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Blue weaves her fingers through mine. The room is heavy with impending news. I look at the somber faces of my brothers and stepsisters and I can see we’re all expecting something we don’t want to hear.
“We feel that life is short and we haven’t been spending enough time together as a family. Now I know you all have busy lives, but Bianca and I would like to host a monthly lunch. You all are invited.” Micah’s words are met with a silence that stretches.
My mom clears her throat. “Not invited. You’re expected. And someone needs to deliver the message to Baldo and Brooklyn.”
We all stare at them. They are ordering us to have a family lunch?
“As someone who’s missed out on years with my family,” I say and pull Blue closer to me, “I think it’s a fabulous idea.”
“We got portable heaters for the deck, so today is a barbecue.” My mom helps Micah stand up and they walk out of the room.
Paris slouches deeper into the sofa and London stares at the door where they left.
“I didn’t expect that. Do you think Mom is okay?” Gio asks, his phone nowhere in sight.
“Yes, dickhead, she is fabulous. Something is wrong, but they are not telling us.” Andrea shakes his head.
“Let’s play happy families then.” Sydney walks to the small bar in the room’s corner.
“I’ll have whiskey.” Andrea ambles over and leans against the counter.
“Me too,” Gio and Paris say at the same time.
“I’m not a bartender.” Sydney rolls her eyes, but sets out four tumblers and pours from a bottle.
“Let’s join them.” I take Blue’s hand and gesture to Seb to join us.
Eventually we all forget about the awkward invitation and the afternoon turns into a fun affair. Even London, who is usually pissed at the world, laughs a few times.
As Mom serves us dessert, my phone rings. I decline the call.
“Who was it?” Blue asks.
I’ve been trying to draw a line between work and family. Mostly failing, but I’m sure Phillip can handle whatever is happening.
Before I answer her, a message arrives.CALL ME.All caps. What the hell?
“I’m sorry. It’s Phillip. It seems important.” I leave to take the call.
Standing on the gravel path leading to the garden, I study the large oak tree in front of me as I listen to Phillip. I hang up and continue staring, unable to move.
“Is everything okay?” Blue comes from behind and touches my shoulder.
I whip around and seize her mouth. She loses balance for a second, surprised, but then she recovers and smiles against my lips. “Something good happened?”
“Michelin called.”
“You got the star?” Her eyes wide, sparkling with excitement.
I shake my head. “No, Blue, I fucking got two.”
* * *
Sydney
“Do you think one of them is dying?” I ask Massi as I take a plate from him and put it into the dishwasher.
We’re alone in the kitchen, having been tasked with the clean-up. There really is no advantage in being the oldest in this family.
