Nick and Rachel

ght," Rachel pleaded with her boyfriend, h

or Brandon. With his charming curly hair and sparkling brown eyes that lit

evident in his voice. Rachel nodde

't even want me to meet them at al

t. She decided to shield Brandon from the truth, not ready to reveal th

, and they're really eager to meet you," Rachel lied, hoping h

ed her words. "I'm not sure I can meet the

se came out more aggressively than intended. "W

ling me something," Brandon said

t was time to come clean. She took a

er voice quivering. "My parents want us to get married, but if they mee

sank. "What's so funny?" she asked, her frown

eing silly," Brandon r

" Rachel retorted, her

andon asked, his laughter fading when h

chel replied firmly, her eyes pleadi

you into marrying someone. That's crazy," Brand

to stop them. That's why you have to meet them,"

ork?" Brandon questioned,

d, injecting a touch of sarcasm to lighten the mood. Deep down, though, she hoped

y, his words breaking through Rach

with both tenderness and uncertainty, hoping t

***

iend, exclaimed in disbelief as they

ling down. "Yeah, apparently," he rep

craziest shit I've ever heard," he said, try

he attempt at humor. "I kno

to you, man," Carlos said, concern evide

dead serious about cutting me off permanently," Nick responde

yet. There has to be something you can do," Carlos en

options are incredibly limited. It's either her or my inheritance, and I can't joke around w

n, buddy. But remember, you have my support no matter what you

plied, grateful for his f

t to savor the last sip. "So, when are yo

irl and her family the day after," Nick ans

hope she's pretty. It would make things a little easier fo

im, a wry smile

ea