“Since when do your parents have a butler?” I ask, leaning closer to her ear.
“He usually isn’t here when I come for dinner.”
It feels like I’ve stepped into a museum. If I talk too loudly, I’ll get shushed for disturbing the others viewing the ornate art.
Which just so happens to be the entryway of my best friend’s house.
“Mom. Dad.” Alice walks into the room and gives each of them an air kiss. Stilted at best. “Thank you for having us over for dinner.”
“You really should have done something with your hair,” Alice’s mom says by way of greeting. “Let me give you my stylist’s name so you can see her. She’d clean this right up for you.”
“Maybe another time.”
“Wallace. Celeste. It’s nice to see you.” At least I can greet them with the decency they aren’t showing their daughter.
Alice squeezes my hand as I shake theirs.
“We hear you two got married. Alice was a bit abrupt about the whole situation.” Her mom looks like there is a nasty smell under her nose. “Quite the news to drop on your parents and leave.”
“Well—”
“It was a quick decision,” I tell them. “If we’d taken more time to plan, we would have invited everyone.”
Her dad’s lips purse together. “I take it that means you didn’t get a prenup?”
“No,” Alice tells him. She takes a seat on the couch and I sit next to her. Every inch from our thighs to our shoulders touch.
If I can give her even an ounce of support like this, I will. I’ll give her whatever she needs.
“I meant for Declan. Should this marriage not last, you’ll want to make sure you protect your assets.”
Oh for fuck’s sake. He’s more worried about me than his own daughter? He is a piece of work.
Being around her parents makes me appreciate my crazy parents. Sure, my mother is a bit on the overbearing side at times, and is a little wacky in the things she likes, but at least I know she loves me.
Not whatever sad excuse for feelings Alice’s parents claim to have for her.
Draping an arm around her shoulders, I tug her close. She’s as stiff as a board. Whether it’s from the touching or being with her parents, I don’t know, but she’s not comfortable.
“Well, I don’t plan on this marriage ending. Do you, Alice?”
“No.”
“No one intends for a marriage to end in divorce, but you should have a plan to protect yourself,” Wallace reiterates. “I’ll get with my attorneys and see what we can figure out for you.”
“Sounds good, Dad.”
“Would either of you like something to drink before dinner?”
Her mom walks over to the liquor cabinet—more like a wall—and starts mixing drinks.
“I’ll take a glass of wine,” Alice says.
“Declan?”
“I’ll take a water.”
“I can make you a Manhattan if you’d like. It’s what I’m drinking.”
