“Yep, I would,” Sophie said. Arik’s grandmother shifted her glance to Natalie. “Sorry. But this grandson of mine wouldn’t have put me in this position.”
“Arik is very considerate. It’s one thing I like about him.”
“Hey, Grandma. There is one thing she likes. Are you making a list?”
Natalie playfully slapped his arm. “Don’t be foolish. I like a lot of things about you.”
He turned and caught her stare, holding it with a heat that pinned her in place, his eyes roaming over her face like a slow, deliberate touch.
She picked her wine up and downed half of it in one gulp.
17
DELIVERING AS EXPECTED
“At least they are moving things faster,” Arik said almost two hours later.
The bride and groom had their dance, dinner was served and cleaned up, the cake was handed out and now the DJ was playing music.
“Overall, it hasn’t been that horrible.”
“Could be worse,” he said. “And it might still get that way. Brandi is pounding the wine and getting loud. Can’t wait to see what she does on the floor with my father.”
He laughed, unbothered and amused, as Natalie’s face twisted in disgust.
“I don’t want to witness it.”
“Neither does anyone else. I have to admit I’m surprised that my aunt and uncle haven’t pulled my father aside to give him crap.”
“Would they?”
“Uncle Justin is more timid than my father. He’s always been that way, but it’s his son’s day and the attention should be on Nick and Courtney.”
“It should be, but as we know, those things don’t always occur.”
“Nope. I expect there to be some kind of a blowup soon. I saw my grandmother pull my father into the house not that long ago.”
His grandmother marched back out full of purpose and frustration, his father’s face covered in a smirk.
If he had thought handing over the money would have changed the outcome of today, he might have considered it, but it’d only be more fuel for his father to continue with his outrageous behavior.
“Sophie looks fine to me. So it couldn’t have been that horrible of a conversation.”
“I’ll find out before we leave. I don’t like that she hasn’t sat much.”
“She’s sitting now. Relax, Arik. She’s mingling more than anything.”
He’d been watching, so he knew that was the truth.
“Introduce us to your girlfriend,” Aunt Beth said when they moved to the table and sat. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come over sooner, but we’ve been busy.”
“Aunt Beth, Uncle Justin, this is Natalie Bond. Natalie, Nick’s parents.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” she said, shaking their hands. “It’s a lovely wedding.”
“It could be better,” Uncle Justin said, his eyes moving to his brother on the floor with Brandi.
“Could you please talk to your father before he makes a scene?” Aunt Beth asked.
