She turns so I can slip it from her shoulders, and for a moment I just take her in. She looks beautiful in a long-sleeve green silk Gucci dress that has a high collar and bow around her neck, and a matching green silk belt with a golden buckle. It’s obvious she’s taken a lot of care with her hair and makeup, arranging her long brown locks into an elegant knot at the back of her head that hides the teal color underneath completely. Part of me wishes she’d show off the teal, but I know she’s doing everything she can to make a good first impression. I hate that she feels the need to hide a part of herself. I can’t exactly blame her, though… there is plenty I try to keep hidden from my family myself.
I hand her coat to the house staff member waiting nearby, then return to her side. My hand settles back on her lower back, steady and protective as voices drift toward us from deeper in the house.
“You can still run,” I whisper, nudging her.
She huffs a quiet laugh. “And let your family think I’m chicken shit? Absolutely not.”
I glance around the large foyer with its gleaming marble floor, crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and sweeping spiral staircase. It’s so surreal having Sutton here. “Not chicken shit,” I say. “It’s more like, well, do you have a sense of self-preservation?”
She shoots me a grin. “You make it sound like we’re walking into a den of hungry wolves.”
“You’re not that far off,” I mutter, guiding her further inside, rubbing small circles on her back. I try to keep my voice light and teasing, but part of me is worried that someone will say something to trigger Sutton’s anxiety and panic. Ryan in particular could prove difficult given his penchant for saying whatever he wants to get a reaction from those around him.
The sudden sound of heels clicking against marble is the only warning we get before my mom appears on the first-floor landing above and starts making her way down the staircase.
“Right on time,” she declares, offering us a polite but cold smile as she approaches us. She’s wearing a Dior sleeveless black blazer dress with a high collar and black leather belt around her waist. Reaching Sutton, she takes her hands and her smile warms ever so slightly. “Sutton, welcome. I’m so happy you could come.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Sutton replies.
Mom’s gaze flicks to my hand at Sutton’s back, then to my face. Something unreadable passes through her expression before she smiles again.
“Jayce never brings people home,” she says.
Sutton glances sideways at me. “Is that true?”
“It’s exaggerated,” I say.
Hallie’s voice suddenly floats down the hall. “It’s absolutely not exaggerated.”
She comes hurrying into view, barefoot in a Dolce and Gabbana lavender jumpsuit, her black hair loose and flowing around her shoulders. When she spots Sutton, her blue gaze goes wide with excitement and she rushes forward.
“Oh my God, you’re even prettier in person!” my sister exclaims, immediately taking Sutton’s arm. “Come on, I’ve been dying to meet you.”
Sutton lets out a hesitant laugh, but doesn’t pull away. “I feel like I should be nervous.”
“You should be,” Hallie says cheerfully. “But mostly about Ryan, not us.”
“Hallie,” Mom sighs. “Can you please behave yourself?”
Hallie rolls her eyes. “Chill, Mom. We don’t want Sutton thinking we’re a family of stiffs.”
She starts dragging Sutton away, who throws a glance back at me over her shoulder, looking somewhat uncertain.
I give her a reassuring nod and follow after them.
Mom lets out a huff of breath and falls into step beside me. “Your sister is too wild for her own good.”
“She’s just excited,” I shrug.
Mom purses her lips together, clearly displeased, but doesn’t say anything further. She knows better than to rant about Hallie to me. I don’t tolerate it.
When we walk into the dining room, Grandfather, Dad, and Ryan are standing together beside the table, chatting softly, each holding a glass of amber liquor. They turn to us as we enter. Grandfather smiles warmly, his eyes settling on Sutton.
“There she is!” He makes his way over to her. Hallie releases her so he can wrap his arms around her in a tight hug. Sutton’s eyes go wide with surprise. When Grandfather pulls back, he rests his hands on her shoulders and studies her face with a kind twinkle in his gaze. “Welcome, my dear. It is so good to meet you at last.”
I’m surprised by how good it feels at this moment— seeing her and Grandfather together. He’s the one family member I most wanted her to meet. Suddenly coming here feels like it might be worth it after all. Maybe.
Sutton smiles warmly at him.
