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“Forget it. I’ll go tell her the truth.” When he started after his grandmother, Stasia rushed after him.
“Roberto, don’t. I really wouldn’t mind attending the party. Those of your family who I’ve met, I like. And I’ve always loved big get-togethers.” She really missed her own grandparents and their extravagant parties. They’d always been so much fun, with singing, storytelling and dancing into the wee hours of the morning.
“You’re sure?”
She nodded. “I am.”
She hadn’t been to a party since...since Lukos was alive. A pang of guilt and a dose of pain washed over her. This would be another first for her since he’d passed.
“Now, I’d better go look over the reports for my grandfather. I have a feeling this evening’s activities will include a Q&A with him.” Roberto started to walk away.
“Good luck.”
He glanced back. “Thanks.”
Now was her time to run and do some research and reading before she had to get ready for the party, but instead she remained seated. Roberto had her so confused that she didn’t know if she was coming or going.
* * *
That evening there were no wardrobe malfunctions.
Roberto was disappointed, as the last time had led to such delicious consequences. He told himself it was for the best that they didn’t kiss again. It was better for everyone if they remained friends without benefits.
He’d have preferred an excuse to avoid a big, loud family affair. These things always made him uncomfortable.
When Stasia finished speaking with his cousin Gaia, he leaned in close. “Are you ready to call it a night?”
She turned a puzzled look in his direction. “Since we arrived that’s the second time you’ve asked me that question—what’s wrong?”
He shrugged. How was he supposed to explain how awkward he felt around his relatives?
“I have work to do.” It was the truth. He always had work to do. And there was a report he needed to review about a prospective piece of property.
“It’s more than that. You’ve been unusually quiet this evening. Do you regret bringing me?”
“No. Not at all.” He glanced around to make sure no one could overhear him. “You’re the only thing that’s made this evening bearable.”
“What?” Her gaze filled with confusion. “But this is your family. And they’re all happy you’re here.”
“But I don’t fit in.”
“That’s so sad.” Sympathy reflected in her eyes.
That was the last thing he wanted. He shouldn’t have said anything. “Forget I said that.”
“I can’t. Talk to me.”
He never told anyone as much as he’d told Stasia. There was something about her that made confiding in her so easy. And she wanted to hear what he had to say, unlike some of the women he’d dated who only cared about listening to themselves talk.
Stasia continued to stare at him expectantly.
He cleared his throat. “You probably noticed that my parents aren’t here.” When she nodded, he continued. “They dumped me on my grandparents when I was young. I used to wonder what was wrong with me that they didn’t want me. I was the only one in my large extended family who didn’t have an active mother and father. I always felt different, estranged from everyone else. So I spent my youth studying and reading. And when I got older, it was easier to always be working instead of attending family functions.”
“I’m sorry.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. Her touch was warm and gentle. It sent a wave of awareness through him.
“Don’t be.” He shook his head. “I’m used to it after all these years.” But it was the reason he held back a part of himself in every relationship.
“Your parents, they’re still alive?”
He nodded. “They rarely show up for these sorts of events.”
“Gaia is really happy you’re here. So are your grandparents.” She nudged him. “Maybe you could smile and act like you’re having a good time.”
Guilt assailed him. He avoided a lot of the family functions. Maybe in the future he would make more of an effort to attend the gatherings. After all, his grandparents weren’t getting any younger, and to his surprise, his grandfather was mellowing a bit.
