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My older brother, Will, was a lawyer and investor. He poured money into struggling small businesses with potential and turned them into thriving ones. My younger brother, Duke, was in his last year of medical school.
My parents saw me, and their eyes widened. My mom’s face lit up and tears sprang to her eyes. I resisted the urge to roll mine. My dad’s face was a mask of arrogance, but I could see the disappointment behind it. Kat’s fingers dug into my arm, and I winced.
“Stephen. Elizabeth,” Gwen called. She waved her hand in the air. I wasn’t surprised that my mom and dad went by their full names here. Steve and Beth didn’t sound as important.
“What the hell are you doing?” Kat whisper-yelled.
“We’ll talk about it later. Just keep up the act,” I whispered back.
Gwen gave my mom air kisses and then hugged my dad, placing a peck on his cheek. “Elizabeth, that dress looks exceptional on you. Tell me where you got it.”
Kat rolled her eyes and reached for a champagne flute from a passing tray. I quickly turned and snagged one for myself before the waiter passed. We took heady sips before turning to face the firing squad.
“Son,” my dad said, sticking his hand out. I reached out and shook it. His grip tightened on mine before he let go.
“Sidney,” my mom said. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She grabbed my face in her hands and looked into my eyes. Tears swam in hers, and a pang of guilt hit me.
“This must be the woman you were telling me about,” my mom said, looking at Kat.
“Mom, I’d like you to meet Kat.”
“You’ve never met his fiancée? I’m glad we weren’t the only ones finding out they’re getting married,” Gwen said, rolling her eyes. She lifted her flute to her mouth and took a sip with her nose stuck in the air.
“What? You’reengaged?” my mom shrieked. “I thought you said it was new.” A tear rolled down her face. My dad looked bored and, if possible, even more disappointed with me.
“I’m sorry I made you think that. It all happened so fast.”
“Is she pregnant?” Gwen asked in disgust. Her eyes flew to Kat’s stomach.
A shocked squeak escaped Kat’s lips, and I hugged her closer. My dad scoffed and walked away.
“No,” I snapped.
“Where is the ring?” my mom asked. It didn’t surprise me that she’d looked for that right away.
“The ring is at home. We weren’t planning on spilling the surprise here.”
“Home? Are you two living together?” Gwen asked.
Kat looked like she was about to faint. I quickly helped her into a chair at the table behind us.
“Gwen, can you get Kat some water, and Mom, can you see if you can find something for her to eat? It’s been a few hours since she’s had anything.”
“That’s not good for the baby,” my mom muttered as she followed Gwen.
“What the hell, Sid?” Kat hissed out.
“I’m sorry. I panicked. Your mom is like a vulture picking off our flesh before we’re even dead.”
Kat chuckled and grabbed a napkin off the table. She dumped out the silverware and started blotting her chest. “This is a disaster. How are we going to pull this off?”
“I don’t know,” I said, running my hands through my thick hair. “I haven’t figured that out yet.”
“Well, now would be a really good time,” Kat said between her teeth.
I looked up and saw a furious-looking Rebecca stomping toward us. You’d think she would have been a little happier for us.
“You’re engaged? I only just found out the two of you were dating,” Rebecca said, putting her hands on her hips.
