Page 53 of Fix You

“Thank you.” Since I’d done my homework, I replied, “AndBuon Nataleto you.”

Her dark eyes lit up. “Oh, you don’t know how much it means to hear that in a house full of Irishmen.”

I laughed. “I bet.”

Grabbing a mug from the cabinet, I went over to pour some much needed coffee. After surveying the dishes and ingredients lining the massive countertop, I mused, “That looks like an awful lot of food even for us.”

Caterina laughed. “Actually, I made more because my brothers are joining us for lunch.”

Her brothers….

Rafe….

At the thought of seeing him again, all the pent-up emotions I’d been sheltering overwhelmed me, sending the mug in my hands crashing to the floor. “Oh I’m sorry I’m so clumsy,” I cried as I bent over to gather the pieces. As I deposited the shards in the trash, I felt Caterina’s inquisitive gaze on me.

Although I dreaded what I would see in her eyes, I finally looked at her. Both concern and understanding was written on her face. “I’m sorry that I surprised you with the news of the boys’ visit. I imagined Callum or your mother would’ve told you already.”

While Callum probably hadn’t given it any thought, Mam had most likely concealed the news so I wouldn’t try to bolt on Christmas Day. I shook my head. “Oh, I’m not upset about seeing them. My hands are still slick from the lotion I used aftermy shower.” To reiterate my lie, I reached for one of the hand towels.

As I was working the fabric furiously over my skin, Caterina reached out to stop me. “Maeve, I know why you’re anxious about seeing my brother.”

I swallowed hard before whispering, “You do?”

She nodded. “I know something happened between the two of you at my reception.”

“What do you–”

At that moment, Callum burst into the kitchen with a broad smile. “Nollaig shona, my beautiful ladies.” The mirth slowly faded from his face. “What’s wrong?”

While my panicked gaze spun to Caterina, she waved her hand. “Maeve accidentally broke one of the mugs and was afraid I would be angry, but I was more worried that she cut herself on the shards. Thankfully, she’s fine.”

I shot Caterina a grateful look. At the same time, I couldn’t help being impressed with her ability to lie to my brother so quickly.

Frowning, Callum came over to inspect my hands. “Are you sure you’re okay?

With a wave of my hand, I replied, “I’m fine. Just klutzy.”

Satisfied with my answer, Callum turned to eye the food. “That looks like quite the spread.”

“For Natale lunch, we’ll be having braised beef in wine sauce along with ricotta and spinach stuffed ravioli,” Caterina announced with pride.

Peering around the counter, Callum's nose wrinkled. “While that would normally sound out of this fucking world, what about the turkey and stuffing and potatoes?”

Caterina and I laughed. Patting his back, I replied, “Don’t worry, Northernman. You’ll get your traditional Irish lunch.”

Callum grinned. “Does that include those delicious mince pies you make?”

“Of course. They’re thawing as we speak.”

With an exaggerated smile, he rubbed his belly. “I can already taste them.”

Caterina snorted before pushing Callum to the doorway. “Go on and leave it to us women.”

“Fine, fine,” he muttered.

When Callum headed to the living room, Mam appeared down the back staircase. Caterina appeared momentarily disappointed. I know she wanted to say more about the night of the reception, but she wouldn’t dare in front of Mam. Of course, she had no way of knowing that Mam knew everything that had transpired that night.

Grateful for Mam’s appearance, I focused my attention on preparing the mince pies on a baking sheet. More than anything, I tried pushing my out-of-control thoughts of Rafe out of my head.

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