She smiles. “Yeah. That’s how I knew it was him. He hated that movie, too, or, well, anything with gore. I’m glad he got something out of it.”
“I think it would mean a lot for him to know you like his work.”
“What’s the point? It’s not like he’ll suddenly change his mind and get his old job back. Both he and my father are stuck on this idea of Liam running the company. And I . . . well, I’ll be right here with him.” A sadness creeps across her face. “You could talk to him, explain—”
I hold up a hand to cut her off and stop her from spilling whatever secrets that have been eating at her. “You should have that conversation with him. It will mean more if you do. If you’ve readSpitfire, you know who I am to him, right?”
“Yeah, that your relationship is fake, or whatever. It wasn’t the magazine, though. Pen can’t keep a secret for shit.” She releases a throaty laugh and rolls her eyes. “But I have a feeling whatever’s there between you two is special.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. It’s only until tomorrow.”
“Then let’s make sure tonight is the best it can be. Come finish my hair so you can get ready. I can’t wait to see what stupid face he makes when you walk down the stairs.”
I giggle at the thought, but when I do make it downstairs, there he is, looking at me like I put the stars in the sky. My heart skips a beat and it takes everything in me to not rush down the final steps, since that would almost certainly lead me to tripping and shattering the illusion of my graceful descent.
Bundled in coats, we all pile into June’s SUV and head to the party since there’s no way in hell we’re trekking there in heels.
“Liam can you please DD? June needs to enjoy this tonight. I’m going to make sure she drinks enough that she takes her shoes off and gets on the dance floor,” Pen hisses in a whisper when we exit the car.
“Yeah, of course. Make sure she relaxes a bit,” he says, kissing his little sister on the cheek.
I’ve spent holidays with different families each year, and never before have I wished so much to spend more time with any of them. It takes a massive effort to not let my mind slip into imagining what it would be like to return year after year, allowing memories to build upon themselves until I know Dulcet Point like a second home.
“All good?” Liam asks, and my face must betray the ache in my chest.
I nod. “I’m just very lucky to be here with you.”
He offers me a hand and I take it as we head inside. “Speaking of dancing, you owe me one tonight.”
“You dance?”
“I have two younger sisters who both freaked out about not knowing how to dance before homecoming. June was the worst; she’s such a perfectionist. I really hope that when I start she’ll be able to take a real break.” His gaze follows her.
Beyond the four of us, the only people in the ballroom are staff members making final adjustments. The decor is truly breathtaking. The dark wood of the lodge gives a homey feel to the formal affair. Matching with the deep hues of the red and green, the theme is distinctly classic. The massive tree in the corner is adorned with bows and is dripping in pearls that match the luxurious poinsettia table displays.
Guests arrive a short while later, the winners of each event, marked with medals hanging around their necks, garnering congratulations from all who pass. Once the room is packed, June is handed a microphone and thanks everyone for theircontributions, highlighting the accomplishments of the young athletes who have been given life-changing resources due to this program before saying she looks forward to what they will achieve in the coming year and reminding the crowd it wouldn’t be possible without them.
Champagne flows like water and cheer burns bright. Liam never leaves my side, hand resting firmly on my hip as we wander through the masses. We land in a circle with his parents, and a few other silver-haired men who I vaguely recognize, as well as Kurt, Laura, and their families. It reminds me of how the holidays used to be with Mom and Dad. I do my best not to tense and run out of the room. I belong here, just like they do.
“Liam brought home his girlfriend this year,” Ally says. “This is Henri.”
“Hello.” I give a nod as a few members of our circle introduce themselves.
“Oh, Henrietta dear,” Martha, Kurt’s mother, bursts from the ring to give me a tight embrace, my nose flooding with the spiced vanilla perfume she must have bathed in. “It’s been too long.” She looks back at the group. “You know I always thought I’d be the one introducing her. I always thought her and Kurt would end up together.”
“Is that so?” Peter asks with a cocked brow.
“Yes. They all grew up together—were so close. Henri was actually supposed to join us all on our first trip here, but there were a few complications,” Martha tells them.
The muscles in my body start to seize and my gaze darts to an exit.
“She’s the one who convinced Liam to hop into the slalom at the last minute. She’s an absolute force to be reckoned with,” Ally says, something bright flickering through her eyes, giving me a look at the fierce athlete she once was.
“So, you’re to thank for me losing?” Kurt says, brows raising as a sly grin peals across his mouth. “Isn’t it ironic?”
“Why would that be ironic?” Peter asks, even as a few members of the group smile, catching on.
“Because her father is the reason that this place almost went under a few years back, and now she’s here, helping raise money for charity?” Kurt’s tone is all innocent curiosity.
