Page 8 of Without Bound
Cami simply laughs and pats Hayes’ cheek. “Yes Hayes, you’re gonna be an uncle again,” she says, then looks at me and Phoenix and Luca. “And so are you. Uncle Bishop, Uncle Nix and Uncle Luca. Not to mention Aunt Cat, Aunt Viv and Aunt CeCe.”
“Zio,” Luca says. “I want to be Zio Luca. My niece or nephew will have to learn Italian early.” He winks at Cami and I swear I see a blush crawl across her body from her fingertips to her ears.
I guess when you’re an Italian billionaire you tend to have that effect on women.
Once again, hugs and kisses and congratulations are handed out and it seems like today really couldn’t get any better. Except I look over to see Vivian standing with her arms crossed over her chest and she stares out the small window over the small kitchen sink.
“What’s the matter, little bit?” I ask her.
She replies with a shrug and looks away from everyone. “Nothing. It’s no big deal.”
“Bullshit. That tells me it’s a big fucking deal. Spill it, Peaches. What’s wrong.” Phoenix slides up next to her and pulls her close to him, tucking her under his arm.
“It’s whatever. It doesn’t matter. Can we go ba–”
“We’re not going anywhere until you tell us what has you so upset. Are you not happy for us?” Cami approaches her tenderly like Viv is a rabid animal that may attack.
And I would say that assessment isn’t too far off for Vivian.
“What? No. Oh my gosh, I am so happy for you guys. It’s just…” her lips start the quivering thing again and a big fat tear falls from one eye. “I just thought we’d all be pregnant together and have babies that grew up best friends like us. And now my baby will have to miss out on all of that, and she’ll probably end up sad and lonely with no friends, while y’all’s kids will have all these inside jokes and stuff,” she spits out.
I snort out a laugh because that is just hilarious to me. Only women would think of those things. But I should expect no less withthese four. They’ve had their entire futures planned out since they were thirteen. And while Cami has gone on to marry Vaughan, Viv did not end up with Derek Jeter and CeCe is no longer waiting for Brad Pitt to come sweep her off her feet.
“If you’re worried about babies, Peaches, we can go work on that right now.” Phoenix smiles and gives her a wink.
The girls console Viv –which seems backwards– and I decide it’s time to get the men out of this cry-fest.
“Come on, gentlemen. Drinks on me at the bar to celebrate the soon-to-be dads,” I tell them and we all file out of the apartment and back to the party that is about to get rowdy.
Damn.A secret wedding and babies. Helluva day to be part of the Mag Creek crew.
4
Anais
I scan the tent once more, looking for where Bishop went. One minute I was staring at his back while he talked with a few guests, and the next he was gone.
I’ve done well at trying not to make it too obvious that I’ve been watching him all night. Mom has warned me several times to leave him alone. After my failed attempts to make Bishop my new year's kiss, mom has barely taken her eye off of me each and every time we’ve visited Magnolia Creek or Houston.
But soon, there will be nothing she can do to keep me away from him.
I stand from my chair, deciding I need a little walk and perhaps I’ll bump into Bishop while out, but stop when I see all the guys walk in through the tent opening. They are all smiling and laughing as they make their way over to the bar in the corner. I take a look around to see where my mom and gramma are, and see them both talking with Cami’s parents, so I take it as my opportunity to get some one on one time with Bishop.
My feet carry me across the dance floor, that has beencleared for all the partying that is about to start, and I head in the direction of where the men stand.
“Hey Uncle Nix,” I call to him as I step up to the group. “I was looking for ya.”
“There’s my girl. What is it you need, Peanut?” he asks, using the nickname he gave me years ago.
The nickname that no one knows I have tattooed on my ribcage. It’s an homage to my favorite uncle, but that doesn’t mean that my mom wouldn’t kill me if she found out I had it.
“I was just wondering if you can save a dance for me when the DJ gets started? I’ve hardly spent time with you since I got here, and I just miss my favorite uncle.”
He arches a brow and gives me a pointed look. “Ana…I’m your only uncle so of course I’m the favorite. But to answer your question, yes, I will save a dance for you.”
I smile sweetly and play up the innocent vibe. “Good. In fact, I think I”ll need a dance from all of you gentlemen this evening.”
“Of course, darlin’. I wouldn’t dream of not taking a spin across the dance floor with you and Dagen. She’d shoot me in the eye with her arrow if I didn’t include her.” Vaughan lifts his glass to me with a wink.
