Remember Me

Ch. 2 Painfully Handsome

Chapter 2

Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

Cleo chanted over and over in her mind as she sat still as a rock near the kitchen counter and watched Sebastian and Owen in the living room. The man was painfully handsome. His brownish blonde hair was thick and wavy. The eyes were piercing with deep set lines in the corner and his strong jaw was covered by neatly trimmed facial hair that made him look rugged like a high fashion of the runway model. Cleo knew she shouldn't stare, but she couldn't look away.

"Sebastian and his brother just started a business together a few years ago," Piper told Mavi as they moved around the kitchen fussing over the sugar cookies. "He was in Australia a few weeks ago. We were going to come sooner but his work trip got delayed."

"That's okay, baby," Mavi said. "We're glad you are here now."

"And thank you for bringing such eye candy," Manya winked, making Piper blush and laugh.

"He's a sweetheart, you guys will love him," she said.

"Looks like Owen already does," Mavi leaned around the counter to peek into the living room. "Are you boys okay in there?"

"Yes, thank you," Sebastian placed a hand over his heart with a charming smile on his lips.

Ugh, stop.

Cleo looked away.

"How old is he?" Manya wondered. "He's not in college with you, is he?"

"He's a....little older," Piper cleared her throat and turned away.

"How much older?" Mavi asked with concern.

"He just turned 25 last month," Piper declared.

"And you're just 20," Manya said.

"It's not that bad," Piper said, looking at Mavi. "Right?"

"It's not," Mavi agreed. "It's pretty good for our family."

"That's what I said," Piper laughed. "And I think it's good for me that he's older. He is more mature and he knows what he wants."

"And what does he want?" Cleo asked without thinking.

With a sigh, Piper began to ponder, "A serious relationship. Someone he can settle down with and grow with. He talks about family and buying a home and traveling the world. I don't know, guys. I really like him."

With each word the girl spoke, Cleo felt her heart ache. She bit down on the insides of her cheeks to keep herself from tearing up.

"He sounds amazing," Mavi walked over and kissed the top of Piper's head. "Great pick, sweetheart."

"But I don't really know how he feels about me," Piper sighed.

"What do you mean?" Manya looked up from the pie she was stuffing.

"He's so sweet and amazing but he's also very....introverted," Piper explained. "He doesn't really talk about his emotions openly."

"That's all men," Mavi rolled her eyes. "The boy likes you, trust me."

"I don't want him to like me," Piper blushed, causing Cleo's heart to contract once more. "I want more."

"Soon," Manya promised. "Patience is a virtue."

Feeling the air in her lungs starting to suffocate her, Cleo suddenly jumped to her feet. Everyone around the kitchen stopped and stared at her as she rushed towards the back door.