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“We should.” His mouth moves to my jaw, then to my throat as he slips the strap of my dress over the curve of my shoulder.
“Someone could walk in.” I tilt my head back to give him access to more of my skin, of me.
“Mmmhmm.”
“Hey, guys, you in here?”
We both groan at the sound of Jo’s voice from outside and he presses his forehead to my shoulder.
“Rain check?” I tug his face up to mine by the sides of his beard. “Tonight.”
“Okay.” Big hands on my ass, he presses between my legs once more, another groan low in his throat. “It’s gonna be a long dinner.”
“Oh, oh shit, I can come back.”
I glance over his shoulder to where Jo’s already jerked around in the doorway. “No, Jo, you’re fine, we were just…” I nudge Mylo back so I can hop down off the fridge. “This is not over,” I whisper to him, as he turns, adjusting the impressive bulge in his pants. “We were just finishing setting up.”
We spend the next hour turning the roof terrace into a magical little star-lit oasis. We’ve pushed together the tables to make one long banquet. White tablecloths, candles, and flowers in glass bottles. The wine is in the cooler of the bar on the roof terrace. I’m on my way back up with a tray of wine glasses when my parents push through the gates.
I stop on the top step of the entrance, nerves fluttering in my belly. The missed calls and curt messaging we’ve shared this last month, almost enough to sink my good mood. I’ve been a brat. I’ve done nothing but reinforce her opinion that I wasn’t ready. Mylo stops by my side when he sees them.
“I’ll finish up.” He kisses my cheek, then slips the tray from my hands.
I smile, nod, wipe my hands down my thighs as he takes the two steps from the porch. I’m nervous about speaking to my parents. This is not normal.
“Ricci, Cael.” Mylo lifts his chin at my parents as they walk up the mosaic path. “Good to see you guys.”
My dad lifts his hand in a wave, then returns his attention to me. “Kiddo, this place looks amazing.” He holds his hands out as he nears me. “I knew you had it in you.”
He’s put on a shirt, a pale blue that matches his navy pants and it just makes me regret the distance I put between us even more. He never wears a shirt, and he neverneverwears real pants.
I take the first step, then the next, until I’m engulfed in his arms. “Thanks, Dad.” He smells like soap and something woodsy, he smells like home, and it calms me instantly.
“Makenzie,” my mum starts softly when my dad releases me from his hug.
“I’ll go…” My dad turns and squeezes my mom’s shoulder, then points in the direction of the stairs. “...help Mylo out up there.”
My mom watches him jog up the stairs before she turns back to me brushing her hands down her white linen pants. “Kenzi, I’m so sorr—”
“Mom, no.” I grab her hands. “I’msorry. I haven’t been fair to you. You were just doing what you thought was right. I can see that now.”
“But look what you’ve done with this place?” She turns around, tucking one side of her sleek blonde bob behind her ears. “I should have believed you when you said you were serious. I could have made it easier for you. I should have—”
“The easy way isn’t always the best way. I’m glad you didn’t give me the money.” I’m not sure I realized it until now. But Iamglad she didn’t give me access to my trust. I’m glad I did something without their help for once. Something I can be proud of. Something that’s mine.
She stills, her eyes bright, her smile even brighter. “I’m so proud of you, baby. Your gran would be too. This place is magnificent. I should have known you—”
“Stop.” I wave my hand in front of my eyes. “You’re gonna make me cry. I’m sorry for the way I’ve behaved.”
“No apology needed.” She pulls me into a hug only a mom can give. “I’m just glad you’ve let us be a part of tonight.”
“Is this a two-woman hug or can anyone join in?”
“Rae, of course you can join,” my mom laughs as we pull apart, wiping under her eyes. “Can you believe how good this place looks?”
“I can.” Her hair loose around her shoulders, a floaty white mini dress and her biker boots, she practically skips down the path to give my mom a hug. “Ricci, it’s been far too long. Zi, where do you need me? I’ve been watching some epic napkin folding tutorials.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me when my mom releases her. “I can do swans. Or boats. I can even do goats. Just point me in the right direction.”
“Thank you, I’ll take you up on that next time, I think we’re all set up.” I laugh and squeeze her fingers when she takes my hand. “I’m just about to give mom a tour, come check out my new bar tops.”
