CHAPTER458
When did this happen?
“Again lame. I can understand someone like Rylanne hooking up with a Natasha, I mean he is all for a 1950”s housewife who wants to stay home barefoot and pregnant, that’s why he is dating Brie, but never a Carrero. Definitely not Arrick!” Leila’s stuffing her face with more bread and throws me an odd look that gets a flat response. I won’t be goaded into a reaction that betrays anything. My friends have fallen silent and eating to deflect attention and my face is flaming. Hoping they all drop this topic soon. As interested as I am to hear they don’t all adore her, I am not relishing his name being passed around or his relationship analyzed when all I want to do is forget him.
“Arrick clearly likes her, so I guess it’s none of our business!” I point out steadily. I catch Daniel frowning at me for a moment before he clears his throat and looks away, it’s an odd moment but I let it slide. Not sure what to make of it.
“True. Everyone gets to make their own choices in life. Even if they are the wrong ones.” Daniel cuts in, sighing heavily and sitting back casually. He rubs his flat stomach and stretches, seemingly bored with how this conversation is going and finished with his starter. He has always been completely comfortable at my family table. Leila throws him a sarcastic look, reminding him of all his wrong choices in their past and he just hits her with an award-winning smile and swoops in to kiss her on the mouth. A quick chaste peck that makes her soften visually.
Still weak for him then. Kinda cute, yet also gross.
“Talking of which, where are the rest of them? Surely everyone is coming to the party tomorrow?” I look at my mom and then Leila, wondering why my brothers get to escape this unbearable dinner tonight. Family tradition dictates we all have to be here on the eve of Leila’s smash-up and I could have used the numbers to avoid this strained topic.
“They are all arriving at different points throughout the day tomorrow. Life Sophs, kids, jobs … everyone will be here for the party.” My dad frowns, motioning for the housekeeper to start removing plates for the next course. I watch Leila almost wrestle the bread plate from her angrily.
“Except the kids … I told you, Mom. No kids this year. I plan to get completely bladdered, dance up a storm and have a kid-free night and no children will be ruining our buzz.” Leila growls at the housekeeper who puts the bread plate back on the table like a feral beast protecting her babies.
“My sweet maternal little wife.” Daniel rolls his eyes, but my mom smiles patiently, used to the diva in her and her not so maternal demands.
“Yes, Leila, we all know. I made sure to inform all guests that this is a child-free affair. We have a kid’s get together for everyone on Sunday afternoon.” My mom tries to smooth her ruffled feathers with a warm tone and gentle smile.
“Should have made that Monday, Mom. Hangovers can be an all-day thing when you’re an alcoholic like Leelou.” I smirk her way and catch the evil glare.
“Shut up or I’ll impale you with my breadknife.” She sounds deadly serious and holds up a rather long and sharp implement that she has swiped from the bread plate in the center. Daniel leans in smoothly and removes it from her fingers, handing it off to the passing housekeeper with a grateful smile. Leila glares at him coldly.
“I agree though. Hangovers and family fun days do not mix. Leila is like a beast the day after a party.” Daniel concedes, giving my sister an eyebrow wiggle that breaks that icy look to a softer almost grudged smile and my mom sighs heavily.
“Sunday is the only day they will all be staying until. People have lives for goodness” sake, and I want to see all my babies and grandbabies in one place before you all leave again.” She seems close to tears, deflated at her ruined plans.
“I don’t have kids and I will be on a flight home Sunday afternoon, Mom.” I shrug unapologetically. I do not want to be around for that little get together with a hangover. Screaming kids and arguing family is my idea of a hangover nightmare and I could never subject Christian and Jenny to that mess.
“I don’t know why I bother sometimes, I really don’t.” My mom huffs and sighs as my dad pats her hand sympathetically. Giving her a tender smile that seems to perk her up.
“I plan on staying in bed till Monday.” Leila ruins it with that little exclamation, in diva mode, with a spoiled brat tone.
“I’ll bring the kids. Don’t worry about it, we have Christmas coming in a few months and you know that’s a week-long family get together.” Daniel is trying to be the savior once more, my poor momma gripping on with her fingertips to her dream reunion.
“Because that’s something to look forward to.” I roll my eyes sarcastically and then laugh when Leila throws her bread at me and sends my mom into scolding overdrive."
