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She goes to move away, and I tug her back. “I want to tell you something before others get here.” Her eyes go wide, and both eyebrows shoot up. “I’ve been asked to play at The FlyOver.”
Her arms jet outward, her drink sloshing as she comes for me, wrapping me up. “Andie, I’m so proud of you. You betterbelieve my still tight butt will be at a front table, letting everyone know they’ve been missing out this whole time.” She squeezes me tighter. “It’s about time, sweetheart.”
The doorbell rings, and she steps back, looking at me, beaming before moving toward the entryway.
“Gem, there’s an eerie stillness in the air. Please don’t open that door. I’m pretty sure the weatherman predicted we might get a taste of what hell is like tonight.”
Gem waves a hand, dismissing my warning. I hold Ax tighter as I hear voices, and I wonder if I could go hide out in the kitchen and pretend to help. Before I can make my escape, Gerald and his wife enter. I’m caught.
Here goes nothing.
Twenty minutes later, I’m standing in the living room talking to Gerald and his wife while my mom and dad stand on the opposite side, occupying themselves with Bev and John.
My parents greeted me with a swift mock hug and a brief interaction with Ax. All of which lacked any sort of real affection, and then they moved on. Gem is floating around handing out drinks, and the doorbell rings again.
She winks at me. “Andie, would you please get that? I need to check on dinner in the kitchen.” She scurries away like she knows it will calm me to see Sean.
I excuse myself and move quickly to the door with Ax in tow. So ready for him to be here, I swing open the door, but of course, it’s not him.
“Well, Andie, it’s been a while.” Brice smiles like the Cheshire Cat, and I want to punch him directly in his scumsucking face.
“You weren’t invited.” I really want to slam the door closed on his douchey ass.
“You are mistaken. Your mother told me you were celebrating Gemma’s eightieth birthday this evening and was certain I wouldn’t want to miss it.”
It’s possible flames are shooting from my ears. Of course, my mother would invite him, even though this is not her party or house. Her level of entitlement never ceases to amaze me.
Brice steps through the doorway a little too close when I don’t move out of the way in time. I close the door and turn to see his eyes scan over my body even though I’m holding Ax. I seriously want to puke. My plain black dress, tights, and heels are nothing to ogle over.
“So this is the little GI Joe.” He sticks out his hand like he’s going to touch Ax, but I take a step back.
“Don’t touch him.”
Gem strolls into the foyer, and her surprise morphs into loathing. “What in the hell are you doing here?”
“Oh, Brice, you made it.” My mother comes in gloating like she’s the hostess with the mostest.
“Hello, Donna.” Brice leans in to kiss her cheek. “It was so nice of you to ask me to join you for this wonderful celebration.”
“You can take your fake–” Gem is cut off by the doorbell.
My ability to be polite has left the station. I open the door. Sean stands strong and handsome, staring back at me, and I could hug him. So I do.
I step out to meet him, throwing my free arm around his middle and squeezing Ax between us where I know he’s safe. Sean doesn’t hesitate to hug me back. He pulls me close, his thick arms wrapping us up as he leans down to whisper, “That bad already?”
I pull back and smile, but his arms stay locked tight for just a moment before letting me go and stepping in.
“Hey, handsome, you’re just in time for the show.” Gem squeezes his arm and takes his coat as my mom leads Brice into the living room.
“What’s he doing here?” Sean whispers, clearly remembering him from the benefit. Ax jibber jabbers, recognizing Sean as his big hand takes hold of the small, chubby one.
“My mother invited him.”
“I’m sorry I’m late. My meeting ran long. You ok?” His blue eyes are full of sincerity and concern, and I like him so much for it.
I raise and lower one shoulder. “I’m just really ready for tacos.”
He laughs softly, and I grab his hand, feeling like I’m leading him to the wolves, but his hand around mine is the comfort I’ve been looking for. I have no doubt Sean can take care of himself, but my mother can be vicious, and he’s just too good to have to deal with that.
