I smirked and whispered in her ear, “The one on my right doesn’t approve of me.”
Danica glanced past me, to where her aunt was now bickering with Jolie. Her daughter, if I remembered correctly.
“Margot,” Danica informed me.
“Right,” I said. “I may not remember all the names. I hope your sister wasn’t serious about the quiz.”
“One never knows…”
“It’s okay, though. I’ve got a system. There’s the bitch…” I pointed discretely at Aunt Margot. “And the baker, and the candlestick maker? Oh, no, wait. You’re the candle maker.”
Danica’s jaw dropped, but she was trying not to smile. “You are such a shit disturber.”
“I prefer asshole. It’s more to the point. Seriously, I remember Madeleine’s name. You work with her, and you mention her a lot.”
“That’s sufficient, really,” she said. “I’m closest with her.”
“Plus,” I said, “it’s a sexy name. And I’m never gonna forget what you told me about how she likes to beat the shit out of men…”
“I never said that!”
I cocked an eyebrow at her as I sipped my drink. “You said she’s a dominatrix. My imagination took it from there.”
Danica groaned and started eating her eggs Benny. Everyone else had finally started eating, so I dug into mine, too.
“Okay,” she whispered after a moment, “whatever you do, just promise me you’re not hooking up with her.”
I almost choked on my food. “What?”
I expected a smile and maybe a punchline on that. But instead, Danica looked kinda… worried?
“If you never want to see me again after this,” she said gravely, “I can handle it. I mean, I kind of wouldn’t blame you.” She gestured at the table, where every one of her relatives was currently talking—over each other—while they ate. “But whatever happens, please swear to me you’ll never mess around with my aunt.”
I almost laughed, but she still wasn’t kidding. “Why? Is that what you think dudes want to do after you introduce them to her?”
“No. Maybe. Ugh. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay…”
“Shit. Why did I tell you that about her, again?”
“Hey, it’s cool,” I assured her. “I’m not hooking up with your hot aunt just because she’s hot.” I threw in the hot thing just to tease her, try to make her smile, but then I felt bad when she put her hand over her eyes and groaned again. “We’re getting to know each other, right? Might as well just let it all hang out.” I nudged her shoulder gently. “You got any other colorful family secrets?”
Danica peered at me between her fingers. “Um, have you got a year?”
“To get to know you? Sure.”
I smiled at her, and finally, she smiled back.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ash
Turned out, Vola family brunch was an all day affair. Like the food and drinks just kept rolling out… and out… and out.
Forhours.
And these chicks couldtalk.
