Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Johnnie)

I glanced down at my phone, checking for the tenth time if Caspian responded as I chewed my lip anxiously.

He had to be awake by now...right?

Wait..he said that I shouldn't act weird in the morning..but what if he is the one who starts acting weird?! Oh god..I didn't even think about that. That's when I got a text, making my heart race as I glanced down to look at it.

Oh..it's from Anna..

From Anna: I can't believe my sweet little Jo is truly having her first hot girl summer..

She sent with a couple of crying face emojis and an eggplant at the end. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I shook my head in disbelief.

Apparently Anna is team Capsian now..well..team me getting some from Caspian at least..

"Johnnie, put your phone away..you haven't been paying attention to a single thing I've said." My mom snapped, making me glance up at her in annoyance.

All she has been talking about is running into a lady who was married to some type of politician and the handbag she had. When did my mom get so materialistic? I just don't understand..did she change overnight or have I been so blind that I didn't even see it happening right before my very own eyes?

"Oh here comes the waiter." She smiled happily as a guy who looked my age walked towards us.

"Hi, sorry for the wait, what can I get for you?" The guy asked before glancing between us and settling on my mom first.

"Yes, I will have the Caprese omelet and another mimosa." She said before smiling brightly.

Of course we were at the country club again..

My mom even put the reservation under Mrs. King..that made me want to throw up.

"And for you?" The server finally asked after taking Robin's order, smiling at me brightly as I stared down at the menu.

"The French toast please." I spoke softly and watched as the guy wrote down my order before reaching for the menu, his finger brushing my hand lightly, making me pull it back.

That's when I saw my mom smiling at Robin before glancing between me and the server.

"I will have that right out for you." The guy added and turned to leave.

"He's cute!! What do you think Jo? You should ask him for his number." My mom whispered hastily, making my eyes widen as embarrassment flooded through me.

"Mom..He's just doing his job.." I grumbled..chugging my water and trying to avoid this conversation at all costs.

"I don't know..I think he was flirting with you. Robin? What do you say?" My mom turned her attention to Robin who had been looking down at her phone..which what the heck?! Mom told me to put mine away..

"Oh, he was definitely checking her out..but I don't think he's Johnnie's type." She added smoothly, which I was grateful for. "Nonsense..he looks cute and seems friendly enough. Besides..the guys always have these summer flings...I think it's about time you start dating around too sweetheart." My mom explained before lifting her drink and taking a sip.

I just glanced between Robin and my mom..seeing Robin raise her eyebrow before looking at me curiously..

I could tell what she was thinking..and you know what..I think it's about time I started opening up to Mom...obviously I can't say what I want to right now about Dave..but this is a start.

"Actually, I have been dating someone since coming here." I whispered..okay..not as confident as I wanted to be..but still..it's a start.

"What? Who?" My mom suddenly blurted before furrowing her brow.

I quickly glanced back at Robin who nodded her head encouragingly as I cleared my throat and sat up straighter. "Well...you actually know him..it's...it's.." I began to sputter, losing my newfound confidence as I swallowed hard. The look my mom was giving me was one full of fear and anticipation. Could she know who I was about to say? We haven't exactly been subtle about it..

"For Christ's sake..it's Caspian! You would be blind not to see how the guy looks at her!" Robin blurted out, making my eyes widen as she said it a little louder than I would've liked..causing people to glance our way as my mom's mouth dropped open and Robin picked up her mimosa before tilting it back and drinking the whole thing.

"C..Caspian..Caspian King.." My mom stated his name like this information was so hard to believe.

"Sweetheart..well..don't you think.." She began before trailing off.

"What?" I asked, seriously wondering where she was going with this.

That's when my mom reached her hand out and touched mine gently.

"Honey..I know you have always had a crush on him..but don't you think you are going to end up getting hurt? Dave...well, he and Heaven's parents Patricia and Logan..they.." She started and that's when my stomach dropped.

What was going on?

Why is she bringing up Heaven right now?

"They are in talks of having Heaven and Caspian join in a contract marriage. Considering Caspian will one day take over King Corporations..Dave wanted to secure his future." She dropped the biggest bomb on me ever, the sound of Robin gasping made me realize what she just said wasn't some sick joke.

"N..No..they..they can't make him do that..what about hockey?" I asked, knowing that playing hockey meant everything to Caspian.

"Dave has always told Caspian that he can play Hockey in college..but after he graduates, he has to take over the business." My mom stated, making my head spin as I felt like I was going to be sick.

"D..Did..did Capsian know about this?" I asked the question that I knew had the possibility to crush me.

"Well, Dave was going to speak to him about it today. We discussed the marriage contract with Heaven's parents last night and have come to an understanding that seems beneficial for both Capsian and Heaven. Considering they dated in the past, they are a likely match." My mom rambled on as I began to get angry now.

"Does Viva know about this? There is no way she would approve.." I spat, seeing my mom's eyes widen as she scoffed.

"This doesn't involve Viva, it is between Capsian and his father. If he wants to keep his inheritance, then he will do this." She stated coldly, making my jaw drop.

"His inheritance..if Caspian doesn't agree..then he will be cut off?" That's what she meant right? My mom just looked at me, her eyes searching my face as I realized tears were now streaming down my cheeks.

"Oh Jo..you didn't go and fall in love with the boy, did you?" My mom asked in shock as Robin stood abruptly before slamming her napkin on the table.

"That's enough..can't you see how much she clearly cares for Capsian and he cares for her? If you and Dave would pull your heads out of each other's asses..you would see what is going on around you. I have never seen two more selfish people in my damn life..come on Jo, let's go." Robin spat before walking up to me and taking my hand.

She helped me up just as our food was arriving.

"Sorry we will have to take it to go..and she is footing the bill." Robin stated hastily before pulling me out of the restaurant.

I think this place is officially cursed..and will I ever eat a real damn meal?!

"Come on..I can't believe that woman." Robin grumbled as people began to whisper and stare at us while walking out.

"Robin..do you think..." I began and she didn't even let me finish.

"No way in hell..he would never do that to you.." She reassured me before stepping outside and calling an Uber.

But why hasn't he texted me back yet? He wouldn't agree to that..would he?