We drive to the venue. I take some breaths as we hit potholes, Josh not bothering with apologies this time. Olivia has yet to say hi to me, and I don’t even mind it at this point. As we arrive, the first thing I see is Ana’s bright-colored Jeep parked, and while I want to smile, nerves attack me more.
Josh hands the key to the valet, and we all get out as Mom and I say thank you to him. Josh offers her his arm and she takes it. The venue is beautiful, and it looks like the outside is decorated as well. There are fake vines wrapped around the load-bearing columns and carefully placed flowers perfectly fitting the outdoorsy theme. Josh calls us, and I train my smile. We all shake hands with a wealthy couple—from what I can deduce, as they’re dressed as if they’re going to a country derby. I try not to overthink my outfit, even though everyone else looks like something out of an Armani catalogue.
He whisks us to someone else as he smiles and waves to another group, the bubbly in front of them. My mouth quirks upward as I’m faced with another couple, and I sigh in relief when I notice who they are.
“Tony. It’s been a bit, hasn’t it?” Mom gives him a polite hug and a small smile to his wife.
Tony—Mom’s ex-boss and Josh’s current one, who he’s currently trying to butter up—gives her a warm grin back. “We’ve definitely missed you at the office.” He also gives a firm handshake to Josh. “Spectacular job with the event, I’m impressed.” He gives me a little wave.
“Much appreciated. I also know you haven’t had the chance to meet my daughter, Olivia.” She pushes past me, and I step back as she shakes Tony’s hand excitedly. “She’s going to UPenn in start of a very promising law degree.”
He raises his eyebrows. “That’s exciting. That was my alma mater, it’s an amazing program. I’m sure with Joshua’s influence, you’ll make a fine lawyer one day.” She beams at the praise, and then eyes fall on me.
“I’m also wanting to volunteer at some law firms to get some experience under my belt,” Olivia brings up, and Tony’s eyes once again leave me to look at her. Politely excusing myself, knowing I most likely won’t be able to get a word in, I head toward the drinks table.
“Bianca!” I look up to see Ana waving at me. She has on the cutest little floral dress with beige sandals, her curls bouncing lively. She truly embodies the theme, and not in the pretentious way I’ve seen so far.
“You look beautiful,” I say once I get close enough. She swishes back and forth and then twirls me.
“I think that’s all you. Hermosa as always.” I blush at the compliment, feeling more at ease in this moment than I have so far. A shadow comes to stand next to her, and I look up, gasping.
After Dad died, I never knew who to look up to, in that sense. I had Mom, of course, but the things a dad teaches you are different. I thought I would miss all of it, but because of this man standing in front of me, Mr. William Parker, I was able to still have a father figure in my life.
He wears thin-framed glasses and salt-and-pepper hair, and a couple of wrinkles line his face. He has a stoic look, yet when he makes eye contact with me, his eyes are slightly welling with tears.
“And who is this young lady?” he asks Ana.
“It’s me, Will,” I utter, and his face falls into that soft, familiar expression. I bite back a cry as he smiles at me, feeling like I’m six years old again.
“Come here,you,” he says, wrapping his arms around me and I hug him back. His cologne brings back memories, and I hate how teary-eyed I’m getting. We pull away, and his eyes shine with unshed tears. Mine do too, but I blink them away, trying not to cause my mascara to streak.
“You’ve grown so much, pumpkin.” I nearly cry out at the familiar nickname, nodding, hugging him once more. Another pair of arms snake around me, and I giggle at Ana joining in on the hug. Mom is walking over with Josh. He’s not angry, but he’s not happy about the scene either.
“Oh my goodness. William! How are you?” Mom exclaims, giving him a big hug while letting go of Josh’s hand.
Josh wraps an arm around her waist again, reclaiming her. “Hi, I’m Josh Callaway, Kate’s boyfriend.”
William smiles, grabbing his hand and shaking it firmly. “Oh, nice to meet you. William Parker.”
Josh pulls his hand back and fakes a smile. “Ah, you must be the husband of the woman who’s been stealing Kate away from me lately.”
Ana pokes her head out. “Guilty,” she says.
I elbow her teasingly and look up at Josh; his expression seems to morph into one of resigned acceptance. “Well, it’s a bit unexpected, but it’s a pleasure to see and meet you guys.”
Ana and William exchange confused glances as Josh turns to look at Mom. He grabs her chin. “Looks like you forgot to tell me, sweetie.”
She smiles, but only I know it’s her nervous one. “I thought it would be a nice surprise.”
He raises his eyebrows. “She knows how much I love those.” We all laugh again, a bit lighter than before. He swings his gaze backon the Parkers, and then I see someone else coming close to us. Josh slips on his smile, turning to begin his suck-up routine once again, before it seems to drop and my skin peppers with goose bumps when I look closer at the familiar guy.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LIAM
Today’s the day.
The day I’ve been absolutely dreading.
