Page 90 of Have To Be Mine

“Sebastian sent over the pics you sent him,” Adrian said. “He was impressed you took his vision and enhanced it.”

“Thanks. It’s going to be spectacular tomorrow.”

“I have no doubt.” He squeezed my shoulder once, then let go. “Proud of you, man.”

I wasn’t sure I had ever heard him say those words. My dad never had. Although Krista had told me that, back before things between us fell apart.

Briggs raised his glass in my direction. “To Dash. Who apparently can get his shit together when properly motivated.”

“Fuck you,” I said, but I was grinning.

“Baby ears!” Mom snapped, covering her hand over Bucky’s ears.

Mandy laughed. “He’s been dying to say that since we got on the plane.”

“I’m sure,” I said. “I know you’re all here to see me crash and burn.”

“That’s not true at all,” Mom said.

Adrian and Briggs didn’t say anything.

“It’s fine,” I said. “You’re going to be disappointed.”

Callum stepped forward. “Dash,” he said, extending his hand. “Good to see you.”

I shook his hand, squeezing maybe a little harder than necessary. “Callum. Welcome to Santorini.”

“Thanks for having me. I’m excited to see how you guys do these shows. Now that I’m working with the wedding team, I figure it’s important to get a feel how you do things. Learn from the best, you know?”

There it was. That underlying implication that I was here to teach him. That this was some kind of training exercise for his benefit. But I couldn’t help but wonder if it was about him stepping up and taking over for me.

I smiled. “Happy to show you how it’s done.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the edge in my tone. Good. I wanted him to know this wasn’t his show. It was mine.

“Where’s your logistics person?” Mom asked, looking around. “Krista, right? I wanted to thank her for all the hard work.”

I sighed. “I’m the logistics person, Mom. But if you’re referring to Krista, I imagine she’s working, probably. She doesn’t stop.”

“You should invite her to dinner,” Elizabeth said. “We’re all going out. It’ll be fun.”

“I’ll ask, but she might prefer to keep working.” I pulled out my phone. “Let me check in with her.”

I texted her but didn’t send it. No way. I wasn’t going to sit there and have my babysitter give my family a play-by-play rundown of the mistakes I had made.

“She can’t,” I said. “Another time, maybe. Shall we go?”

I had reserved a table for all of us at a nice restaurant

They all insisted we go out to see the set before dinner. And yes, I was thrilled to show them. I wanted them to see I had actually been doing real work here. And that I could do this without a babysitter.

Adrian had walked the entire length of the runway twice, examining every detail. Briggs had taken photos to send to Sebastian. Elizabeth had practically squealed when she saw the lighting setup. Even Callum had looked impressed.

Everyone seemed pleased as we headed to the restaurant.

Once we were seated, I sat at the head of the table, watching my family laugh and talk over plates of grilled octopus and lamb. The restaurant was perched on the cliff’s edge, overlooking the caldera. I’d be thrilled to celebrate with my family if I wasn’t so fucking miserable.

“This is divine,” Mom said, cutting into her fish. “Dash, you always find the best places.”