We soon arrived home and began preparing dinner, awaiting Alex’s mum and sister with her boyfriend.
As we finished up, he kissed my cheek before releasing me.
I turned to face him, biting my bottom lip. “Daddy looks unbelievably handsome,” I teased, and he shrugged, clearly pleased.
I leaned in for a kiss, but the doorbell rang, prompting me to pull away quickly with a grin.
“Let’s go!” I exclaimed, and my boyfriend chuckled, nodding in agreement.
I loved being able to call him that.
When we reach the door, I check to ensure the food and drinks are all set. I nod at Alex as he opens the door.
“Oh, my baby!” Lena gasps, rushing to hug Alex.
He places one hand on her back and intertwines his other with mine, causing me to frown slightly. As soon as Lena releases him from the embrace, she studies him.
“You look good, are you getting Botox?” she quips, making Alex roll his eyes.
Then I see the girl who had been with Alex in boxers one day, holding hands with a noticeably taller guy. The room collectively greets Alex.
“Lena, Evelyn, Daniel, this is Nina: my girlfriend,” Alex introduces me, and I smile warmly.
Everyone seems bewildered by the introduction.
“It’s great to see you again, dear,” Lena says, pulling me into a hug.
Evelyn and her boyfriend follow suit.
“Shall we take a seat?” I suggest politely, and everyone agrees.
Alex sits at one end, and I take my spot beside him while Lena settles across from me, with Evelyn and her boyfriend next to her.
“Where’s your husband?” Alex inquires casually, and Evelyn’s smile wavers.
“I was busy,” she replies coolly, and Alex nods with mock understanding, creating a palpable tension.
“Would you care for some champagne?” I offer, aiming to ease the tension.
“Full glass over here!” Evelyn chimes in, laughter bubbling in her voice.
I grab the champagne bottle and hand it to Alex.
“Can you be the waiter?” I plead, batting my eyelashes. He smirks while popping the cork.
Once it’s out, he fills our glasses and sets the bottle in the center of the table.
“Nina, do you enjoy classical music?” Nina asks me, making me gulp. I glance at Alex, who simply guides her with his arm.
“Well, yes-I grew up with my mother playing classical music on full blast; I find it quite calming,” I answer with a sip of my drink. Lena nods in agreement, and Evelyn laughs.
“I always hated it,” she quips, laughing with Alex. I smile, noting that I missed these light moments. “Mom had it on constantly; it was so tranquil that it stressed me out. I thrive on noise,” I tease.
“I’ll grab the food,” Alex announces, rising and heading toward the kitchen.
“Tell me more about your mother, she sounds interesting,” Lena inquires, prompting me to clear my throat.
“Well, she’s an emergency nurse who works tirelessly-she loves history and anything involving the past. She enjoys reading, classical music, and wine,” I explain, sighing with nostalgia.
“She sounds lovely,” Lena compliments, and I smile, feeling bittersweet.
Just then, Alex reappears with plates in hand, setting them down in front of us before retaking his seat and placing his hand over mine in a gentle caress.
“Bon appetit,” Alex declares as we begin to eat, and I follow suit. “Uh, Evelyn, Lyla has something to tell you,” Lena interjects, diverting Alex’s attention.
“What?” he asks, seeming unbothered.
“Daniel and I are getting married,” Evelyn announces, and Alex nearly chokes.
My eyes widen, and I pass him his drink as he downs it in shock.
“Seriously?” he asks, bewildered.
“Little brother, I’m 30; it’s time,” Evelyn laughs, while Alex scratches his neck nervously.
“Well, you caught me off guard. Congratulations, I suppose,” he replies, trying to keep things light.
“The wedding is in three months, in Brazil,” she murmurs, while he plays with the bridge of her nose. I nod in acknowledgment, appreciative of the invitation.
We continue our meal, Alex and Evelyn reminiscing about their childhood.
“Me, a troublemaker? You were the one stealing my candy, insisting the tooth fairy took it because I wouldn’t let ugly teeth have it!” he retorts, making everyone erupt in giggles.
I sense Lena looking at me, making my heart race. I straighten my posture and clear my throat.
“Hey, is it true you’re using Botox?” Evelyn asks after a sip of champagne.
“What the hell?” Alex laughs. “Definitely not!”
“You seem to have fewer wrinkles, no dark circles, your eyes look brighter, and your posture doesn’t seem as tense or scary,” Evelyn comments, prompting eye rolls from Alex.
“That’s because I’ve been getting more sleep,” he laughs, while Lena smiles at him.
“Did the treatment finally work?” she queries, and he scoffs.
“I stopped that treatment five years ago; finally, sleep is back on the schedule,” he shrugs. “Nina, are you sedating me?” he jokes.
“Oh, so it’s my fault?” I retort with laughter, and he chuckles in agreement.
Our hands intertwine yet again, and he brings mine to his lips, kissing it softly. I catch his gaze and notice him almost whisper “I love you,” which makes me beam.
“Honey, could you fetch the desserts?” Alex requests, and I nod, rising to make my way to the kitchen.
I search for the cake he had bought, but it’s nowhere in sight. I sigh and peek in the refrigerator-nothing there either. Not in the oven or cupboards as well.
“I couldn’t find it,” I say softly, feeling defeated, and slump back into my chair as Alex grins.
“I think I forgot to buy dessert,” he says innocently, making me exclaim, “Alex!”
“I’m sorry,” he apologizes, though I shake my head.
“Well, it seems like we should head out; it’s getting late,” Lena suggests.
Rising, Alex and I start saying our goodbyes.
“You’ve been wonderful, dear. Please take care of my son,” Lena whispers, kissing my cheek, catching me off-guard.
We watch them leave before Alex closes the door behind them.
“Finally!” he exclaims, and I frown, confused. “What do you think about getting drunk with your boyfriend tonight?”
“Now that sounds delightful,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. “But it wouldn’t be complete without the kind of sex you enjoy, Mr. Gray,” I tease, and he shakes his head.
“Not everything revolves around sex, Miss Moore,” he insists. “Do you even know what nymphomania is?”
“Oh, come on! Are you serious?”