“It was a total fluke. We hadn’t talked in more than twenty years.”
She took a sip of her wine. “Something always told me you two would end up together.”
“But we’re not.”
“You’re working together.”
“And our daughter is, too.”
“As I said, she’s back in your life. You don’t have to get defensive about it, Donovan. It’s simply an observation.”
He cleared his throat, watching Lela and Austin as they were chatting and laughing. Lela put her hand on his brother’s shoulder, and however innocent it might have been, it made Donovan deeply uncomfortable, especially since he already knew how Austin felt about Lela. He couldn’t watch them, but he also couldn’t look away. It was like a sexually charged car wreck. The only cure seemed to be to change the subject with Genevieve. “Tell me what’s going on at home.”
Dinner was served by the cook his mother brought in for special occasions, as well as a server. They started with Waldorf salad, which Donovan had never liked because he hated celery, followed by miso-glazed salmon with veggies, Echo’s favorite. As they ate, he caught up with Genevieve. She’d been dating a guy off and on, a university professor, but it was nothing serious. The literacy non-profit she’d started two years ago was doing well. Her parents, however, were not doing great, although Donovan already knew that because they’d been unable to make the trip for Echo’s wedding.
When it was Donovan’s turn to share, the conversation revolved entirely around Echo as he told Genevieve about the massive success of the company and how rewarding it was to work with their daughter. “It’s been incredible. We’re so much closer now than we were before.”
Genevieve nodded, but her demeanor grew cold. “Glad you had the chance.”
Dessert arrived, a salted caramel and chocolate tart, but Donovan picked at his. He’d had his time with Genevieve, they’d both survived, neither of them worse off for the conversation. He was ready to get out of there. His mom had other plans though, asking to go around the table so everyone could offer Echo and Lucius their best bit of relationship advice.
His mom started. “Love isnotblind. It sees everything.” A low rumble among the guests suggested that several people agreed.
When it came to be Lela’s turn, she said, “Someone once said that you shouldn’t go to bed mad, but I think it’s fine. By morning, things almost always seem better.” It made Donovan smile. It was such a Lela thing to say.
Austin offered, “Whatever I’ve done, do the opposite.” That prompted a few laughs.
As did Genevieve’s offering, “Never share a sink.”
Then it was Donovan’s turn. He wasn’t good with sentimentality, and he feared his would only fall flat, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say. “Just find a way to love each other.” To his great surprise, a chorus of “Aww…” broke out in the room. The irony did not escape him. He was wholly unqualified to make the proclamation. Other than his love for his daughter, it had always felt far too complicated.
The crowd finished up dessert and coffee, then began to disperse. Genevieve stopped to speak to Lucius’s aunt, and Donovan needed some air, so he strolled out into the hall.
“Hey, Donovan,” Austin caught up with him. “I have to tell you, Lela is amazing,” he muttered.
Donovan knew where this was going and he didn’t like it. “She is.”
“I know we talked about it earlier, but are you serious about me stepping off? Because I’m interested.”
“It’s a free country, Austin. You can do whatever you want. All I was trying to say is that she’s a very sweet person and you don’t have the best track record. I’d encourage you to tread lightly.” With every word, Donovan began to feel more and more uncomfortable with this idea. “And if you do anything to hurt her, I will actually kill you.”
Lela was walking toward them, an absolute vision in that damn dress, making him yet again question so many things in his life. Decisions. Choices. “Hey guys. What’s up?”
“Just chatting.” Donovan did his best to be casual with his answer.
“That was such a lovely dinner, but I’m beat. I think I’m going to head upstairs and crash,” Lela said.
“I’ll walk you,” Austin blurted.
Donovan felt his hands roll up into fists.
“Sounds great,” Lela said. “Good night, Donovan. See you tomorrow.” She surprised him with a hug. It was warm and comforting to have her body pressed against his, but it was a fleeting moment of bliss. In a flash, she was gone.
He watched as she and his brother strolled down the hall. He didn’t like anything about the idea of his brother and Lela, but he’d said his piece. Lela was not his, and his brother was under no obligation to listen to him.
He jumped when Echo put her hand on his shoulder. “Everything okay, Dad?”
“Yeah. Of course. Just tired.” He turned to her and gently rubbed her arm. “How are you doing? Everything okay with your mom?”
