Walking away from the table, I caught the start of conversation as the rest of them dived in. At the bar, I ordered two neat whiskies for myself and Dante, a margarita for Dom and, finally, an espresso martini for Mia. I thought that I was a fiend for coffee, but I had no idea how Mia managed to sleep at night with the way she put away mug after mug.
When I look back over to the table, Mia’s head is thrown back in laughter before she launches into conversation again, hands moving wildly. She is larger than life when there are no worries weighing her down. This is how she should always be and will be if she allows me to make her mine.
The bartender handed over the tray of drinks and I walk back to the table, placing them in front of everyone.
"What is this?" Mia asked as she took the glass from me.
"Espresso Martini," I told her. "Coffee, vodka, liqueur and syrup."
She lifted the glass and surveyed the drink before taking a sip. “Mmm, that’s good.”
“We’ll get you onto the hard stuff soon enough,” Dante told her, and Mia shook her head at him. “I have something for you,” Dante said. I narrowed my eyes as he handed a gift to Mia across the table.
“You shouldn’t have. D,” she told him as she placed the glass down.
He snorted. “As if I’m going to let my kid sister celebrate her birthday without a gift from me.”
Mia slid her finger under the tape that held the gift wrap together and unveiled a book. The hardcover with black and silver detailing boasted the title “The Great Gatsby”.
“D, this is beautiful. Thank you so much.” She reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze.
“I noticed your copy looked a little battered,” he told her.
Mia blushed. “It’s one of my favorites. I’m read it a million times.”
I’d never seen Dante take to any woman that was in my life and Amber had been an awkward wedge that sat between us. Watching the way the two of them were together made my desire to have her as a permanent fixture in my life much easier.
Somewhere during the night, Mia's hand found mine under the table. The small gesture of affection cementing my plans in breaking the paper thin rules that laid between us as soon as her birthday was over. I moved my hand so that it was on top of hers, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles and letting the feeling of peace wash over me.
As we finished food, I settled the bill and noticed that Dante tensed. I looked over my shoulder, following his gaze. I knew this day had been going too well. Karmic retribution for my life's work had started to kick in and was about to land me flat on my ass.
"Fancy seeing you here, doll," Amber said as she reached the table. “Looks like a little celebration. What’s the occasion?”
"It's Mia's birthday," I explained tersely.
"Oh, well happy birthday, doll," Amber said in a bored tone as if she had expected something more exciting. "Did Luc get you anything?" Amber asked. "He's pretty great with gifts." She held out her wrist and showed a bracelet that sat there. The gold filigree work was intricate and delicate and shone in the dim lights as Amber twisted her wrist. "Last Christmas," Amber informed Mia. "He's got a great eye, don't you think?"
"Mhmm," Mia hummed. She sank in on herself, like a star that had finally given up and looked as though she would rather be anywhere but at the table. Immediately, I regretted not picking something tangible for her as a separate gift as well as spending time with her father.
"So, let's see it then," Amber pressed on. "What did he get you?"
"Amber.” My voice had a warning tone to it. I would not have her make Mia feel small. Then I felt Mia's hand on my arm as she leaned past me to look at Amber directly.
"Actually," Mia said, the calmness of her voice surprising me. "What Luc got me was pretty personal. I'd rather just keep it between me and him."
Dom made a sound like a cat from across the table and I shot him a glare but the smug smile that Amber wore had been wiped off her face.
"Dom, can you take Mia home for me? I won't be long," I said.
"Sure thing," Dom told me, rising from his seat with the others.
He guided Mia towards the exit, and she threw a look over her shoulder. That look made me want to follow her straight out of the door and assure her that this wasn't what she thought. Made me want to follow her straight to the ends of the Earth if that was where she would lead me. But I did not follow her. I needed to sort this once and for all.
Dante caught my arm before he left and muttered, "I hope you know what you're doing."
"Trust me," I murmured back, and Dante left me alone with Amber.
We exited the restaurant and I pulled her aside. "What are you playing at?"
