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“And you, Jessa.”
It’s all too formal, but then again, Benedict’s family is as formal as you can get, so I’m growing accustomed to this lifestyle. God forbid anyone is affectionate or shows their human side.
“Take a seat, please,” I tell them both.
Kate sits beside Dad as he softens his expression when Bentley reaches out to him. I watch as Dad succumbs, taking Bentley in his arms with a smile on his face. Without drawing attention, I pretend to be admiring the view of the gardens but secretly watch Bentley with his grandpa. It’s obvious Noah Mason still has a heart, just not when it comes to his eldest daughter.
“The gardens look amazing, Jessa. I miss the English countryside.”
“It’s beautiful,” I say wistfully. “But so is your place in Malibu. I can’t recall when I went to the beach last, aside from my honeymoon. I miss the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline.”
Kate breaks out into laughter. “Oh, with Eric and the gold thong.”
“Don’t start. It still haunts me to this day,” I complain while cringing. “So, tell me, how long are you here for?”
“It’s a business trip, of course. Noah has meetings most of our time here, which is why this is the only time I could get him to take a break.” Kate side-eyes Dad, looking overly annoyed. “About a week.”
“And Sienna?”
“We left her in our flat in London. I’m pretty certain she’s going to text any minute because she hit her credit card limit and needs money.”
I smile, remembering the years of being a teenager. Sienna is a junior in college now, and her whole life revolves around fashion which is why she and Adriana get along so well. Back home, her wardrobe is massive but being the baby of the family, no one can say no to her.
Lucy brings out lunch and a bottle of wine to complement the meal. We talk about what’s happening back home, but for most of the conversation, Dad is quiet, playing with Bentley and avoiding me. Bentley is giggling at Dad’s sounds but becomes distracted when he notices the food. He reaches out for some fruit, so I pass him a small piece of banana.
“It sounds like it’s all baby-making in LA. I can’t believe both Millie and Ava are pregnant at the same time. Actually, I can’t believe Millie fell pregnant again. Three kids under five, she must be crazy.”
“She’s Charlie.” Kate grins. “It was hard enough being pregnant one time. I bow down to any woman who can go more than once.”
“And Ava? I mean, I never thought she was the family type and wanted more kids after Emmy.”
“Things change, and Austin is so great with Emmy.”
I nod, thinking about my cousins. Despite both Will and Austin having demanding careers, they’re both hands-on fathers, according to Kate. To be honest, I’d not expect any less from either of them—they adore their wives and are family-oriented. It makes me think about Benedict and how him being raised by hired help differs his views from mine.
With our family so big and the group chats out of control, I can barely keep up these days. Most of the time, I mute the conversations because they’re nonstop over something random like the best sushi place in LA to gossip over who’s sleeping with who. Occasionally, I’ll make an appearance, but even then, I feel like an outsider being across the world.
Kate takes a sip of her wine with a pleased expression. “How is Benedict? He’s not able to join us?”
“He’s in Milan for work, back tomorrow.”
“Benedict has been traveling a bit for work. How are you coping alone?” Kate questions, yet the second it escapes her lips, her eyebrows gather in with slight regret.
My eyes lift to Dad as he watches me with an unrelenting stare.
“I’m used to it now,” I admit, distracting myself with drinking some wine. “I take Bentley for his daily walk, and I’m getting a lot of reading done.”
My father clears his throat, but not in a good way. I wait for the judgmental comment, which will ruin our somewhat amicable lunch.
“And your writing?” he questions smugly.
“Well, I don’t write since I don’t have a job. I figured reading would be the next best thing.”
I can see the judgment in his eyes, but is an argument even worth it? My eyes shift to Bentley, and for the sake of him, I bite my tongue.
“So, aside from that, is everything else okay?” Kate quickly intervenes, which is what she does best when things get heated between Dad and me.
“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
