarters. Jeez, getting used to this princess life, even if just for a summer, is going to be really nice. Suddenly sailing around Croatia doesn’t seem that exciting, especially when I can trade the view of the islands for the Rock of Gibraltar that is Tamás.
“You girls ready?” he says, as if on cue.
I turn and look at the doorway. He’s leaning against the doorjamb, looking incredibly sexy.
“Five minutes, dad,” Tina says.
“I’ll be downstairs.”
He turns to go and I get a good look at his backside. It’s just as impressive as the front.
“Is your dad going with us to the spa?”
“No, he’s obsessed with work these days.”
And I can tell I’m quickly becoming obsessed with him.