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“That’s what I’m worried about,” I say. “I’ve never seen you guys on good behavior. I might be asking for too much.”
They protest loudly and as we laugh, my tense muscles relax. We can do this. I finish my wine and pour myself another.
“Are there different rules for you, Liv?” Chris asks and when I give him a blank look he goes on. “You said two glasses of wine.”
“For the three of you. I need this.” I take a big sip.
“I’m almost sorry for you,” Marcus says. “Then I remember you entered into this with both eyes wide open.”
“Come on, Marcus,” Charlotte says. “Lectures don’t help anyone.”
I blow Charlotte a kiss just as the doorbell rings. Jace is here. I inhale a deep breath and press the buzzer button to let him up. I grip the doorknob but before opening the door, I turn to Marcus, Charlotte, and Chris. “Remember I’m a PA, not a writer.”
They look like people who are about to face the guillotine. I stifle a giggle. “Relax, guys. It’s not that bad.”
I open the door and a second later, the ping of the elevator announces Jace’s arrival. He steps out wearing a full suit, one that he hasn’t worn before at work. As he gets closer, more details emerge. It’s made from the finest material and it’s obviously handcrafted to fit his body perfectly.
I must be staring because Jace says, “Is this okay? I wanted to look good for dinner with your family.” He runs a hand over the jacket.
“You look perfect.” I’m touched that he’s gone to a lot of trouble for this. Unnecessary of course. Plus, it’s not the right attire for a rock concert. He probably forgot about that. “Will you go to the concert like that?” I ask him.
“Yes. Looking forward to it actually. First time.” He grins and my heart skips a beat.
A giggle bursts out of me and I clamp a hand on my mouth. “It’s too formal. Maybe ditch the jacket and remove the tie.”
He smiles. “Open a few top buttons?”
“Yeah.” I take a step forward and slip my hands around his waist. I might not say it aloud, but I love this man so damn much. I hold him tight, my heart feeling as if it’s about to burst.
“What’s that for?” Jace asks when I draw back.
“No reason,” I tell him. “Come in, everyone is looking forward to meeting you.”
“I’m excited too,” Jace says and follows me in.
My trio is still rooted in the same spot. It’s really nerve-wracking for everyone and as Jace and I move to where they are I question my sanity. I should have listened to Marcus. This was not a good idea. The tension is so thick; you can cut it with a knife.
“Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Jace Anderson.” I sound weird. It feels wrong to introduce Jace as my boyfriend. I don’t deserve that honor. Not when I’ve been lying to him all this time. By omission, a voice in my head reminds me. I haven’t lied about who I am. I’ve never been as open with a man I was dating as I have been with Jace.
Marcus steps forward to shake Jace’s hand. The two men size each other up. Jace’s face is open, friendly, and curious while Marcus’s is closed and wary. Guilt squeezes my chest. Jace will wonder why he can’t get through to my brother. Marcus does know how to close himself off.
Charlotte’s performance is a lot better. She smiles a lot but she doesn’t say much. Chris is muted as well and it dawns on me that I might have overdone the no talking too much rule. Chris pours Jace a glass of wine while I busy myself setting the dishes on the table.
“Dinner is ready,” I announce and we all take our seats at the dining table.
“Everything looks delicious,” Jace says when I open the lids.
“Thank you. I hope it tastes as good as it looks.” I sit back down and wait for everyone to serve themselves before I do. Then finally, we all have food.
“So, Olivia tells me that you and your wife are in PR and events management?” Jace says to Marcus.
“Yes.”
We all wait for Marcus to add something but he doesn’t. That’s all of his answer. Yes. I want to kick him under the table but he’s too far from me and I might kick Jace, then I’ll have to explain what I’m doing.
“We’ve been doing it for the last five years,” Charlotte says helpfully, except it doesn’t come out that way. It comes out weird because she doesn’t say anything else.
Dinner is a disaster. I didn’t think by telling them not to talk too much they would go mute. Jace makes one last effort when I’m clearing up and he and Marcus are seated on the couch, and Charlotte and Chris are on the chairs opposite, nursing glasses of wine.
