Page 15 of Rekindle
“Who knows? What are you talking about?”
I stuffed a shirt inside my duffle bag. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a relationship with Tina?”
“Is that what she said? A relationship? Nina, can you stop for a minute?”
I went to the bathroom and threw all of my toiletries in the bag. The fact that he remained calm and unperturbed irked the hell out of me.
“No. No minutes. She heard us last night. She knows we had sex. Why didn’t you tell me you dated her?”
“I didn’t know she was your cousin. We fucked, yes, but that was long before I met you. Nina, please listen—”
The confirmation hit hard. Tore me up. I wanted to hit him and scream, but my parents were still asleep.
“What else don’t I know about you? I’m such an idiot. You fucked my cousin.”
“Can I get a word in?”
“No. Fuck off.”
“Nina—”
Gareth came closer to me, but I dodged him. At this point, his touch I felt like it burned with battery acid.
“I know Tina. She and I have never seen eye to eye, but she wasn’t lying to me.”
“I never had a relationship with Tina.”
“Oh, right. Your definition of intimacy was getting naked with me and fucking the shit out of—”
I was against the wall, both of my hands held above my head. Gareth’s pupils dilated with rage.
“I didn’t know you had a cousin named Tina. Until recently. It was coincidence. I don’t go over a family tree when I am with someone.” Then his grip loosened. “I’m sure she wanted to get a rise out of you. It didn’t mean anything. It’s only ever been you.”
“After this, we will go our separate ways. this has broken us.”
“Nina—”
“Just leave.”
He left without a word.
After I finished packing, I walked to the kitchen and placed my duffel bag on the chair. Tina watched me closely with a grin on her face. I wanted to make it disappear. I’d never felt so naked and exposed in my life.
“So, Nina, when will you be back?” Tina inquired with bullshit concern.
My dad and Gareth walked into the kitchen at that moment. “Hey, Dad.” I ignored her while I walked to my father’s arms.
“Did you hear anything last night, Uncle Richard?” Tina teased with the question.
I lost my breath as my mind started to cloud itself. She would say something. And how could I explain to Dad what Gareth really did?
Dad turned to her, then to me. “What are you talking about?”
“They were pretty loud.” Tina continued to look at me with an air of triumph. Then Gareth took her by the arm and led her out of the kitchen.
“Is everything okay?” Dad asked. “I thought you were leaving tomorrow.”
“Everything is fine. I was just getting my things ready. Dad, about Gareth and me.” He looked at me with interest. “I think it’s too soon to be in a relationship, and I have to know him a little better.”