“Yes, Ruby,” Miles replies, slowly, because I’m hard of understanding. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“The one you were talking about to Claudia?”
He nods. I can't believe he just sold out his brother for a wedding thatPeoplemagazine will cover, just to take the heat off us.
“Genius or what?” He winks, reading my mind.
Oh my God. I’ve watched so many of her movies over the years. Whenever I got the chance to relax, I’d put one on because they always brought me comfort. If I thought coming into this house with all of Miles's family was intimidating, it’s nothing on the anxiety I feel as one of my favorite actresses walks toward me, flashing her famous signature smile.
I’m genuinely starstruck.
“Hi!” she says brightly. “Welcome to the family. I’ve been so excited to meet you. Lando too.”
Miles huffs quietly. “Where is my big brother?”
“He’s on a call with New York, running a little behind.”
I’m glad I met Holiday first, because it takes the edge off meeting Miles’s mom, who’s glamorous, austere, and reminds me of the old-school Aspen residents who complain about the place being overrun with construction.
“Mum, I’d like you to meet Ruby,” Miles says, grabbing her hand before Max drags her someplace else.
I do my best not to let my nerves show because this woman is not only Miles’s mom, but she also knows why I’m here.
Therefore, I expect disapproval, but I don’t detect a hint of it in her tone. “Welcome to Burlington, my dear. We’re all very eager to get to know you.”
“Yes, ma’am, me too. Thank you for welcoming me into your home.” I smile as graciously as I can and mentally prep myself for a grilling, but nothing comes.
Even when Lando arrives, I’m offered nothing more than a curt, “Hello.”
But the evening continues with food, drinks, laughter, and chaos. Grilling to a minimum, because every time it seems like I’m on the verge of being caught up in one, Miles steps in.
Eventually, even he relaxes and stops asking if I want to leave every five minutes. And I don’t want to leave, because as tired as I am,this—this loud, chaotic, loving family with its squabbling and fighting, love and laughter—is everything I ever wanted, and never had.
Because when my dad wasn’t working his butt off, getting up hours before the sun rose to feed the various animals before heading out to the fields, he’d be taking my brothers to Monster Truck rallies I wasn’t invited to. His disappointment that his third child was a girl is something I’ve felt deep in my bones since I was old enough to understand.
“When’s the first match?” asks Story, pulling me away from my thoughts.
“Monday—”
“But it’s small fry, some friendly matches to get the points on the board. The first big game isn’t for two weeks. Gloucester Park. You’re coming, aren’t you?” replies Miles, from his seat next to mine.
He’s barely left my side all evening, staying close enough that I can feel his warmth. Although we don’t have to pretend,because they know we’re not a couple, it hasn’t stopped Miles from reaching for my hand, or putting his arm around me, or leaning in so close his beard tickles my face.
“Lando and I are.” Holiday nods. “I’m throwing out the first ball. It’s the last fun thing I’m doing before the play begins?—”
“Play?”
Holiday nods. “I’m playing Viola in Twelfth Night at the Donmar Warehouse. We’re halfway through rehearsals, and the first night is the middle of June. You must come?—”
“And next weekend you can come and sit with us,” adds Story.
“Ruby will be with the horses. She’s part of the team,” Miles interjects firmly.
Clementine picks up her glass of wine. “Are you excited?”
I nod. “Yes, I’ve only seen high-goal on television.”
Story turns to Holiday. “What are you wearing?”
