Page 36 of King of Hearts

“So, Arna, how did you and Andy meet?” Vicky’s voice brought me back to the table as everyone dished up their dinner. It wasn’t lost on me that she directed her question to me rather than her son, who I felt stiffen beside me. I liked that he was nervous right now, something about it made him more relatable. I realised quickly that his family were incredibly interested in what they had unintentionally walked into, and this also made me feel giddy.

“I work for Urban Pulse as an editor.” I answered, standing to grab some of the noodles from the centre of the table. The food smelt delicious and even though I wasn’t sure what Andy had planned for dinner this was not a disappointment.

“That online media site?” Dylan asked around a mouthful of fried rice.

“That’s the one.” I smiled. “It’s a little strange but I was sent to interview Andy when one of my colleagues was unwell.” I shrugged as if that explained everything.

Vicky raised her brows at Andy, but I didn’t miss the way her eyes narrowed slightly and I wondered if she held the same unease with the profession as her son. Dylan laughed, rice flying across the table and Vicky glared at him in disgust.

“Bro, cover your mouth.” Andy reprimanded before his mother had the chance.

“Your girlfriend works for the industry you hate the most. You have to realise the irony here.” Dylan replied.

Andy choked on whatever he was eating, and I instinctively patted him on the back as all eyes followed my hand. When I looked over at Dylan though, I couldn’t stop the giggle which erupted out of me. Everyone looked at me, Dylan and Rob grinning, while Vicky still appeared somewhat unsure. Andy, who was taking a large drink of his beer, shot me a quick glance and I tapped his thigh under the table reassuring him this was okay.

“Before you give this one a heart attack, I should clarify. I’m not his girlfriend.” Andy glanced at me again gratefully, before he cleared his throat.

“Part of my contract is to have a feature written. Arna is writing it.” He clarified, his voice unconsciously conveying his annoyance at the obligation.

“That makes more sense.” Vicky quipped, but I noticed the way she seemed to relax a little at the clarification as Rob rubbed circles into her back.

“Curious that you would have her come to your house. Do you normally do that when you are interviewed, Andy?” Dylan was so obviously enjoying this and part of me was mentally high fiving him because hell if I knew what was going on either.

“Oh, be quiet Dyl, or we will tell Andy about what your mother found in your bedroom the other night.” Rob said and Andy nodded at his dad in appreciation.

“Please do not remind me.” Vicky said, shuddering. “I’m still having nightmares.”

“Yeah, Dad told me about that. You should really expand your reading choices, little bro. There are much better picture books out there which wouldn’t be as awkward if found by your mother.” Rob and Andy both laughed, and Dylan mumbled something under his breath while he resumed eating quietly.

“Arna, tell us about yourself.” Rob said, evidently trying to save his youngest son the spotlight.

Swallowing my mouthful of food, I gave them a quick run down. “Well, I’m an editor at Urban Pulse, but was thrown into the role as a journalist when asked to interview your son. I’ve been there a few years now and am hoping to move into a senior position soon. I live in the city, but not somewhere as nice as this,” I laughed, in a self-deprecating way. “Before that I lived out in Crestwood with my dad and nan.”

“Do you have any siblings?” Vicky asked.

“Nope, it’s just me. Mum passed away not long after I was born, and I don’t think Dad ever really got over it. He moved in with his mum and they raised me. Although it wasn’t a typical upbringing, I couldn’t have asked for more. They’re the best.” I smiled, more to myself at how lucky I truly was and was startled when Andy put his hand on my thigh, squeezing gently. The table went quiet, everyone lost in their own thoughts.

“So, tell me, what is my son like to interview?” Vicky said, breaking the silence before looking at Andy. It was clear she was proud of him and doing her best to host a conversation for his benefit.

I laughed softly. “Well, the first attempt at an interview did not go well. He was contemptuous and I was, argh, a shit show if I’m honest. I had no idea who he was or what sport he played. Isn’t that terrible?”

“You’d be the first woman he’s met who didn’t.” Dylan said more to himself than anyone else and I felt my eyebrows instinctively rise in shock. Huh.

“But, since then, he has been the best person I’ve ever interviewed,” I added.

“I’m the only person you’ve ever interviewed.” Andy said, humour in his tone.

“Exactly. No competition. Lucky for you.”

“Oooooh, I like this one, Andy.” Rob said chuckling and Vicky lent into her husband, placing a kiss on his shoulder. It was beautiful to see the obvious love between them. They reminded me of Marlee’s parents in the way they only had eyes for each other, and I briefly considered how difficult it must have been for Dad to have lost his one true love so long ago.

“Well, if you ever want to interview someone more interesting and better looking, I’m available.” Dylan said, winking at me.

“Just keep reading those magazines.” Andy retorted, a mischievous smirk on his face. I loved this version of him, and I found myself mesmerised by how easily they bantered.

Rob and Andy quickly became engrossed in discussing the upcoming game this weekend with Dylan and Vicky interjecting occasionally. Whereas I spent the rest of the meal silently observing a family so deeply connected and with so much love and respect, that being around them felt like snuggling in the confines of a warm blanket. The night had taken a turn I did not anticipate, but one which was welcomed all the same. At the end of our dinner, Vicky embraced me as if she had known me for years and when she whispered into my ear before we parted, ‘Thank you, Arna. I haven’t seen my son soalive in a long time,’I was lost for words. Surely, she didn’t think I had any role in that?

Andy walked them down to the foyer and I took the opportunity to use the bathroom. When I was finished and Andy still had not returned, I headed out to the balcony and looked at the now darkened view of the city. It was so beautiful up here and I longed to move closer to the edge to see the streets below. My fear of heights was not going to allow that just yet, so instead, I leant against the bar and looked up at the star filled night sky.

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