Thejourney from the airport to the Travazzas’ home was sensory overload. Between being completely flustered and overwhelmed in the presence of Jed’s family and attempting to take in the scenery as it flashed by the windows, I reverted to remaining as quiet as possible and just observing. Only Jed seemed to notice my quietness. Constance had taken on the role of tour guide, continuously pointing out certain sights I shouldn’t miss.
Having lived in Denver for so long, the greenness of Seattle was enchanting. It brought back memories of growing up in the Ozarks, and along with it a momentary reflective melancholy.
“We’re only a few minutes from the Travazza Manor, but before we get there—”
“Constance!” Mr. Travazza admonished. “How many times do I have to tell you not to call it Travazza Manor. It is just our home!”
“Oh pooh. You are positively no fun! Fine, we are almost to ourhome”—she leaned over and whispered to me, loud enough to be heard by all the rest in the limo—“Travazza Manor.” She gave me a wink and leaned back into the cushion.
“As I was saying before Mr. Wet Blanket over here tried to spoil the party, let me tell you about our neighborhood before we arrive. We live in Madison Park.” She made a sweeping gesture with her hands. “I adore it. It truly is the best of both worlds. We get to live the city life of Seattle, but Madison Park makes you feel like you are in a quaint little village. Everyone knows everything about everyone else. And what we don’t know, we makeup.” She let out a girlish giggle. I couldn’t help picturing her in the same room with my mother. The thought made me shudder.
She pretended to be unaware of her husband covering his face and shaking his head as she continued her presentation. “Oh, you and Jed must come back this spring or summer and try some of the bistros and cafés. They’re simply darling. You can eat out on the sidewalk. Of course, it is too chilly at the moment, but you can still take in some of the shops. You could get something elegant for your mother for a Christmas gift.”
I felt myself stiffen unintentionally. Jed tightened his grip on my thigh.
Constance held her fingers to her lips. “Oh, I’m sorry, dear. Jedediah did tell me that you and your mother don’t communicate on a regular basis.” She patted my hand and refocused her gaze out the window yet again. “Here we are. As you can see, we have a marvelous view of the beach. When you boys come back, you simply must go for a dip. It’s quite exhilarating. Right now, though, the water would be a little bit more than exhilarating, of course.”
As Constance continued explaining every detail, I let my attention focus on the surroundings and pushed all thoughts of my mother and ourcommunicationout of my mind.
Quaint was hardly the word I would have chosen to describe the neighborhood. True, it was charming and elegant, but it all seemed to be overtly decadent. I couldn’t imagine how much each house would cost. I doubted anyone like me would ever reside here. Once again, I glanced over at Jed and wondered what he saw in me. How could he ever expect me to step into this world? This tripwould surely prove to him that I was not the kind of person who would fit into his family. Even if I could learn to adjust and fit in, there was no possibility our families could ever be in the same place for more than a few minutes without some type of catastrophe occurring. Of course, our families would never meet if I had any say in the matter.
My thoughts were abruptly cut off as we rounded the corner. I decided Mrs. Travazza had adequately named their home. The Travazza Manor was nothing short of splendid. The house seemed to be a mixture of Gothic and Normandy styling. Its stucco and stone walls, narrow arched windows, and dark red roofing shingles gave it a castle-like appearance. True, it wasn’t big enough to be a full-fledged castle with dragons and trolls lingering in the dungeons, but maybe a summer castle where the royal family could visit for a holiday.
As soon as we pulled into the driveway, all the neighboring homes were blocked out of sight, creating the sensation of entering a secluded empire. Maple and alder trees lined the drive so thickly there was no chance of seeing through them. Even though the leaves had fallen, the English ivy twisted and doubled back on itself so often that it was impossible to tell where it began and ended between the individual trees. As we arrived at the house, the maple and alder trees gave way to thick masses of Douglas firs, red cedars, and western hemlock—apparently, this summer castle came equipped with its own forest.
Beyond the trees, I could make out the ocean, gray and foreboding. The greenery and style of it all seemed to promise only fairies, unicorns, and happyendings, but the sea seemed to call out that this fairy tale guaranteed no such thing.
I tried to shake off my unease as we walked through the main entrance, but it seemed too great a task. I was sure my therapist would have told me I was just letting my ungrounded paranoia master me again. I’d quit seeing him over a year ago, so what did it matter what he would have had to say?
The inside of the manor was no less impressive than its exterior. Every inch, even those sparsely furnished, was lavish, no detail overlooked. Crown moldings touched every place where the walls came into contact with the ceiling. Stone carved with arrangements of flowers, birds, or cherubs garnished every doorframe and above each window. The floors were intermingled ancient hardwood and dark cobblestone. The tapestries (tapestries? I didn’t even know people outside the Renaissance actually had tapestries) and draperies were dark and heavily woven.
I was impressed with Constance’s decorating ability. Even though much of the décor had a masculine feel, I was sure she had overseen the interior; her presence was palpable in every aspect. Taken on an individual basis, each detail seemed to be cold, dark, and oppressive. Somehow, the combination of the richness of design, depth of color, and personal touches made the house, while not the cottage of the three bears, warm and inviting.
To my shock, Constance directed me to put my luggage in Jed’s room. From Jed’s widening eyes, it seemed it was a surprising notion to him as well. “I’ll let you boys get cleaned up and relax a little bit before I demand your undivided attention. Dinner will be ready in about two hours.” She pulled back from kissing Jed’scheek and reached out to squeeze my hand. “Feel free to nap. I’ll wake you up before dinner. However, you know your dear mother would be honored to have your presence whenever you feel the desire to come downstairs.” She winked at Jed as she closed the door.
I looked over at Jed. “Did you know we’d be staying in the same room?”
“No. I am as surprised as you are. I’ve brought two other of my boyfriends up here to meet the family, and they got the guest room on the lower level.” His lips curved into a crooked smile, and his eyes had a pensive softness to them. “I guess they may sense something different about you.”
“Have you told them we are not having sex yet?”
Jed laughed. “Yes, every Sunday when I call Mother and Father, I fill them in on the sexual progression of our relationship.” He smacked my stomach. “Of course I haven’t told them we’re waiting. I haven’t ever told them anything about sex, outside of the fact that I prefer to hold hands with boys as opposed to girls.”
I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge of the bed. “I should know better than to ask you a direct question by now.”
Jed leaned over and kissed me. “You love it,” he whispered.
I grabbed a handful of Jed’s shirt and pulled him on top of me, sprawling out on the bed. “I love you. Even if you are an obnoxious, irritating jackass.” My fingers clasped Jed’s hair and pulled him tighter to me. Jed’s weight on top of me once again forced my nerves away, leaving a tranquil peace. “I am sorry I’ve been so stressed today. You know I’m not good at this stuff. Yourfamily is amazing. Even better than you said. It all seems too good. I just keep waiting for a big safe to drop from the sky and squish me back into reality.”
“What’s too good? How my family is treating us, or you and me in general?”
“Both, actually. There has to be a catch somewhere, and it just freaks me out that I can’t see what it is. Whenever you meet my family, especially my mom, the experience will be nothing like this. That catch will be obvious. Of course, maybe I can figure out a way to never have to force them upon you.”
Jed nuzzled the crook of my jaw. “Babe, I hate that you feel like this all the time. I wish you could just trust that the world isn’t contriving to ruin us.” He lay back on the bed beside me. “You’re right, though. My family is pretty great. We’re not perfect, of course. Family dramas and secrets, just like everyone else.”
“Maybe so, but still. There’s no doubt that they simply adore you and Sam. And each other.”
“I adore you.”
