wearing heels?”
“Yeah, I guess,” I reply with a laugh, sliding my hands over my hips. The dress is a piece from Kindred Spirits. A crushed velvet knee-length design with bell sleeves and a cinched satin waist. I playfully shove my mother’s curious hands away and turn to my father, James, with a big smile. “Hiya, Dad.”
“Hiya, wee lass.” He pulls me close, cloaking me in the familiar scent of his Brute cologne. “What a fun party you have planned here for Macky and Freya.”
“And I’m pretty sure they’ll be surprised.” I pull back and smile at the party already well underway. “Mac was cross at me for not coming with them to Sunday dinner here today because it’s a sacred Harris tradition, but I told them I had loads of things to do before I start my new job tomorrow.”
“Oh honey, we’re so proud of you,” my mother says, still stroking my hair affectionately.
My dad nudges me with his elbow. “Mum made us go shopping at Harrods before we came here. It’s a very nice store, lass. A bit posh for my taste, but I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
I giggle. “Thanks. They’ve been amazing with Freya’s pet line deal. Everything is sorted and ready to go, and I’m just thrilled I was able to be useful for them.”
“What’s this I hear about a lad you’re seeing?” Mum whispers coyly, her lips turning up into a sneaky smile. “Mac says he’s the lawyer for the team and not the bawbag we all thought he was. I don’t really remember knowing anything about a Santino Rossi, so can you explain what he’s talking about?”
“Mum,” I cut her off, shaking my head. “I’m sorry, but…Santino and I aren’t a thing anymore.”
Her face falls. “What?”
“And actually, Mac and Freya don’t know yet, so if you could keep it quiet, I would really appreciate it. I just don’t want to spoil their big day today.”
“Do I need to have a talk to the lad?” My dad looks around, his eyes narrow slits. “Is he here?”
“No, Dad. He’s not here. Relax. I don’t need anyone to talk to him…it just…didn’t work out.” My throat hurts with that painful thought as I plaster on a smile for them.
My mother sighs. “Well, I’m just happy to hear you’re finally dating again. If you found one, you can surely find another.”
“Mum, I’m not searching for my soul mate. It was just a casual thing.”
My parents both look crestfallen, but I don’t have time to nurture their broken hearts over my broken heart, so I drag them over to where Vaughn and Freya’s parents are seated at the proper grown-up table. Freya’s parents left at five o’clock this morning to be here for the shower, so I know she’s going to be thrilled to see them.
Finally, the time has come for Freya and Mac’s arrival, so I hurry everybody inside from the back garden, telling them all to hush, much to the children’s displeasure. Well, not all of them. Rocky and Sophia are actually holding my hands as we hear the front door open, and they decide we should crouch to brace for their entrance.
I frown when I hear no voices because Mac and Freya do nothing quietly. When the door to the kitchen opens, my heart lurches up into my throat because it’s not my brother and his wife coming in.
It’s Santino.
My legs turn to jelly as I take in the sight of him because I did not expect him to be here. He’s dressed in a crisp black suit with no tie. He’s left a few buttons open at the top of his white shirt, and his olive skin is on display, causing the spit in my mouth to dry up. His eyes almost instantly connect with mine, and we both freeze for a moment. I swear it feels like the entire universe is suspended in time as my heart thunders like tribal drums.
It feels like it’s been seconds and years since I’ve seen him all at the same time. His face has a haunted look about it, and his suit doesn’t hug him as tightly as it normally would.
Suddenly, I realise the entire room is staring at us, and our quiet moment is thwarted when Tanner bellows, “Get out of the way, Santino. Fuck!”
“Fuck!” one of the little toddlers repeats loudly, the sound echoing off the marble flooring.
Several voices begin chastising Tanner, and the kids all begin to giggle as they parrot the word their uncle