Page 81 of Stanton Adore

Oh great, there goes the neighborhood.

“Um, I don’t know, Mum. You know I can’t stand Margaret.” “Who can?” She giggles. “I will see you at seven.”

“OK, I suppose.” Great, a night with bitchface. I smile at the thought of seeing Josh though. This could turn out OK because now I won’t have to ring him after all, seeing as he was never calling me. “Is Bridge coming?”

“Yes, of course. I will see you tonight.”

7:15 p.m.

I pull into my parents’ street and see Joshua’s Audi parked in my parents’ drive. I unfortunately also notice the car on the other side of the road with two bodyguards in it. Why is he being so heavily guarded? My heart starts to race as I check my reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time since leaving home and I have to say for the first time today I am feeling nervous. I’ve just remembered that Margaret has known about us all along and I’m well aware that this night could end up disastrous. Imagine if she knew it was still going on. A sly smile creeps onto my face. I’m such a bitch. I park the car and walk over to the bodyguards.

“Hi guys.” I smile through the window.

“Hi Natasha.” They both smile, it’s the same two from the pub.

“Do you guys really have to sit out here all night?”

They both break into smiles. “Yeah, it’s OK.” They laugh. “It’s our job and this gig is no different than sitting out front of your apartment all night.”

“Huh, you guys watch my place?” They both glance at each other and instantly look uncomfortable and I know they have revealed too much information. “See you later, guys.” I give them a wave as I walk back across the road and up to the front stairs of the house. That’s confusing. I have to remember to ask him what they are doing here. I stand outside the front door and listen as my heart races. Why am I so nervous? I know why—this is the first time we have been together around our parents since being adults and it’s frigging…nerve-racking.

I open the door and Cameron swoops in with one loud roar and puts me into a headlock. He pulls me into the kitchen while I giggle and he announces to the family, “Look what the cat dragged in.”

I punch him swiftly in the ribs. “The cat did not drag me in.”

He lets me go and as I come up, he gives me a wink. I know he has done it to break the ice—he still thinks Joshua and I are fighting. Well, we are, so he is on the money. I glance around and see Mum fussing in the kitchen being the hostess with the mostess…not.

“Hello, love.” She smiles. “Go and pour everyone a drink, will you.” She’s firing orders at Bridge who rolls her eyes at me and I stifle a giggle. I look onto the back patio and I see Dad talking to Joshua and Wilson. Dad is talking and I don’t know what he is saying but he has the boys in stitches. I smile as I watch their interaction. Dad has a deep affection for the Stanton boys, I mean who wouldn’t? They’re polite, good looking and well educated. They all have a great sense of humor. Brock is talking to Margaret over in the corner. She has a champagne and strawberry in her hand. Each time I see her I am surprised by how attractive she actually is. Money will do that to a girl. Her deep chocolate shoulder-length hair is salon styled and she is always dressed to the nines in designer labels. She makes me feel mumsy. She smiles my way and I make my way over to them. OK, here goes. I smile as I kiss her on the cheek.

“Natasha darling, how lovely to see you.” She smiles as she puts her arm around me. Huh? OK, this is new.

“How have you been?” I ask politely.

“Great. You?” she asks.

“Fine thanks.” I smile. I turn and find Joshua, Wilson and Dad all looking our way.

‘Hi.” I smile. Joshua smiles, his eyes drop down the length of my body, and he gently cracks his neck. I silently thank the Lord I wore this white backless maxi dress. It seems to be having the desired effect.

“Tash darling,” my mother calls from the kitchen. Saved by the bell.

“Excuse me.” I walk into the kitchen to see Bridget laughing. “Mum has burned the potato bake,” she laughs. “It’s now a charcoal bake.”

I giggle. “Good one, Mum.”

She rolls her eyes. “Honestly, entertaining is overrated don’t you think?” She winks at Bridget.

Bridget smiles. “Yes, why do you think I don’t do it?”

I get out my phone and I text him.

Hello x

I smile and wait, it beeps.

Hello

Hmm.