Which probably means he doesn’t intend on being here long enough for a drink, let alone a multi-course Italian meal.
Shit.The guys need more time at the brownstone.
Guess I’d better stall.
“Excuse me, sir?” I call to the waiter, waving him back and squinting at his name tag. “Sorry, Randall. I’d like a Cabernet, if you don’t mind. Also, how’s the bruschetta here?”
“One of our house specialties, miss. Shall I…” He glances nervously between me and Lennon. “…bring an order for the table?”
Lennon clears his throat. “No, that won’t be—”
“Can you do a vegan version?” I ask. “Oh, and if you’ve got any of those squishy little squid rings? What are those called again?”
“Calamari, miss. But those aren’t vegan.”
“Can’t you make them without the squid? Just do up the crispy part?” Turning to the Forsythes, I wrinkle my nose apologetically. “Sorry for jumping in—I’m just really hungry. I’m staying with a friend right now and her kitchen is like a culinary graveyard.Anyway…”
I spend the next ten minutes confusing and baffling the waiter with all manner of inane questions about vegan options and hidden ingredients and food allergy reactions before finally settling on a few other special-order appetizers.
When he leaves, I pick up my water glass and take a deep drink, then smile at the Forsythes again. “Thank you for accommodating me. I know my dietary restrictions can be difficult sometimes.”
“It’s fine,” Lennon says through gritted teeth. Then, tapping his finger on the tabletop, “Hunter is quite upset about what transpired. I think it will take some time for him to forgive you, if he can even get there at all.”
“Oh, I’m not expecting any miracles.” I press my hand to my heart, giving the boys another view. “Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe, I know our arrangement wasn’t based on love or even friendship. This was about an alliance between our families—I get that. But I truly hoped Hunter and I would grow to love each other, just as you two do. I’m grateful for even theslightestchance to try to make amends, even if… Goddess forbid… even if he doesn’t want me in the end.”
Auggie chuckles through the earpiece. “Laying it on pretty thick, witchling.”
“She’s a natural schemer,” Jude teases. “We may have to keep her around after all this, Augs.”
Butterflies swirl through my stomach at the comment, and I take a sip of ice water to keep from blushing.
“And your parents?” Celine asks. “Have you heard from them at all? I understand they’re on some sort of… vacation?”
Where is the waiter with that wine?
I set down the water glass and close my eyes, pretending to gather my thoughts, once again milking the moment for as long as I can. When I finally look at them again, I’ve got the waterworks all cued up for the performance.
“I… I haven’t heard from them since the wedding night.” I let the tears fall freely, my eyes wide and full of regret, poor little orphan girl that I am. Then, lowering my voice, “I don’t like to speak about my father’s business, but we all know about his financial troubles. I’m pretty sure that’s why they left—and no, it’s not a vacation. Without your family’s alliance and backing, he can’t pay his debts, and it’s simply too dangerous for them to stay. It’s just so hard for me to… to even think about, because… becauseIdid that. I put them in that situation, and it’s just one more thing I’m trying to come to terms with.”
“I’m disappointed your father ran off in such a hurry,” Lennon says. “A lot of society members are. I would’ve appreciated an honest conversation, mage to mage, about how we might resolve the issues. I never rescinded the offer of the alliance, but at this point...” He shakes his head. “I’m not sure how I feel about it, even with your considerable efforts tonight.”
“I understand.” I dash away my tears and offer a serene smile. “I’m not here to ask you to pay my father’s bills. I’m here of my own accord because I reallywouldlike the chance to make amends with Hunter, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your family’s trust.”
They both nod, faces placid and accommodating, but a calculating sharpness glints in their eyes.
“Where did you say you were staying, dear?” Celine asks.
“Oh, just with a friend.” I try to flag down a different waiter since ours seems to be on perpetual break, but none of the other servers even glance our way.
“Which friend?” she presses. “I’d very much like to meet this witch. Assuming she is a witch?”
“She’s… kind of shy. Likes to lie low. Hey, have you guys seen the waiter? I was really hoping to try that bruschetta.”
“You know, I really don’t love the idea of my future daughter-in-law living in squalor with some random stranger.” Celine smiles. “I’d really prefer it if you stayed with us, Westlyn. We’re family.”
I wave at another passing server, but it’s like she’s looking straight through me.
Theyallare, I realize. It’s like we’re not even here.
