“More,” Callum cries, and everyone’s eyes are on me as I play with my tiny nephew.
“What have I missed?”
It’s Kat’s voice that draws everyone’s attention this time.
“Kat,” Pen says, manoeuvring around friends and furniture to reach her, pulling her in for a hug.
“I’ve missed you too. How are you doing?” Kat says, her eyes filled with concern.
I watch Pen’s throat bob as she looks at Kat. I know Pen has been torn about telling her about us, but it’s not something she wanted to divulge while my sister was overseas.
My mind wonders back to Mum’s comment about Kat castrating me.
“I’m doing okay,” Pen says. “I’ve lots to tell you.”
Kat inclines her head, her eyes flicking to me, her expression questioning. A glint of understanding passes through her eyes. She’s always been incredibly perceptive. It seems to run in the family.
“We clearly have a lot of catching up to do,” she says, linking her arm through Pen’s and leading her back into the room.
“Well, you can do that over dinner,” Franny says, entering behind them and taking in her family gathered together.
“Where’s Harper?” Caleb asks.
“I’m here,” she says, stepping into the room behind Kat.
The room falls silent.
“Wow, Harps, you look amazing,” Pen says, breaking the silence and earning herself a grin.
“I thought I’d go for a change,” she says, giving us all a twirl.
The transformation is stark.
Her usual brightly coloured hair has been replaced by subtle highlights. Instead of harsh lines and garish colours, her makeup is now natural and elegant. Even her clothes, have been toned down, although they still hold an air of Harper. You can’t remove the entire persona.
“Wow, little sis,” Caleb says, stepping forward and pulling her in for a hug. “This is what uni does to you?”
“I wanted to fit in. Old Harper stood out a little too much for my liking. This was easier. No one is accusing me of using my family money or name to get ahead.”
She turns to Pen. “Using Mum’s surname was genius.”
She pats her arm. “I’m glad.”
Harper looks up, her eyes locking with mine. “Hey, big bro. What do you think?”
“You look good, little sis,” I say, earning myself a grin and a small curtsy.
I’ve probably been the hardest on Harper about her looks and rebellion. But having been there and watched Pen try to navigate that world, although successfully, I haven’t wanted that for my baby sis. Not when I know it has stemmed from the pain of losing our father.
“Perfect, everyone is happy,” Mum says, clapping her hands. “Now it’s time to eat.”
Dinner is a typical Frazer affair. Siblings talking over one another, catching up. Kat is quiet. She looks tired. But then it’s always the same. She spends two months travelling to the different hotels, showing her face, speaking to the workforce. Offering the personal management touch. It’s the same thing our father and grandfather did. It’s why each hotel has a family suite, also why staff retention is at a record high.
Since Pen returned, I know they’ve spoken briefly on the telephone, but nothing in-depth, although I can sense my sister’s questions bubbling beneath the surface. The glances she’s shooting my way adding to it. With April away on her honeymoon, Leah also called Pen on separate occasions to check in and make sure she was okay. Watching Pen with my sisters and sisters-in-law, it’s clear how much these women love her.
Mum has seated Pen between Kat and Leah, away from me. I think it’s more her respecting Pen’s wishes than mine.
At the end of the meal, Caleb stands up. “Mum, I know everyone here would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays.”
