Page 43 of The Baby Dragon Cafe
“Maybe later!” Saphira said kindly. Aiden scowled at Oliver before he went with Saphira to see his grandfather, who was dressed in a smart suit and sitting on one of the sofas, hands holding his cane.
“Hiya, Grandad,” Aiden said.
“Who is this darling girl you’ve brought with you?” Grandad asked, furrowing his snow-white brows. “And why was she not introduced to me first?”
“Sorry, Grandad,” Aiden replied sheepishly.
“I’m so pleased to meet you,” Saphira said, as Aiden’s grandfather patted the space on the sofa beside him. Saphira sat, and when Aiden attempted to sit on her other side, Grandad shooed him with his cane.
Aiden frowned. Everyone was trying to steal her away!
“Why can’t I sit with you guys, too?” he asked. Grandad tsked.
“Where are your manners, boy? Get the girl a drink!”
Aiden was properly chagrined. “Right … I’ll be back.”
He went to the kitchen to grab two glasses, where he was intercepted by Emmeline, who was smirking. “Iknewyou liked her.”
Aiden knew that where there was one insufferable sister, there was bound to be another: as if on cue, Ginny bounced into the kitchen just in time to hear Emmy’s comment. She gasped.
“Oh my goodness, my big brother has a crush!”
“I am ignoring both of you, thanks.”
Perhaps bringing Saphira tonight was a bad idea.
But when he returned to the living room, he found Saphira laughing with his grandfather. She fitted in so seamlessly. Everyone immediately loved her, which didn’t surprise Aiden in the slightest. He was in awe of how she instantly brightened up the room, how brave and kind she was despite all her grief and struggles.
It felt right, her being here with him. Goodness, but Emmy might have been correct: hedidlike her.
But that couldn’t be allowed. It was too complicated. Sparky was tied up in all this. He and Saphira had a professional relationship. He needed to be mindful of that.
Aiden handed Saphira a grapefruit rosemary spritz, joining her and his grandfather as Grandad regaled her with some dragon riding tale from his youth. A little while later, it was time for them to go in. Everyone stood to head to the dining room.
“Shall we?” Aiden asked.
“We shall,” she replied with a smile.
Inside, the long table was decorated with candles and flowers, each setting meticulously placed with intricate dinnerware and sparkling silverware.
“Wow,” Saphira breathed. “This is gorgeous.”
His mother always went overboard on these dinners, even though it was only his family. Aiden looked over at Saphira. She looked nervous.
“Sorry again if this is a lot,” he said, pulling out a chair for her beside his usual spot. She sat down, shaking her head.
“Don’t be! It’s been fun.”
Before he could respond, Oliver came over, sliding in.
“Can I sit here?” Oliver asked, pointing to Aiden’s seat beside Saphira.
Aiden was both enraged and perplexed. “No?”
“Ollie, quit while you’re ahead, kid,” Emmeline called from across the room.
Oliver skulked off.
