Tom wraps his arms around my back for a group hug with our little starlet. “I love you guys so much,” Tom exhales, his face glowing so bright the chandelier above the table might as well stay off.
Forget the doubts. Forget everything. This feels good—but is it enough to lower my guard? I don’t think anything ever could. And I’m right not to, because the moment I let myself lean into the warmth, the door opens and a wave of tension sweeps in before Jay even steps inside.
The ladies follow, hands folded and eyes to the floor. Sergei closes the door behind them. Everyone falls silent. We watch as they return to their seats, our attention fixed on Jay as we wait for his word. It’s crazy how fast I’m falling into line.
“Sorry for the delay,” Jay says, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me a beat too long. “Everyone, enjoy your soup.”
Apperently he’s not to address whatever that was. Probably business. Urgent, maybe, since it dragged them away from Christmas brunch. Hopefully, it won’t affect the rest of the day.
What about Effy?
She’s staring into the void, eyes open, but whatever she’s seeing is somewhere far behind those sapphires. A lighter blue than her father’s, their depth a mirror of his.
Her soup remains untouched, and something in me tightens. Under the table, Tom’s pinky hooks around mine. When our eyes meet, I don’t need words to know he sees it too.
Pineapple cookie.
I scrape the last spoonful of soup from my bowl just as Mary claps her hands and announces it’s time to reset the dining room for the main course.
We all rise, chairs scraping in unison. I follow the pack back into the living room.
People are getting loud. When I move closer to see what all the fuss is about, I notice the present on the coffee table.
Right. The family tradition Tom told me about.
Red velvet wrapping, green velvet bow—It looks as if it was made to sit in that exact spot by the fireplace.
My fascination must be showing, Tom’s voice is suddenly in my ear.
“Magpie.”
“I’m not—” A breath slips sharply through my nose. “I like visually pleasing things, okay?”
Tom chuckles, tugging me with him. “Come, my visually pleasing thing. Let’s get us some tea.”
We walk to the bar where a couple of big pots are steaming. Little nametags read Earl Grey, Sencha Apricot, and Christmas Blend. I go for the last one, maxing out the aesthetic. It smells cinnamon-y with a hint of orange.
I take a first sip, warming my hands around the mug as we gather around the present.
Eli arrives last, placing an empty bottle of Scotch on the table.
I do my best to hold my laugh. It’s always one surprise after the other in this place.
Jay claps his hands. “Everyone ready?”
“Three, two, one… GO!”
Eli spins the bottle like we’re playing truth or dare. I have no idea what’s about to happen, so hiding behind Tom feels like the safest move.
The bottle spins, slows down, then stops pointing at Alex.
More claps and cheers.
Alex picks up the present, showing his trophy around.
Time to unpack. He starts carefully with the bow, but patience runs out fast with the encouragement of the pack. He starts to rip off the paper as if shredding prey. I dip over Tom's shoulder to get a better look.
It’s a board game;practical, fun, a little odd. It’s very McKenna.
