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Charlie arrived before anyone else and tried to meddle in my kitchen, but I quickly sent him on his way and out onto the terrace with Dad.
Cooking is therapeutic for me, but I rarely get the opportunity to entertain. I would like to think I’m good at it, considering I cooked for my brother and dad from the age of fourteen, and neither has ever complained. Or died.
I’m taking the roasted potatoes out of the oven when I hear the front door ease open at the entrance of the house. Freya’s voice, like a song, drifts through the house a moment later. I place the tray on the kitchen island and follow the sound.
“Scarlet, darling, you look beautiful. Look at you!”
I rush forward and hug her, smiling over her shoulder at Glen. “I’m covered in flour, and God knows what else. What are you seeing?”
“I know what I’m seeing, young lady.”
When Frey eventually lets go of me, Glen leans in and kisses my cheek, handing me a bottle of wine as he steps back. “I presume he’s outside.”
I nod. “With Charles. Is Elliot on his way?” I ask, looking behind them. I wondered if he’d walk over with his parents, but I’m sure, like Mason, he had work today and will hopefully be here soon.
“He’s on his way. Got caught up at the office, I believe.”
“Did you know Mason is coming tonight?” I tell Frey, pulling on her arm so that she follows me into the kitchen.
“No?” she snaps, wide eyes as her smile spreads. “Well, knock me over with a feather.”
I chuckle and start to flip the potatoes in the tray. “You’re not alone. I was sure he’d stand us up, but when I texted him the details and told him he had to be here for seven, he texted back and said he’d be here.”
“That’s wonderful, Scar. How perfect for your birthday. I’m happy for you.” She leans in, a nostalgic glee on her face as she lifts my chin so that I’m looking at her. “I’ve missed that smile these past few months. I worry, but you prove me wrong time and time again. You’re an incredible young lady. So strong. Your mother would be unbelievably proud of the woman you’re becoming.”
“Frey.” I gently twist my head to the side and out of her grasp, my eyes glazing.
“What can I do to help?” she says, knowing I will appreciate the change of direction.
I hand her the bottle Glen passed to me when he walked in and give her a soft smile as I blink away the mist in my eyes. “Open this.”
I’m running behind. Everyone’s here bar my brother—no surprise, and I’m not ready. Rushing down the stairs in my pale-blue midi dress, I contemplate for the third time if it’s a little risqué for dinner on the terrace. With not enough time to worry, I pull on my black boots one by one and hop across to the kitchen. I pick up a tray of canapés and make my way out onto the terrace.
Just as I breach the threshold to the back doors, I walk into a solid wall of muscle, and the tray goes flying.
“Fucking great shitballs!” I shriek as the canapés fall to the floor with a clatter. I look up at my brother, and my shoulders drop. “Mase! Why are you storming through the door like that? Look what you’ve done!”
His head rears back defensively. “Me? It’s not my fault; you had the damn thing in front of your face.”
I tut and shake my head, my lip twisting up at the side. “Always my fault.” I pull him in for a hug. “It’s good to see you, big brother.”
Bar the two times I’ve had to call him out in the night to help me, it’s been months since I’ve seen him. And even then, it was nothing more than him standing on the front terrace, telling me it was not fair to me and that I shouldn’t have to babysit our father through his addiction. Sometimes I feel like punching him in the face and reminding him that he could help me. He could make it easier for me.
“Hello.”
I snap out of my head and pull back, turning toward the female voice. I blink twice, finding the most beautiful brunette staring back at me. “Hello.” I shake my head, realising I’m staring. “I’m sorry, who are you?”
“This is Nina,” Mason replies with a broad smile.
“This is Nina,” I recite, still smiling as I look between them. “And Nina is…”
“My girlfriend.”
“The what the what? Girlfriend?” I laugh weirdly. “That’s a first.” Another gargled laugh awkwardly falls from my mouth, and I pray someone takes me out. Assassinate me, please. “Well, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m sorry my brother caught me off guard. He didn’t tell me you were coming.”
“It’s fine!” Nina waves me off, bending to pick up the canapés. “Do you need a hand? I can help you with these.”
I drop to my knees with her and start to scrape up the mess on the tiles.
