“I appreciate that,” Amanda says as we make our way over to the tables where my family is set up. “But Kate is to blame as of recently. Talk about a bridezilla.”
“There’s no way your micromanaging sister’s short leash on you is specific only to her wedding. If I had to guess, she treats you like this all the time.”
Amanda sighs. “I mean…you’re not wrong.”
I don’t say any more. She already knows how I feel about her relationship with her sister, which is not great. The woman is a spoiled, manipulative princess. But I do understand with siblings sometimes you have to play the game. Do the dance. And speaking of the dance–
“Look who decided to show up,” Avery’s voice rises over the table before we even make our way up the steps. Our party is situated on a patio away from everyone else.
Amanda gives my hand a small, undetectable squeeze and she plasters on a gorgeous, easy smile. My face is less good at lying, at least in Avery’s presence. Maybe it’s because he knows me. Maybe it’s because I’m tired of being fake. Either way, he knows the comment got under my skin, as he intended it. And unfortunately, it’s the beginning of a passive aggressive tennis match that we will be playing all afternoon.
“Zoe, your dress is stunning,” Amanda says as we take a seat. Luckily, we are next to each other this time with Avery and Zoe across from us, an empty seat next to Amanda for her friend Iris, Noah and Cass sitting across from each other on the other side of Zoe and a woman I haven’t met across from Cass. Then, of course, heading the table is our father who is slowly nursing a drink with a bowl of fresh fruit in front of him.
“Oh thanks, it’s from last year but I figured who cares? I doubt I’ll see anyone I know at a quaint country club anyway,” Zoe lets out a fluttery laugh and I look at Avery who very much makes a point of not meeting my eyes.
Probably because he knows his date has the emotional intelligence of a short-circuiting hallway lamp.
“Well, I think it’s gorgeous,” Amanda chimes and I could kiss her right now. Actually–
As we sit down I lace my arm around her, giving her a peck on the lips before leaning back and grabbing my drink with the other hand. I can feel Avery’s eyes on me. I smirk.
“Amanda, darling, you look stunning as well,” my father says. “So glad you could make it.”
“Thank you for inviting me. This is all so lovely.”
Her tone is sugary enough to ice the rim of a strawberry margarita glass. And people are eating it up.
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” a fluttery English accent comes from behind us as an understated blonde appears in a peach-colored dress.
“So many new faces,” my dad says, reaching for his drink. My forced smile loosens a little as I watch him. He is having trouble gripping the glass and I make mental note to find out just what is going on with his health. The man is stubborn as fuck (surprise, surprise) and if I had to guess, he’s not telling us half of it.
“I’m sorry,” Amanda apologizes. “This is my friend Iris. Callum said it was okay if I invited her.”
“Of course,” he nods, taking a shaky sip then setting his glass down. I shoot a look in Avery’s direction, wondering if he notices what I am seeing but he makes no expression. “And Noah, who is your guest?”
“Actually,” Cass says, smiling at the new girl. She’s tall and blonde but it’s a natural blonde. Her arms are painted in fine line tattoos, and she has a very down-to-earth vibe. “This is Corinn. She’s with me.”
Corinn smiles and I wave to the waitress. If there is anything I hate more than business talk at the dinner table, it’s smalltalk. Next we will be talking about the Panthers game and the humidity.
“Well, I think all the fresh blood is great,” Hiram goes on. “Gives me confidence that I am handing my company down to good people. Am I right, son?”
Both Avery and I look at our father, but he is looking at me.
“Of course,” I agree. “Cheers to that.”
I raise my glass and everyone else follows suit. Then, we drink.
The food arrives buffet style. My father always orders food this way, like a potluck of the menus best dishes all splayed out family style. I don’t know if it’s because he likes the concept of a traditional family dinner or if he just wants to try a little of everything. Either way, everyone, Noah and Cass included, is content with the spread of chilled shellfish, sweet chili calamari, ahi poke, truffle crab cakes, and wagyu. Considering this meal will run Hardin no less than $1000, I would hope everyone enjoyed it. And that’s before the drink tab.
After we all have a little food in our stomachs, topped with more alcohol for the nerves, the table is happy and buzzy. My father leans back with a full-belly sigh, another drink in hand and a glossy look in his eyes.
“Let’s talk Nashville.”
I inwardly groan but he goes on.
“I did a little listening and this girl is good. I fully agree that we should combine with Davies. I don’t like getting too cozy with other companies, but I could see this double-headliner being a real money maker.”
“That’s what matters,” Avery nods, taking a sip and sucking the air between his teeth.
