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“So you came to check in and make sure we’re getting our work done?” Roman asks playfully, though there’s an unmistakable edge to his voice.
“Relax, Roman. Nobody’s trying to micromanage you,” Leo shoots back, sounding amused despite the warning threaded through his words. Then he adds, “The sparkling water sponsorship was a little out there… I didn’t realize we were doing mocktails too.”
The tendon in Roman’s jaw flexes, but his voice is calm as he says, “Didn’t know I needed your permission. Do you not trust my judgment?”
They hold each other’s gaze, locked in a silent power struggle as the tension sucks all the oxygen from the room.
Leo’s fingers strum against the table, his eyes darting between Roman and me, then he finally speaks. “Of course. I’m glad to see that you’re taking some creative risks… I know you’re sensible and prudent. You’re not going to do anything that wouldn’t align with our company’s values.”
Roman smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Right.”
Then, as if completely shifting the energy in the room, Leo leans back in his chair and says, “Why don’t we give Ivy the floor to pitch her idea. We can finish catching up tonight.”
“What’s happening to—” Roman’s words break off as all four of their phones begin to buzz in unison.
“Looks like Mom just found out you guys are in town,” Guy says, reading through the incoming texts.
“Family dinner. Six o’clock sharp,” Luka adds as he types out a text. “Scout’s going to be so excited to see you,” he says without looking up. “We had plans to go to dinner and a movie, but she’d much prefer a Kingsley family dinner any day.”
“Tell her I can’t wait to squeeze her cheeks,” Ivy says, scrunching her hands out in front of her.
I’m close with my sister, but even we don’t have a bond as strong as this family. For a moment, I feel like I’m watching a movie, the way they all joke and tease one another, like they’re so excited to be together again. It makes me sad because no matter how hard I want to change things, I know it won’t ever be this way with my family. We’re all too broken and too busy to get to know each other on this deep a level. I think about Marguerite’s harsh words, the way she challenged me to speak my truth to my sister. I’m not sure it’ll change anything, but maybe it’s worth trying.
“Tell her I love her more, and I’m going to give her a hickey on her forehead when I see her, so she doesn’t forget,” Ivy says, still going back and forth with Luka.
“All right. We get it,” Leo grumbles, tightening his arm around her. “Why don’t you stop putting images in our heads and say what you came here to say?”
Guy holds up his hands. “Hey, you don’t hear me complaining.”
Leo’s jaw clenches as he glares at Guy. “What did I tell you about fantasizing about my—”
“Oh my God,” Ivy interrupts, turning her attention back to me. “You have to join us for dinner tonight.” She grabs my arm and shakes me, like a little kid pleading for an ice cream cone.
Not knowing how to respond, I look at Roman, but he just smiles like there’s no use in arguing.
“Oh, I don’t know…” I shake my head. “It sounds like a family thing, and I wouldn’t want to intrude…”
“Please! You have to come!” Ivy clasps her hands together, her big amber eyes looking at me with the same look Matilda gives me when she’s begging for a piece of my food.
That reminds me of an even better excuse. “My rescue Doberman, Tilly, is waiting for me at home anyway. I don’t want to leave her alone any longer—”
Ivy’s eyes go even wider. “You can bring her!” She looks to Leo. “Mary and Frank won’t mind, will they?”
Leo just smiles at her like she’s the most adorable human he’s ever seen. “Not at all.” He looks at me, then at Roman, and nods. “Bring Tilly with you tonight. Mom and Dad will love it.”
“And…we can talk about the festival,” Ivy adds, taking a more practical, persuasive approach.
I glance at Roman one more time, and his eyes gleam as he gives me the slightest nod. “Okay. I guess I’m coming to family dinner.”
“Yay!” Ivy squeals, pulling me in for another hug.
Leo clears his throat, and she spins her chair back, snapping into professional mode. “Now, what are your thoughts on a party supplies line? Because I have some ideas…”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Roman
I’m more nervous than I should be considering we’re driving to dinner at my family’s house. Leo’s surprise visit has me all disoriented. I keep waiting for him to pull me aside and tell me he knows everything I’ve been doing with Kira. I feel like I’m walking around with a big flashing neon sign above my head that says, guilty.
