20

The minutes seem to drag on and Jeff is lounging on the couch watching some apocalyptic movie, all calm as people are screaming and dying all over place.

“Grab that bottle of wine out of the fridge. I think you need a pre-party drink to calm those nerves.”

I grab the bottle and two glasses and plop down beside him. He takes the bottle from me. My hands are shaking a little and I know the bottle cost a bomb, so I don’t want to spill a drop.

“It’ll be fine. While you were in the bathroom looking for antacids, I called Julie and told her to come to your door a little early. They should be here any minute. See? You’ll be surrounded by family, so nerves be gone.”

I take a sip and it’s smooth, sweet, and perfect. A knock—more like a bang—sounds at my front door before it swings opens and Julie and Kevin make their entrance.

“Are we ready to fucking party or what? Shit, sorry, little one. Mommy’s trying really hard. More money for the swear jar. Damn.” Julie stomps her foot and looks up from her stomach. “Oh … my … freaking … God, you look incredible, Dora. Seeing that dress on the hanger, I thought it was delish, but you make it look like Jeff paid a million dollars for it. I would hug you, but I don’t want to mess up anything. Kevin, wipe the drool off your face. You married the right friend,” Julie jokes. He’s not drooling, but he is staring at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.

“Damn, girl, you clean up well,” he says in a gangster voice, and everyone laughs because he sounds so corny since it doesn’t fit the way he looks. Which, by the way, he’s incredibly handsome in jet-black jeans and a white button-down shirt complete with a purple tie. Julie looks just as wonderful in her long white skirt and purple silky maternity blouse.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I say. “Of course, it was probably all Julie who put you two together.”

Julie confirms by nodding and smiling smugly.

“Hey, that wine looks expensive. Are you guys going to share?” Kevin eyes the bottle, and yes, now he’s drooling. The boy loves fine wine.

Seconds later, Kevin’s glass is full, Julie’s nursing a bottle of water, and for the first time today I begin to relax. I lay my head on the back of the couch, not worried about my hair since it’s up in a high ponytail. The leather feels cool on my neck, relaxing me even more. In fact, I think the two glasses of wine were just the medicine I needed, even though I did made a pack with myself to never drink the stuff again. I only hope when I get off the couch I can still walk straight in these shoes.

The other three all make small talk, and I close my eyes, wondering how I’ll act when I see the boys. I can’t wait to hug Liam. I hope he’s ready to live his life the way he wants to. The other two, well, I’m not interested. Okay, so I am a little, but not stupid enough to go for it.

“Time to go, ladies and gent.” I open my eyes and Jeff’s hand is eye level, waiting for me to grab it so he can haul my butt up from the couch. “Kevin, get the door and you and Julie go first. I want Dora to make a grand entrance.”

Jeff squeezes my arm, which is now linked with his, and Kevin and Julie open the door. The place is packed. People are everywhere. I don’t know if we four will even be able to find a place to stand, never mind move about.

“So much for an entrance,” Jeff complains as we push our way through the noisy throng.

“Attention, everyone. We’re opening up the patio. I know it’s cold outside, but we have the heaters going, so it should be pleasant. No, you won’t need your coats.”

I look toward the direction of the voice, but can’t see over the tall heads in front of me. If you’re a woman and are tall, why in the freaking hell do you wear high heels?

Amazingly, the crowd thins. I guess everyone wants to be on the patio. At least we can breathe now. I’m letting Jeff lead me to wherever we’re going. I lost track of Julie and Kevin. I guess that’s the price I pay for being short. Jeff stops abruptly, and I almost stumble, which would’ve been just great. I peek around him to see what has him standing still. Liam is in front of him, and he’s smiling wide. I move to stand at Jeff’s side, and Liam’s eyes go from Jeff’s to mine, and he picks me up and swings me around like I’m a toy doll.

“Darlin’, you look amazing, and I love you. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to cover what you’ve done for me.”

My smile is wobbly. I hope he’s not drunk and won’t drop me. I also hope my underwear isn’t showing to the crowd of people.

“I didn’t do anything, Liam. It was all you. Now, as much as I love this, could you please put me down? Two glasses of wine and pizza, plus spinning, are not mixing very well together. Oh, and I love you too.”

“Sorry, love, but I’m so excited to start the New Year free from secrets,” he says as he puts me down gently and kisses my cheek.

“I’m so happy for you.” I feel Jeff watching and pull him close to us. I guess he backed up when Liam started his twirling act.

“Hey, Jeff, how were your holidays?” Liam looks uncomfortable all of a sudden, and even though he’s tan, I see a hint of blush on his cheeks.

“Pretty awesome. Spent it with Dora and her family, or as I think of them, my second family.” Jeff beams. I’m sure he noticed the blush too. If I could, I would cross my fingers, toes, legs, arms, and wish on a shooting star that these two gel.

“Beer?” Liam asks, but I shake my head. “Oh, right. Fireball doesn’t like beer.”

I can’t believe the change, and he’s calling me fireball.

“I’ll have one,” Jeff announces, and Liam makes his way to the kitchen with Jeff trailing behind. The crowd closes in, and I lose sight of both of them. Wait until I get a hold of Jeff. He promised he’d stick to me like glue. I feel eyes on me. I seem to be the center of attention of the group in front of me.

“Who’s your agent?” a tall, dark, long-legged male with shaggy hair addresses me.

“Me? I don’t have one,” I reply, watching his eyes widen in surprise.

“Everyone does. It’s unheard of not to have one in this town.”

Is that disdain on his face?

“I don’t do what everyone else does. It’s so common.” I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth.

“Hey, Chilton, are you harassing our roomie?” Thank the stars that are absent in the sky. It’s delectable Colin to the rescue.

“Oh, so she’s not one of us?” Chilton’s tone is starting to grate on my nerves, and yes, I’m getting fired up. I think Colin thinks so too, as he takes my arm and guides me to the other side of the room.

“You didn’t have to rescue me. Okay, maybe you did. He’s quite the pompous ass. Remind me to not buy any magazines with him in it.”

Colin laughs and it sounds so good. But no butterflies. What is up with that? Are they drunk on the wine and don’t have the energy to flutter?

“I know you can hold your own. I was worried for Chilton. He’s never met a Pandora before, and I don’t know if he’s up for it. How were your holidays?” He’s looking into my eyes, and yep, no butterflies. Oh, well. It never had a chance anyway.

But what about that kiss? Surely he hasn’t forgotten about that.

“Oh, just abnormal, as usual. Poor Drew had to put up with us, but he’s still hanging around, so we haven’t scared him off yet. And yours?” I ask as he looks me up and down.

“Dora, has anyone told you how amazing you look in that dress? It totally matches your hair. No wonder Chilton was talking to you. My holidays were brilliant. I found out I’m going to be an uncle again. My family loves to procreate. My mum always drops hints to me. I’m the baby and everyone else is settled.”

“Mothers have a way of doing that. I’m glad you like the dress. Jeff picked it out for me.” I brazenly turn around, letting him get the full effect.” He responds with a soft whistle, causing people in our immediate area to stare.