This does not bode well.
At the head of the table sits a surprisingly ageless woman—although from the looks of it, she has to be the grandmother and head of the family, Catalina Huxley. The woman’s hair is glossy black and knotted at the base of her head. A bit of blush adds some color to her otherwise smooth, pale skin. Her dress is also black—like she’s attending a funeral.
To her left is a man who has to be Bryce’s father Prescott. The man’s sizable and imposing—I see where the brothers got their height and width. His eyes narrow and his lips purse.Yup, definitely hoping to rip into me.
A woman who must be the much-spoken-of Aunt Jeremiah is in a black pantsuit, a lit cigar in her hand and a glass of whiskey in front of her. She puffs out a perfect smoke ring as we enter, her eyes sharp as she scrutinizes me. The only person at the table who merely blinks with mild curiosity is a pretty blonde—Lareina, Ares’s wife, in a lovely pastel-green dress. It’s nice to have one person who maybe doesn’t feel so terrible about our marriage.
An Asian woman in a gorgeous cream-and-pink kimono with intricate sakura embroidery comes over. She’s petite with eyes that crinkle when she smiles. Fresh flowers pin her updo, and her spine is straight without looking stiff. Although she isn’t a classic beauty, there’s feminine charm to her that’s irresistible.
“Bryce, you horrible child. You didn’t even invite us to your wedding! Is this your lovely wife?”
He nods. “Fiona.”
“Fiona?” Akiko gives me a polished smile. “What a lovely name. Mine is Akiko.”
“Nice to meet you.” The pizza’s churning hard in my gut, but I manage an acceptable smile that doesn’t scare her away.Don’t throw up, don’t throw up.
“And you. You’re so pretty! Welcome to our home,” she says sincerely.
Catalina’s sharp eyes drop to my rings, then to my face. “Welcome to the family. I’m Catalina Huxley, Bryce’s grandmother.” She pulls me into a slightly stiff hug, then frowns. “You’re shaking. Are you cold? Should we adjust the A/C?”
“Um, no.” I hesitate, then opt for the truth with a tremulous laugh. “I’m a little nervous.”
Ares and Josh both snort. Bryce shoots them a warning look.
“Oh, no need for any of that.” Catalina runs her hands down my arms soothingly, which calms me a little. “We’re civilized people.”
“Prescott Huxley,” Bryce’s father says.
I nod hello and shake hands with him. His expression is wary. Does he think I’m going to hurt his son again? Just how does he know about what happened? “Bryce has told me so much about you.”
“Really? He hasn’t told me much about you.” Prescott gives Bryce a look full of rebuke.
“You’ve been busy,” Bryce says.
“I’m always busy, but I’ve never failed to make time for any of you.”
Bryce shifts, clearing his throat. He turns to me. “Fiona, that’s my aunt Jeremiah.”
The polished redhead laughs softly, lifting her cigar in greeting. “Let’s be honest. Bryce hasn’t said a word about his new bride. Frankly, I’m shocked he turned up married today. Ares, and now Bryce?” She turns to Josh. “When are you going to elope? Next Tuesday?”
Josh shudders. “Never.”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re searching for your soul mate.”
“Yes. And when I find her, I promise I’ll hold a grand wedding.”
“I look forward to it.” Jeremiah’s wide smile says she doesn’t believe a word.
The blonde next to Ares waves. “I’m Lareina.Lovethat dress! I’m an only child, so I’m excited to have a sister.”
“Come. Sit and enjoy the dinner. I’m sorry the food won’t be anything special. I didn’t have much time,” Akiko says.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I say.
“I told Dad you could’ve hosted this tomorrow,” Bryce adds.
Akiko shakes her head. “Nonsense. A new member of the family ought to be welcomed properly as soon as possible. We wouldn’t want her to feel left out.”
