Page 73 of Georgia: Britain's Story: Part 1
“He had to run an errand, I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.” I plaster on my fake smile and prepare to do battle, my loathing of socializing rising to the surface. I’m going to be absolutely drained by the end of this if I don’t get some food and Liam doesn’t show up.Huh, I’m just now realizing I haven’t eaten a full meal in three days.
“Thank you for putting this together, Sandy. And Jim.” I give him a wink and a smile. I can almost guarantee Jim was standing on top of the bar hanging that banner an hour ago.
“Oh, you’re welcome, sugar. I’m just so happy to have you in my family.” Her eyes are already teary. “When do I get to meet my new grandbabies?” I laugh. There’s nothing baby about them.
“Well, I’m thinking that I’ll bring them out here for the last couple weeks in July?”
“Oh my lord, okay. I haven’t been this excited since sliced bread. Do you think they’d like their own rooms at my house? I’ve never gotten to decorate for girls before. They can come hang out with Grandma and Gramps for a couple nights to give you and Liam some private time?” Yep, born to be a grandma.
I laugh. “I’m sure they’d love that. Maybe you can teach them the electric slide, too?” Her eyes go wide. She may be having a heart attack, but she just grabs my hand, gripping it tightly and says, “Thank you, Britain, for taking care of my baby. And for fulfilling an old woman’s dreams.” I wipe a tear away before it can ruin my mascara. I don’t say anything back, just return the squeeze to her hand.
“So, I don’t know who a lot of these people are.” I say under my breath, “Maybe you could introduce me to a few?”
“Let’s go, sugar, I gotta show off my new daughter!” This will at least keep me busy. It may not be Liam at my side holding me up, but Sandy is the next best thing. We head towards a small group of older adults, but I can’t help how many times my eyes wander to the door. Sandy introduces me to the owners of the gas station, and the owners of the grocery store. I couldn’t tell you their names if you held a gun to my head. All I can think about is Liam, and I hate that I’m not giving anyone the attention they deserve.
After a quick chat about the water level of the lake amongst the locals, I excuse myself. I need food. As soon as I exit the crowd, though, tall, dark, and handsome number one and two are right behind me.
“Hi, Britain,” Maximus says. God, he looks so much like Matthias I have to do a double take.
“Max, it’s been a long time.” He opens his arms up towards me and I gravitate to him for a hug. Once he releases me, Nikolas is right behind him, offering the same.
“Niko, it’s good to see you,” I say, and he just smiles, embracing me.
“Where’s your man?” Niko asks.
“He, um, had to go run an errand. He should be here any minute, though.” The words taste sour as they leave my mouth. My body feels what my mind is denying.Lie.
“Alright, well, we just wanted to say congrats. Glad to have you joining the family.”
“Thank you,” I say to both of them. Max still hasn’t said anything more, just silently examining me. Max always was the quiet, intelligent type, wise beyond his years. I missed them, I realize. I was over at their house almost every day that summer. The memories fly through me, and I start to feel dizzy.
Max grabs my arm. “You okay, Brit? You look a little…off?”Crap.
“Yeah, I just need to eat. I had a multi-day migraine, and haven’t eaten much while I was on my medicine.” He just nods, ushering me to the bar, and putting me on a stool. So brotherly and protective, just like I remember.
Niko leans over the bar top, motioning to Rick, who immediately saunters over.
“Hey, sweetheart, congratulations. Where’s the lucky guy, huh?” Rick asks in his usual drawl.Damnit.
“He, um, had to do something. He’ll be here any second.” My mouth is hot and I’m salivating too much. The word floats around at the back of my mind,lie.
“Well, what can I get for ya?”
“Can I just have a ginger ale and whatever the special is, please?”
He just gives a low laugh. “Coming right up, doll.”
I try to give him a nice smile, but I can feel my resolve weakening by the moment. I pull out my phone, checking, again. Nothing. Niko and Max haven’t left my side. I should probably try to engage, be polite and social.
“So, how have you both been? What are you guys up to?” Max doesn’t make a move to speak, Niko’s already talking anyways.
“Well, been living the dream. Finished up school while you were gone. Now I’m working at MS Group for Matt and Liam. That’s basically it.” He nods towards Max. “Same for this guy. Except way more work, a lot less dreaming.” Max just nods in agreement with his sentiment.
“That’s great. I’m sure Constantine must love having the whole family working together.”
“Well, it’s not all of us. You know Silas hates all of our guts, and then Constantine retired when Georgia died.”Right.
“Right. Right.” I might officially be out of things to talk about. They know it, too. Max just leans down, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
