I laugh out loud. “I don’t think Dad’s listening, so you can tell the truth because, let’s face it, Dad wants me single forever.”
“Your father would be a hypocrite if he expects you to stay single. The first time he got married, he was in his early twenties.”
“Oh, that’s right. So, what you’re trying to say is my father is no angel?”
Mom grins, cleaning the countertop before grabbing the fancy china out of the cupboard. “I shall not speak ill of your father.”
“Nice call, Mom.”
The doorbell rings, ending our conversation. In the other room, I hear Uncle Rocky’s roar of laughter. Mom alerted me to who will attend dinner, and conveniently, Will isn’t one of them.
I say hello to the Romanos, hugging all three of them. Everyone takes their seat until Mom claps her hands, and my eyes fall upon Will, standing beside my father.
The dark charcoal-colored suit is tailored to his body, and the crisp white shirt beneath his jacket is slightly unbuttoned, a vest layered over it. Dad is a very tall man, and standing beside him, Will is about the same height.
My whole body reacts to how sexy Will is. There’s no surprise as to why women desperately want in his bed. Between his handsome face and incredibly muscular body, he has the whole package. Throw in that fact that he’s a CEO of his own company, and there’s the trifecta.
With an inward gaze, I take a deep breath and divert my attention to my sister, hoping no one notices my inability to greet him.
Just as he’s about to walk over to me, Ava grabs me to pull me aside.
“I have some major goss to tell you.”
“Can it wait?” I ask, distracted.
“It’s about you, though.”
“Me?”
“Yes, silly. And Austin.”
“Austin?”
“I overheard Dad on the phone telling Will how he’s glad you’re single now.”
“That’s not gossip, Ava. We know Dad’s opinion on my love life.”
Dad clears his throat, pushing us along to take our seats. I take a seat next to Dad, across the table from Will. Still avoiding his gaze at all costs, our attention is called to the other end of the table. Uncle Rocky begins our meal by saying grace, as we all bow our heads in respect. Upon lifting my gaze, Will’s eyes meet mine, his piercing stare anything but welcoming. What the hell is his problem? He’s the one who didn’t reach out to me.
Around the table, noise begins to filter out as we serve the food and immerse ourselves in conversations.
Our families reminisce about previous holidays, telling stories as laughter fills the room. Across the table, I avoid his glance on more than one occasion, trying to smile or nod when needed, though leaving the conversation to everyone else.
“How is Yale going?” Aunt Nikki directs the conversation to me. “You must be all settled in now.”
“Yes,” I answer, placing my fork down. “It’s nice to have a break, though. It’s been a difficult two weeks.
The second it leaves my mouth, Will’s head flicks up, his eyes falling to mine.
“Is everything okay?” Dad asks, concerned.
“Oh yes…” I choose my words carefully as all eyes turn to me. “I’m finally used to the late nights, cramming, and idiots who like to howl in the middle of the night after a drunken party.”
Uncle Rocky snickers. “I won the best howl one year. Quite the achievement.”
Mom laughs as Aunt Nikki shakes her head with embarrassment. “We remember,” they say in unison.
Aunt Nikki continues. “Thank God, Will has more sense than you.”