“Hey. Where’d you go?” he asks, squeezing my fingers again.
“I’m here.” I stretch across the console to press a feather-soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. Thank you so much. You’ve no idea how much this means.”
“I’m glad I was able to help. Your dad is a great guy, and he deserves a fighting chance.”
I gulp over the painful lump in my throat as I slump back in my seat. “He does, and I hope it works, but it’s not a miracle cure.”
“You’re not alone in this, Demi. I’m here for you, and whatever happens, I will be right by your side.”
“Are you sure I’m dressed okay?” I ask for the umpteenth time as we climb out of the car. There are a bunch of other cars in the driveway and a motorbike. I glance up at the sophisticated two-story modern building, composed of cream stone, cherrywood panels, and large glass windows, in awe. It’s a beautiful home, and I’ll bet the inside is to die for. While it’s no mansion, it clearly cost a pretty penny. Money seems to be in plentiful supply in the circles Charlie mixes in.
“You’re perfect.” Charlie kisses me softly, claiming my sole attention. “Stop worrying. They will love you.”
I retrieve the bag with the chocolate cake I baked and the hand-painted picture frame from the back seat of the car. I wanted to bring wine, but we didn’t have any at home, and there isn’t spare cash for luxuries like that.
Well, there wasn’t before, but there is now, thanks to Charlie.
The urge to tell him I love him rides me hard, but I bite my tongue because the revelation is new and I haven’t forgotten the need to protect my heart.
Charlie takes the bag, and I smooth a hand down over my knee-length pink-and-purple-patterned dress. It’s my favorite dress. Casual but still dressy and comfortable. I’ve teamed it with a soft pink cardigan and silver ballet pumps. My hair is long and loose, and the only makeup I have on is some mascara, some blush, and gloss on my lips.
Charlie takes my hand, and I hope he can’t feel how clammy my palm is or hear how anxiously my heart is beating in my chest.
“Breathe, babe,” he says when we reach the door. “You’ll like them.”
He rings the doorbell, and it’s opened a minute later by a beaming Abby. She’s wearing a gorgeous fitted knee-length red dress with black ballet pumps, and her hair is styled similarly to mine. “I’m so happy you’re here!” She hugs Charlie first and then me. “Welcome to our home. Come in,” she adds, stepping aside to let us enter. “Everyone is back here.”
We follow her along a wide airy hallway, our shoes squelching off the cream porcelain-tiled floor. The walls are adorned with tons of family photos, and I’m happy I made her the picture frame now because it seems like the perfect gift.
Abby leads us into a large open-plan space that is stylishly decorated yet warm and inviting at the same time. There is a massive kitchen with stainless steel appliances and white and gray gloss cupboards at the rear of the space. The kitchen overlooks a manicured back garden with a pool and patio area.
A long dining table occupies prime real estate in the center of the space. An industrial-type light fitting hangs over the length of the rustic table, illuminating the picture-perfect settings. The table seats twelve and there’s a place setting in front of every chair, confirming we have a full house.
My nerves ramp up another notch.
Abby steers us to the left, to the main living space, where everyone is congregated. A bunch of strapping guys are chatting in a circle. Behind them, on one of the long white leather couches, three women are deep in conversation. One of the women looks to be around our age, and the other two women are older.
My heart rate picks up as adrenaline courses through my body. I grip Charlie’s hand so tight, it’s a wonder there’s any blood flowing to it.
“Everyone. Charlie and Demi are here,” Abby says, announcing us to the room. I can scarcely hear over the thrumming of blood in my ears. As if in slow-motion, everyone stops talking, and every head turns in our direction.
A deathly quiet descends over the room as everyone stares at me. Eyes widen, and incredulous looks are exchanged. I shuffle awkwardly on my feet, clinging to Charlie’s side, as panic inches up my throat.
Charlie bristles beside me. He thrusts the bag at Abby. “This was a mistake.” A muscle pops in his jaw. “You’re a bunch of assholes.” He glares at the guys before looking down at me. “C’mon. We’re leaving.”
“Don’t,” Abby pleads, her gaze dancing between Charlie and her husband.
I recognize Kaiden Anderson from photos I’ve seen of him online. Although, the photos haven’t done him justice because he’s way hotter in the flesh. As my gaze quickly flits around the faces, I recognize most everyone in the room, for the same reason, with the exception of the younger woman and one of the older women.
“Charlie, wait.” Kaiden steps forward, and Abby’s shoulders visibly relax. “We don’t mean to be rude. It’s just a shock.” He steps right up to me as Abby hands the bag off to the woman I recognize as her mother. Kaiden extends his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Demi.”
I shake his hand, cringing at how sweaty my palm must feel against his cool one. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Forgive us,” he adds, trying hard not to stare at me. “Abby said you two looked alike, but it’s still a shock.” He glances at Charlie briefly. Charlie is like a brick beside me, and I lean in closer to him, offering him silent support as much as I need to take it from him.
Drew Manning comes forward as Abby slides in under Kaiden’s arm. He smiles, but it’s a little off. “The resemblance is uncanny.”
Charlie is seconds away from imploding, and I wish the ground would open up and swallow me.
“Get over yourselves, peeps,” Xavier says, strolling confidently to my free side, wrapping his arm around me. “There’s actually a logical explanation for this.”
All eyeballs turn in his direction, and I’m glad the attention has been diverted.
“There is?” Abby inquires, her brows climbing to her hairline.
“You’re related,” he tosses out.
I blink repeatedly, wondering if I misheard him although that would explain a lot. Abby smiles as her eyes find mine.
“What?” Charlie snaps. “Why am I only hearing this now?”
“Why are you?” Abby pokes Charlie in the chest, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward her. “Why are we?” She eyeballs Xavier. “What do you know, oh wise one.” I appreciate her attempt at humor because the tension is suffocating at this point.
“Why don’t we all sit down and have a drink while Xavier fills us in,” Abby’s mom says, smiling at everyone. She leans forward, kissing me on the cheek. “You’re most welcome, Demi. I’m Olivia. Drew and Abby’s Mom.”
“It’s lovely to meet you.”
She palms Charlie’s face. “It’s been too long, Charlie. You’re family. Never forget that.”
“Olivia.” He kisses her cheek. “It’s good to see you.” He accepts a hug from the other older lady. “You too, Sylvia. You’re looking well.”